New 2007 Dodge Caravan
Dodge Caravan
Overall Score - 7.0 (Good)
The Caravan is a capable, no-frills people hauler. While it can't match the driving dynamics, features and interior space of most minivans, they can't match the Caravan's low sticker price, which starts under $20,000. For less than $5,000 extra, you can upgrade to a Dodge Grand Caravan, which offers a similar design but more interior versatility. Also consider the highly rated Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
Dodge created the minivan market in 1983 when it first introduced the Caravan. As America's most affordable seven-seater, the 2007 Caravan still hits the mark for families that need to haul a lot of people but don't want to spend much more than $20,000. However, as Edmunds says, "Though the 2007 Dodge Caravan might appeal to tight-budget families in need of a no-frills minivan, it is otherwise outclassed by newer and more desirable competitors." The Caravan will be discontinued after the 2007 model year, while the Grand Caravan, a larger corporate sibling to the Caravan, will continue with a 2008 redesign.
Most find the base four-cylinder engine sluggish and recommend upgrading to the 3.3-liter V6 (standard on some models). Automobile Magazine calls the four-cylinder "woefully unsuited for minivan duty." And don't expect the budget-priced Caravan to come loaded with features. For an optional navigation system, parking assist, or the popular Stow 'N Go seating (fold-in-floor rear seats that create massive cargo space), you'll need to upgrade to the larger Grand Caravan.
Dodge offers the standard Caravan as the "lowest priced minivan" in the U.S. market, which has helped keep sales strong despite more modern and highly rated competition. According to Edmunds, "Vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and smaller Mazda 5 are better choices overall due to their superior comfort, driving dynamics, features and quality." Kelley Blue Book challenges whether the retiring Caravan represents a great value among today's competition: "For the money, the Kia Sedona EX offers more standard equipment and a better warranty than the Caravan SXT." But Consumer Guide reminds buyers that while Asian rivals have greater overall appeal, "Caravan... has lower base prices."
The 2007 Dodge Caravan is a Consumer Guide "Recommended" pick. However, with poor reliability history and resale value, IntelliChoice gives the Caravan a "worse than average" rating for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.
The 2007 Caravan offers two trim levels: the SE and the SXT. The SE package is as bare bones as you can get, and includes a four-cylinder engine and virtually no power features. The SXT package includes a standard V6 engine, second-row bucket seats, dual zone A/C, and several power controls.
Caravan Performance - 4.5 (Mediocre)
The Caravan delivers what most consider a car-like ride, although some are concerned with braking ability. Most critics recommend upgrading to the 3.3-liter V6 engine and avoiding the noisy 2.4-liter four-cylinder that prompted Kelley Blue Book to say, "Unless you think a 1972 Pinto was really fast, we doubt you'll be happy with the 2.4-liter engine. Minivans hauling families need a V6, so spring for the SXT and avoid a serious case of buyer's remorse." continue
Caravan Exterior - NA
While some consider the 2007 model's design aged and boring, Kelley Blue Book politely explains that this Caravan has a "smooth exterior, slightly rounded and handsomely detailed." continue
Caravan Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)
The Caravan's budget-class interior is criticized by many, but its passenger capacity is competitive with other minivans. As Edmunds points out, "While lacking the famous fold-into-the-floor seats of its "Grand" sibling, the Caravan has adequate room for seven adults (and plenty of room for five)." continue
Caravan Safety - 9.1 (Excellent)
The Caravan scores comparably to its competitors in government crash tests, but the optional side curtain air bags are strongly recommended. Safety-conscious buyers may be disappointed that the Caravan lacks many accident avoidance features available with other minivans -- such as all-wheel drive and parking assist. continue
Caravan Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Caravan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers competitive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
