2007 Dodge Grand Caravan [ 2008 ]
Dodge Grand Caravan
Overall Score - 7.5 (Good)
Despite being one of the first minivans to hit the market, the Dodge Grand Caravan hasn't aged well and struggles to keep up with competitors in terms of performance and features. Still, the Grand Caravan does offer a lot of cargo space and interior storage as well as some innovative optional features.
The Grand Caravan is seen by many reviewers as the granddaddy of the minivan. Unfortunately for the Grand Caravan, reviewers also say it's showing its age. The Washington Post says the Grand Caravan "gets good marks in all categories. But therein lies a problem: 'Good' is no longer good enough in an industry where all rivals are striving for superiority." CNET says that though the Grand Caravan has some handy and high-tech features, "the implementation isn't always top-notch. Mediocre performance, handling, and fuel economy add to this car's compromises."
Despite these negatives, the Grand Caravan still sells. Edmunds calls the Grand Caravan "one of Dodge's biggest success stories of the last two decades." The Grand Caravan is part of a line of vans offered by Dodge and its parent company, Chrysler. The Chicago Sun-Times reports, "Popular Japanese minivans such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna saw considerably lower sales than the Dodge minivans and were far behind combined Caravan/ Town & Country sales." Motor Trend adds, "Chrysler still owns the minivan business. Whatever the models considered in any given survey, or sales at any given time period, Dodge and Chrysler minis never fall below a 40-percent market share-and everyone else divvies up the rest."
Market share aside, reviewers say that other vans offer a better value than the Grand Caravan. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Grand Caravan falls short on horsepower when compared to the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna. Features such as power windows on the sliding side-doors and all-wheel drive are not available on the Grand Caravan." The Washington Post argues that Dodge "is going to have to find a way to deliver consumers top quality at a Hyundai price," and recommends that Grand Caravan shoppers "Compare with the 2007 Hyundai Entourage Limited, comparably equipped for $33,495." IntelliChoice data agrees with the majority of reviewers. The Grand Caravan gets a "worse than average" value rating based on estimated total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The 2007 Grand Caravan is the longer version of Dodge's original Caravan. It shares a platform with the Caravan and the more luxurious Chrysler Town & Country. The Grand Caravan is available in SE and SXT trims. The base SE trim has a 3.3-liter V6 engine and a comfortable interior, but is a little short on options. The SXT has a 3.8-liter V6 and gives buyers the option of adding on a number of technology and convenience features. The Grand Caravan had a major redesign in 2001 and a refresh in 2005. It is being totally redesigned for the 2008 model year.
Grand Caravan Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
When it comes to performance, most reviewers say the Grand Caravan falls well short of its competitors. Edmunds says, "Alongside top import-brand competitors, the Grand Caravan's engines aren't as powerful or refined; its ride isn't as smooth or quiet; and its handling isn't as tidy or sure-footed." continue
Grand Caravan Exterior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The Grand Caravan was last redesigned in 2005, but didn't follow the prevailing minivan design trends, say most reviewers. U.S. News' Rick Newman says, "Chrysler is sticking with the minivan look and feel," and adds, in agreement with most reviewers, "Let's just say the Grand Caravan has inner beauty." continue
Grand Caravan Interior - 7.0 (Good)
Thanks to a number of seating options and configurations, most reviewers say the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan has a practical interior that maximizes comfort and utility while providing room for seven. Kelley Blue Book says "The Grand Caravan is surprisingly plush inside with standard cloth-covered seats, full carpeting and a long list of standard and optional features." continue
Grand Caravan Safety - 7.3 (Good)
Despite performing well in government crash tests, some reviewers note that safety features that are available on competitors' minivans are not available on the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan. By the same token, some safety features that are standard on competitors are only options on the Grand Caravan. continue
Grand Caravan Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Grand 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 basic warranty. continue