2001 - 2007 Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country review

Overview

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan interior

Dodge Grand Caravan rear DVD

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Stow 'n GO seats up

The Stow 'n GO third row-seats and one of the second-row seats are folded to the floor

Since the introduction in 1983, Dodge Caravan has been the world’s best-selling minivan. The 13-millionth Chrysler minivan was sold in August 2010. Why are they so popular? Looking at the 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan, here is the answer: It looks great, it has comfortable versatile interior, smooth ride, solid engines and it offers good value for the money. In addition, there is a wide range of models and available options to fit your needs and budget: from less-expensive basic short version to fully loaded Grand Caravan with leather and DVD. Quality-wise, the 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan still has some problems, but it's considerably better than the previous-generation Caravan. Besides, none of the minivans is perfect in this department.

The 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan comes in a short and long version (Grand Caravan) as well as a cargo van. The front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive was available on Grand Caravan until 2005. The 2001-2007 Caravan offers three engine choices: the 3.3L OHV V6, similar in design 3.8L V6 and the 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine (not available in Canada).

Inside, Dodge Caravan feels roomy and comfortable, although some of the interior plastic could be better. Controls are conveniently located and easy to use, except for the parking brake release handle that is difficult to reach. The instrument panel is clear and straightforward. The driver's and front passenger's seats are very comfortable with good side bolsters. High seating position offers good visibility in the front even for shorter drivers. A space between the front seats makes the access to the middle row easier.
There are number of second- and third-row seat configurations available - the seats can be folded or removed in different ways depending on the model. Starting from 2005, the Stow 'n Go seats became available in Grand Caravan. When the second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seats are in upright position, you have two under-floor storage bins in front of each second-row seat and a large cargo well behind the rear seat. With few easy moves (all process takes less than a minute), the Stow 'n Go seats can be folded into the floor,need to remove the headrests - they just need to be adjusted to lower position.
The Stow 'n GO system also offers great flexibility: you can stow either or both of the second-row seats as well as either part of split third-row seat.

On the road, Dodge Caravan offers smooth, stable and fairly quiet ride. The handling is good for a minivan. The 3.3L V6 engine power feels adequate even for the heavier Grand Caravan. The 3.8L engine provides good low-end torque and more passing power.

In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the Caravan and Grand Caravan models from 2001 to 2005 (early release) have received four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. Models from 2005 (later release) to 2007 received five stars in the same tests. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

Pros

- Affordable, good value for the money
- Stylish look
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Comfortable, supportive seats
- Great visibility in the front
- Roomy and versatile interior
- Available Stow 'n Go seats

Cons

- Poor gas mileage
- Interior plastic quality
- Parking brakes release location
- Unimpressive reliability records

Common problems are mostly minor: a leaking power steering hose, brakes wearing too fast, front suspension issues (e.g. stabilizer bar bushings), door locks, faulty PCM and other electronics.

Continue to the next page...