Dodge Grand Caravan Review - 2009

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Summary

The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is a family vehicle at its best. The styling of the redesigned 2008 Grand Caravan doesn't represent a huge change, but it is clearly different. It looks fresh, as all the sheetmetal is new, as is the front fascia, rear fascia, and tail lamps.

Full Review 2009

The many improvements include a new optional 250-horsepower V6 and six-speed transaxle (a minivan first), with fuel economy of just one less mile per gallon than the standard 175-hp V6 with a four-speed. The redesign has made the van a couple inches longer and 18 pounds lighter. There's more headroom but it's no taller. The redesigned rear suspension delivers a good ride. 

The Grand Caravan and Town & Country twins are the last remaining minivans offered by an American automaker. Unlike GM and Ford, minivan-originator Dodge has held its own against the competitive likes of Honda's Odyssey and Toyota's Sienna. 

With last year's redesign, Dodge no longer offers a short-wheelbase Caravan. The Grand Caravan is offered in two trim levels (SE and SXT) with a mind-boggling list of interior, exterior and mechanical options. The Grand Caravan is also offered in a cargo van variant. The Grand Caravan has an available sport-tuned suspension for improved ride and handling. An updated brake system improves braking performance, and there are newly available blind spot and rear cross-path options. It is at the forefront of the minivan market offering the features and Innovative seating that many families find indispensable. 

Dodge Caravan Design

All the sheet metal is new, as is the front fascia, rear fascia, and tail lamps. The Grand Caravan looks more like a Dodge truck, now, in the nose at least. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard, an increase over the previous 15s.

2009 Cabin Space

The interior is where the Grand Caravan excels, from storage space, to lighting, to options like a DVD system and sound system with hard drive, and tables for the passengers to sit around. But the best optional feature is Stow 'n Go, allowing the rear seats disappear into the floor for carrying cargo. If you don't count Stow 'n Go, the overall interior volume in the Grand Caravan isn't necessarily class-leading. Combine this with YES Essentials seat trim that repels all but the most caustic stains, and you have a truly family-friendly vehicle. The Grand Caravan's versatility is unmatched. All trims come equipped with a tilting steering column, remote keyless entry and a tire pressure monitor. The Grand Caravan is all about transporting people comfortably and safely, while keeping the kids entertained. The instrumentation is good, black on light gray lettering, with big divisions so you can read each 5 mph. Still more useful information available on the dash includes: low coolant, low washer fluid, low oil, fuel cap ajar, door ajar, fuse fault, ESP off, and cruise control on. A tire pressure monitor is optional. The second-row bucket seats slide rearward to ease access to the third row, or they flop forward with one lever. The bells and whistles that make your Grand Caravan a home away from home may be desirable, but they are expensive. Put the DVD in, press Play, and it works. The screen drops down from the ceiling, so the driver loses some visibility in the rearview mirror.

Driving the 2009 Grand Caravan

The SE is powered by a 175 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT model uses a more powerful 197 horsepower 3.8-liter V6, while a 251 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 is available. Both the standard and optional SXT engine choices use a six-speed automatic. The transmission and ride are both smooth. The base 3.3-liter V6 gets an EPA-rated 17 City and 24 Highway miles per gallon. Suspension-wise, the redesign has changed leaf springs to coil springs in the rear, and brought a new twist-beam rear axle with a track bar, not independent.

2009 Lineup and Options  

The Caravan comes in two trims, the SE and the SXT. The SE test model has the smallest of the three engines. Higher performance is available in the SXT, with the 3.8-liter making 197 horsepower, or the new aluminum SOHC 4.0-liter making a big 240 hp. The SXT offers the L package with heated seats for the first two rows, a MyGIG Multimedia Entertainment System, power lift gate and rear backup camera, plus other smaller things. The M package includes hands-free phone, rear climate controls, second- and third-row window shades, cabin air filter, automatic headlamps, backup camera, backup beeper, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. MyGIG, DVD screens for both the second and third rows, wireless headsets and remote control, Sirius radio, and an Infinity sound system with nine amplified speakers and subwoofer. The second-row seats swivel to face the third-row 60/40 bench seat, with an easily stowable table between them. The third-row seat folds into the floor, while the second-row quad chairs are removable.

Options for the SE include the G package with cruise control, tinted side glass, rear climate control, and a bigger alternator. The H package includes everything in the G package, plus YES Essentials fabric, second-row power windows and third-row power vented windows, 60/40 third-row bench, trip computer, heated mirrors, remote starting and adjustable pedals. There's also a Power and Remote Entry Group, including power sliding doors on both sides, power lift gate, eight-way power driver's seat, and driver's lumbar manual support. There's a Special Appearance Group with aluminum wheels, leather -wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, black roof rack and body-colored moldings; and there's the six-speaker DVD Entertainment System with all the bells and whistles.

Safety Features

Safety features that come standard on all models include electronic stability control(which is now standard),  four-wheel-disc ABS with brake assist, and full-length airbag curtains. Side-impact airbags are not available. Grand Caravan received five-star front and side crash ratings and four stars in rollover ratings from NHTSA. Kelly Blue Book.com compares caravans to SUV's, check it out here.

Conclusions

The Dodge Grand Caravan offers unmatched versatility. The 3.3-liter V6 with 175 horsepower is fine, while the optional 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter engines make more power with almost the same fuel mileage. The ride is smooth, but handling is decidedly minivan. "Dodge really hit the mark with the new styling," writes Cars.com. The Caravan's average fuel economy range is 24 mpg Hwy, and 17 mpg City.  Flexible seating, lots of storage space, good lighting, and impressive entertainment options can really make your life on the road easier.  In terms of versatility, the Stow 'n Go seats that disappear into the floor for carrying cargo are hard to beat.