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I'm not sure the Dodge Grand Caravan will ever be considered "cool", but by many it will be considered essential. I'm years removed from two toddlers in the back seat of a sedan, but can readily identify with families wanting to add a little sanity to their lives. And no vehicle does this better than the new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan loaded with space and entertainment features. Even without young children I enjoyed driving the new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan and it's rival sibling the 2005 Chrysler Town and Country. I found both to be easy to park and drive. Each loaded with luxury features and priced far below comparable sport utility vehicles. The 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan is a far cry from 1983 when Chrysler first introduced the minivan as an alternative to large station wagons and a practical step down from the full size van of that era. Economical front wheel drive design relieved occupants from the intrusive drive shaft tunnel and helped Chrysler fully dominate the minivan market, selling over 10 million units during the last 22 years. But competition is brutal with Toyota, Honda, Nissan and even Mazda joining the "big three" in competition for minivan market share. This new generation of Chrysler minivan literally leapfrogs the competition with the ultimate "Stow 'n Go" folding second and third row seating. Instead of struggling to remove bulky seats, a completely flat rear cargo area is 30 seconds away as seats are effortlessly stored into storage containers under the floor. You don't even have to remove the headrests to store the seats! With the seats up, fully enclosed private storage is available under the floors. It's like having a basement in your car. Be aware that "Stow 'n Go" is not standard on all models. A base model Caravan advertised as the lowest priced minivan in America is available for well under $19,000. However, my fully loaded, elaborately outfitted, Grand Caravan SXT carried a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of less than $34,000 representing a price decrease from last year. I was surprised that the under floor storage did not raise the ride or diminish the handling dynamics when driving. High-speed cloverleaf exits were rock steady, as stable as most sedans and better than almost all sport utility vehicles. Visibility is excellent and a feeling of safety reassures the driver. Parking assist can save the life of a hidden child as well as paint while negotiating in reverse. The Inferno Red 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT that I drove was a very attractive and sporty rendition. Earlier I had driven a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Limited from my friends at Keystone Chrysler in Mission Kansas. While the Chrysler Town and Country was more elegant and refined than the sporty Dodge, both were similar experiences full of luxury. Power doors on both sides and the power rear lift-gate may seem like a frivolous gadget at first blush, but to a mother with toddlers in tow and a handful of bags in arm, it is an absolute necessity. You can't pry the remote out of their hands once they experience the good manners of having doors opened for them. It's a simple thing, but everybody loved the center console with flip out cell phone holder. Since 70% of all mobile phone minutes are used inside of a vehicle, a "Bluetooth" compatible phone could have used the U-Connect hands free communication system. Integrated entertainment systems and DVD player including a 7 inch flip down screen in the overhead console with wireless headphones for the children has improved to one of the best in the industry. Only the Navigation System remains deficient in application. The bottom line is this is the best rendition of the minivan ever. With highway fuel economy estimated by the EPA at 25 MPG and a sticker price thousands less than a sport utility vehicle this is the ultimate choice for many families. Essential qualities such as safety, luxury, handling and roomy utility makes the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT cool.
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
18/25 MPG $26,315 Base MSRP
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©2003 - Stan Risener