Long-Term Test: 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

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(Enlarge photo)
This month, electrical gremlins attacked and paralyzed the DGC's passenger-side window.

VEHICLE TESTED

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
(vehicle detail)

Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $29,750 (including destination charge)

Options on Test Vehicle: Leather Seats ($1,250 — includes power front driver and passenger adjustment); Customer Preferred Package 29S ($1,985 — includes AutoStick transmission, traction control, removable center console, Infiniti speaker system, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, auto-dimming driver side view mirror, touring suspension, 17-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels, P215/60R17 touring tires, full-size spare tire, automatic headlights); Trailer Tow Prep Group ($465 — includes load leveling and height control rear suspension, trailer-tow wiring harness, heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, heavy-duty transmission oil cooler); Side Airbags ($350); Heated Front Seats ($250); 3.8-liter V6 Engine ($335); Power Liftgate ($295); Roof Rack ($235); Four-disc In-dash CD Changer ($150).

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $35,065 (including destination charge)

Price Paid: $31,375

Selling Dealership: Dependable Dodge of Canoga Park, Calif.

NAVIGATION

	Introduction
	March 2001
	April 2001
	May 2001
	June 2001
	July 2001
	August 2001
	September 2001
	October 2001
	November 2001
	December 2001
	January 2002
	February 2002
	March 2002
	April 2002
	May 2002
	June 2002
	July 2002
	August 2002
	September 2002
	October 2002
	November 2002
	December 2002
	January 2003
	Wrap-Up

Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Long-Term Test: 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
January 2002
By editors at Edmunds.com
Date Posted 02-01-2003

Video highlights of this vehicle

The Dodge Grand Caravan rang in the new year with our company's CEO at the wheel. Peter Steinlauf can pretty much pick any car in our long-term fleet to drive, as long as it's not scheduled for maintenance or a long journey by one of our editors. Yet one of his top picks is the DGC. Why?

The primary reason for this affinity is the minivan's combination of performance and comfort, which we have praised in the past. The powertrain's eager power delivery, along with the commendable handling and ride quality keep winning people over to Chrysler's minivans. And the plush yet supportive leather-clad seats make the DGC the vehicle of choice for a long journey or when transporting half a dozen adults for a night on the town.

The joys of piloting this vehicle have been offset, however, by an annoying list of problems. The most recent offenders are a shudder in the steering column (which will be repaired as soon as the part comes in) and a passenger power window that has apparently given up the ghost. And yes, we checked to see if a power window lockout switch was present and activated, but there isn't one in the DGC, as there are no window buttons for the kiddies to play with; even the rear flipper windows are controlled up front. Remembering that the driver's window acted up last month, we figured we'd check the NHTSA Web site to see if any recalls or TSBs (technical service bulletins) had been issued, but none showed up. In any event, we'll get this checked out when we bring the DGC to the dealer for the steering column repair.

Current Odometer: 23,471
Best Fuel Economy: 13.3 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 13.3 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 18.4 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: Passenger power window inoperative.