Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Video highlights of this vehicle

This month, the Grand Caravan found its special purpose. No, The Jerk's Navin Johnson didn't get the keys. Instead, we used the Caravan to ferry visiting family to and from Disneyland and, later in the month, help an editor move his belongings from one house to another.

In the beginning, relatives from afar gathered in an editor's apartment. And the relatives were barely awake, having slept on old battered couches; the darkness of the early morning made seeing each other's faces difficult. And coffee was brewed and awoke the spirits of the relatives. Perhaps your first morning with visiting relatives isn't as biblical, but the fact that the Jacobs clan had descended on Photo Editor Scott Jacobs' apartment for a weekend necessitated a vehicle to transport five adults, one child and said child's "stuff" (a stroller, diaper bag, toys and every possible accoutrement to keep the child from screaming). Scott found the Grand Caravan to be the perfect vessel for the trip to Disneyland.

"I was a little worried about transporting all my relatives around easily," Scott wrote in the logbook, "but I found the cavernous dimensions of the Grand Caravan ample for the task." In fact, the van has seating for seven. The handy sliding doors on either side really helped the Jacobs clan clamor in and out. Even with all the necessary kiddy baggage in storage and fully loaded with passengers, the Dodge seemed to ask, "Is that all you got?"

The numerous creature comforts of the Caravan were much appreciated by the Jacobs posse. Scott really didn't take notice of all the features at first, but after a 13-hour day spent walking and waiting in lines, Scott's aching back and sore legs graciously welcomed the soothing heated seats and comforting dual climate controls. Scott also appreciated the convenience of the power-operated rear hatch, since his arms were nothing but wet noodles after holding his niece up for 45 minutes so that she could watch the fireworks display. Other helpful features included the automatic sliding side doors and wheel-mounted stereo controls. "I've found that placing the transmission into drive partially blocks access to the volume knob. Having the ability to tune the radio and adjust the volume with the tips of my fingers was a thoughtful convenience."

On the return trip home, Scott lauded the powerful 3.8-liter V6. "We were all tired and wanted to get home quickly. The Caravan's powerful engine allowed to me to maneuver through the crowds of Disney-dazed drivers." Scott's family also found the van's quiet ride a particularly favorable solitude from the constant sonic harassment of screaming children and repetitive theme music. "I couldn't believe the relief I felt in driving the Caravan. I could definitely appreciate how comfortable and quiet it really was."

The March tour of duty wasn't over for the Dodge. Road Test Coordinator Neil Chirico needed to move the last tidbits of his belongings from his old house to his new one. Like last month, the large cargo room afforded by the removal of the seats made his move very easy. "What would have taken me more trips than I cared to make was done in just a few with the Grand Caravan," commented Neil. "There are always the little things left over after moving the big ticket items, and I was able to pack all of the leftovers into the cargo area. The Caravan helped my move go smoothly." Neil also found that removing and reinstalling the seats went much smoother this go around. Practice makes perfect.

The Caravan truly felt loved this month. Its carrying capacity of both the animate and inanimate, as well as the comfort in ride and drive, was greatly appreciated. Most of our driving-enthusiast editors don't really relish the idea of taking the Grand Caravan for a month-long test span, but after using it in its intended capacity, they fall in love with it. It's almost as if the Caravan was that dumpy kid in high school who grows up to be beautiful and stars on a Ricki Lake "Look at Me Now" episode.

Current Odometer: 26,247
Best Fuel Economy: 21.0 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 16.5 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over life of vehicle): 18.3 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: None