Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Video highlights of this vehicle

"Man, I've got the chick magnet now!" this month's DGC charge, Road Test Editor John DiPietro, sarcastically exclaimed upon taking the keys to the refrigerator-white minivan. Of course, Mr. D. was kidding…either that or this former Bostonian has adopted the shallow Los Angeles mindset that equates a person with the vehicle they're driving. Besides, if he wants to look cool, John always has his cruiser-style motorcycle.

Actually, JDP, as his cohorts call him, didn't really mind piloting the DGC. "For such a big vehicle, it's really easy to drive and even park — as long as you're pulling into a spot and not backing up." For parallel parking maneuvers, John would've appreciated a parking assist system, like that seen on high-end luxury cars and SUVs, but this feature is not available on the Grand Caravan.

What he did appreciate was the DGC's awesome seats. John elaborated: "Every time I drive this thing, I'm impressed with how comfortable the seats are. Their combination of softness and support remind me of a Volvo — high praise as I consider the Swedish automakers to have the best seats in terms of providing plush comfort along with a feeling that the seat is holding you securely, as if it's hugging you." Additional perks of the Dodge's front chairs are two-stage heaters and an adjustable lumbar support on the driver side. John raved on further; "Those two features are the icing on the cake. They feel great after you've worked out and your lower back is reminding you that you're not 20 years old anymore."

The actual driving experience isn't bad, either. "There's plenty of pull from the big V6, and the tranny performs its duties in an efficient manner, providing quick downshifts when needed and always changing gears smoothly. The steering is precise and there's decent heft in the wheel. I really have no complaints in regard to the DGC's dynamics; it's about as good as it gets in the minivan class."

Dreaming of the upcoming ski season, John realized that the DGC would be a perfect vehicle for the trek to Big Bear Mountain, which is about three hours from Los Angeles. "To me, it makes more sense than an SUV, unless the roads are going to be covered with snow, which is rare here. Due to its less stylish, but more space-efficient, boxy body form, a minivan seats seven people more comfortably than most SUVs with third-row seats. There's usually more passenger room and the option of captain's chairs in the second row. Furthermore, although minivans are not exactly miserly with fuel, the 18 mpg that we're averaging with our DGC is better than most much smaller midsize 'utes, which average only 14 or 15 mpg."

As John vowed to plan an editorial staff ski trip, he turned the keys over to the next minivan pilot, not at all minding his tour of duty behind the wheel.

Current Odometer: 34,892
Best Fuel Economy: 16.6 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 13.7 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 17.9 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: None