Community News for Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Northeast Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek and surrounding areas.
CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives November 2011 | Read the full SECTION
CITYLife CAR CORNER
2011 Dodge Caravan Mainstreet
By Bill Zervakos and Cathy Droz, tworfortheroadusa.com
The name Mainstreet pretty much says it all as the Dodge Grand Caravan, the original minivan, offers the features and innovative seating that many families on Mainstreet America find extremely handy if not essential in a family vehicle.
One of the Grand Caravan’s most important, and handy features, is the Stow’n Go system that allows the second and third row seats to be folded into the floor. No more fumbling to release and remove awkward heavy seats and then trying to find a suitable place to store them. Combine this with standard stain-resistant seat trim and you have a true family-friendly kid-hauler/grocery getter. 
A new 283 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. All trims come equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column, remote keyless entry and a tire pressure monitor. Standard safety features include traction control, stability control and antilock brakes with brake assist.
The Grand Caravan comes with several changes for 2011 including new models like New Express, Mainstreet, R/T and Lux trims that all come with the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. My test car came with the $690 Customer Preferred Package that includes Bluetooth streaming audio and the $1,995 Entertainment Group #1 that includes a 30 GB hard drive, 6.5 inch display screen, second row overhead 9-inch video screen, back up camera and SIRIUS radio.
I’ve always found reviewing mini-vans a bit of a dichotomy because I’m not really the mini-van type but I certainly understand the flexibility and functionality they offer, but as far as driving goes, not something I enjoy spending a lot of time in. That means that I actually have to be a bit pragmatic about the van so with that in mind, as I see it, no matter how you slice it, the mini-van is a winner because of the versatility it offers to a family with youngsters that have to be toted to soccer or baseball or music or any of the myriad other things families have to do.
The Dodge Caravan has a long and storied history of success but I have to say in all honesty, while other manufacturers are still working at putting just a little pizzazz in their mini-vans, it appears the Dodge Caravan is regressing with the much boxier look of the new Caravan. So while practicality is king with mini-vans, it’s a good thing the Dodge Caravan has lots to offer in utilitarian value including the aforementioned Stow’n Go seating.
So if you’re in need of the practicality and usability of a mini-van, you should check out the Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet. It is a very functional vehicle and basing at $25,995 the Grand Caravan offers pretty good bang for the buck. With adds the tester came in at $29,515, which is a pretty good value.
EPA rates the Grand Caravan at 17/25 with a base warranty of 36 months and 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 60 months and 100,000 miles.
Listen for Two for the Road Vignettes with Bill Z. and Cathy D. Monday thru Friday on KXXT1010AM. To read more in-depth reviews, go to www.twofortheroadusa.com.