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2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Philadelphia

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Design of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

A minivan shape does not lend itself to artistic sculpture. A description of the overall shape of this current generation of the Dodge Grand Caravan wouldn't sound too much different from a description of the 1982 model. There is a big box behind, where all the people and cargo fit, and a smaller box in front, for the engine. That very efficient outline defines every minivan on the road.

For starters, the 2011 Grand Caravan sits an inch lower than before. Up front, it has a sportier fascia with mesh inserts, a revised version of the Dodge crosshair grille, a slightly reshaped hood and quad headlights. At the rear, the liftgate is slightly modified to accept new DODGE lettering, there is a body color roof spoiler, the fascia is new, there a step plate with chrome trim, and the taillights add LEDs. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard. We think the available five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels look better.

The Dodge Grand Caravan is attractive, as minivans go. The look is less boxy for 2011, as Dodge has softened the lines a bit while adding a touch of sportiness.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Interior

We like the Uconnect systems as well. There are three versions, all with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The base version has a 30-gigabyte hard-drive that can hold about 6,700 music files. Another version has anintegrated Garmin navigation system that works just fine but has cartoonish graphics. It also has a 30-gig hard-drive, but it can hold about 4,250 songs because some of the space is used for Navigation map information. The top version has a more familiar Dodge navigation system that we like better. It can also hold 4,250 songs and adds Sirius satellite radio, Sirius Traffic and Sirius Travel Link. This system comes with Uconnect Phone wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, and iPod control, and it can record voice memos.

The Grand Caravan is designed well for hauling youngsters, with some thoughtful features. Among them is the convex conversation mirror, which is handy for talking to those in the rear seats without having to turn around. We like this clever little feature. The center console is integral on the 2011 Grand Caravan, instead of removable as it was last year. It offers deep storage, two cupholders and a covered shallow tray. There are also bottleholders in each front door, so the driver and front-seat passenger can each bring along two drinks at once.

New Grand Caravan Power and Handling

The new 3.6-liter V6 on the 2011 Grand Caravan gives Dodge an engine that is competitive with the other V6s in the class. It's smooth and quiet, offering decent punch from a stop and enough in reserve for passing. It increases towing capacity from 1800 to 3600 pounds. For 2011, Dodge Grand Caravan comes with one brand-new engine, the 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. It makes 32 more horsepower than the most powerful of last year's engines.

The ride is still quite good, better in some ways. While drivers will feel more road imperfections, the ride is still quite supple and it won't jostle you or the kids over anything but the worst bumps. Better yet, the float and wallow that was too evident on recent models is gone on the 2011 Grand Caravan, as is the copious lean, so passengers' heads won't be tossed about with every flick of the steering wheel, stab of the throttle or push of the brakes.

Conclusions

The mechanical and design changes made to the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan are all for the better. It's much nicer inside, handles far better, is quieter and has more power with better fuel economy. Grand Caravan offers amazing versatility with one of the most convenient cabins. The flexible seating, abundance of storage space, and impressive entertainment options can make life easier for busy owners.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com