2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Review Summary & Specs
SE Passenger Minivan
Family hauler gets more safety features.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Dodge Grand Caravan offers unmatched versatility. The 3.3-liter V6 with 175 horsepower is fine, while the optional 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter engines make more power with almost the same fuel mileage. The ride is smooth, but handling is decidedly minivan. It's inside where the Grand Caravan leaps high hurdles. Flexible seating, lots of storage space, good lighting, and impressive entertainment options can upgrade your lifestyle, at least while underway. In terms of versatility, the Stow 'n Go seats that disappear into the floor for carrying cargo are hard to beat.
Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from the Columbia River Gorge, with correspondent Kirk Bell contributing from Chicago.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Minivans |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
Dodge Grand Caravan SE (23,530); Grand Caravan SXT ($27,825) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.3-liter liter ohv V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
175-hp 3.3-liter ohv V6; 197-hp 3.8-liter ohv V6; 250-hp sohc 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, ABS with brake assist |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
rear park assist, rear backup camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Windsor, Ontario; South St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone |
800-4ADODGE |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.4adodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$23,530 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Dodge Grand Caravan SE ($23,530) |
| Standard Equipment |
cloth upholstery, air conditioning, Stow 'n Go second-row stowable bench seat, third-row stowable split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows and locks, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, conversation mirror, P225/65R16 tires |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Quick Order Package 24G ($1770) with tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, and alloy wheels; Popular Equipment Group ($1495) with power-adjustable pedals, power-sliding rear doors, and power rear liftgate; UConnect Tunes ($725) with 30-gigabyte hard-drive radio, 6-disc CD changer, two additional speakers, and USB connection; Entertainment Group ($1395) with rear DVD entertainment system with a single 9-inch screen Sirius satellite radio; Mopar Exterior Appearance Group ($937) with special floor mats, mud guards, bright door sills, and running boards; roof rack ($250) |
| Destination Charge |
770 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$30,872 |
| Layout |
front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
175 @ 5000 |
| Torque |
205 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy |
17/24 |
| Wheelbase |
121.2 |
| Length/Width/Height |
202.5/76.9/68.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
39.1 |
| Seating Capacity |
7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.2/57.0/40.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.2/64.8/36.4 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.9/48.7/37.6 |
| Trunk Volume |
143.8 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
1800 |
| Front Suspension |
independent, MacPherson strut, coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension |
twist-beam axle, coil springs, track bar |
| Ground Clearance |
6.1 |
| Curb Weight |
4321 |
| Stock Tires |
P225/65R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity |
20.0 |