2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

A thorough 2011 overhaul of the Dodge Grand Caravan delivers a minivan that's a vast improvement over its predecessors. This seasoned family hauler is now a better option for shoppers, with base pricing that starts just under $24,000 and tops out in the low $30,000 range. This plants the Dodge Grand Caravan at the low end of the minivan segment as top rivals' base prices are usually a few thousand dollars more and can reach upwards of $40,000.

While it isn't an actual from-scratch redesign, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan's myriad revisions make for a nearly all-new vehicle. Compared to last year's van, the 2011 model looks and rides better, and feels more refined overall, reviewers say. For 2011 Dodge has done away with two trim levels and a confusing array of engine choices in favor of a single, 3.6-liter V6 for all trims. Edmunds.com appreciates the Grand Caravan's lowered ride height and more aggressive exterior styling, and finds "welcome improvements" inside the cabin. Even with all these enhancements Edmunds.com editors feel that the top minivans, the 2011 Honda's Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,075 to $43,250) and 2011 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570), remain ahead of the Dodge in terms of overall refinement.  

Inexpensive and capable

David Thomas of Cars.com writes that while the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan isn't better overall than the new Honda Odyssey, it still has "everything you need in a minivan, and for less money." Reviewers mostly agree that the Grand Caravan is a lot of bang for the buck, and they offer few significant complaints other than a lack of driver-side legroom and less-than-smooth transmission operation. The Dodge garners praise for its high level of comfort and passenger entertainment features. Editors of TheCarConnection.com say the "cavalclade of electronic goodies" means that the 2011 Grand Caravan may be "most entertaining while in park," so the whole family can enjoy.

Driving impressions are mostly favorable, though some critics ding the transmission for not shifting smoothly The Dodge minivan even tolerates somewhat spirited driving, staying composed in hard cornering, and "outdoes its Japanese foes...in the ride and handling department," according to Autoblog.com. Reviewers find the best-reviewed Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey to be more upscale and luxurious than the Dodge Grand Caravan, but because of its relatively low price, the Dodge remains attractive on many fronts.

Improved interior

Autoblog.com says the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan's overhauled interior is stylish, with "much nicer, softer stuff" replacing previous models' chintzy, rock-hard materials. Edmunds.com echoes the praise: editors say this time around, interior materials look "less like they came from a delivery truck." TheCarConnection.com calls the Grand Caravan "comfortable to the max," but most reviewers warn that while the second row seating can accomodate adults for moderate-length trips, the third row is definitely sized only for kids. Autosavant.com praises the plethora of storage and cupholders.

Reviewers' favorite Grand Caravan feature is the second-row Stow 'n' Go bucket seating. These bucket seats tuck all the way into the floor to make a completely flat cargo area, meaning the Grand Caravan is far more versatile than the competition. Rear seats on other minivans can only fold forward, or in some cases must be completely removed in order to maximize the available space. But Autoblog.com points out that the Stow 'n' Go seats sacrifice comfort to achieve their unique practicality.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is available in no fewer than five trim levels. The basic Cargo Van (which starts at $21,800), intended for commercial use, is simple and utilitarian. For families, the true base Grand Caravan model is the Express, which features a touring suspension, three-zone climate control, Stow 'n' Go seating and a six-speaker stereo. The Mainstreet trim adds 16-inch wheels and power rear windows. Grand Caravan Crew models have 17-inch wheels, a roof rack, power doors, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a touch-screen infotainment system and satellite radio. Topping the range is the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T, which adds a sport-tuned suspension, leather seating and an Infinity audio system.

Optional convenience features are abundant. They include a power liftgate, automatic headlights and wipers, a light towing package, parking and traffic sensors, a backup camera and blind spot warning system, Bluetooth connectivity, a nine-speaker stereo, and a rear-seat entertainment package. One particular reviewer favorite is a USB port for 3G cellular network adapters, which essentially turns the entire van into a mobile wifi hotspot.

Safety features and ratings

Since minivans are largely family vehicles, safety features and ratings are paramount. Antilock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control are standard, as are a full complement of airbags, including driver knee airbags, front and side passenger airbags and three-row curtain airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overhauled its crash-test rating system for 2011, making the tests even more stringent, though when we checked the Grand Caravan had only undergone rollover-resistance testing, in which it received a 4-star rating. In its independent tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Grand Caravan its highest rating of Good in front- and side-impact crash tests. The IIHS has not yet tested the Dodge minivan's roof strength.

New powertrain

All 2011 Dodge Caravans are powered by the same engine, Chrysler's 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower, Pentastar V6 mated to a six-speed autostick transmission. The EPA rates it at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined on gasoline. This engine is flex fuel-compatible, so it can also be run on E85 Ethanol. On the biofuel, fuel economy drops significantly to 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined. On the Grand Caravan's dashboard is a button labeled Econ. Push it, and the on-board computer alters the transmission's shift programming, which, according to Dodge, boosts economy by one mile per gallon.

Finding reviews of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Thorough model breakdowns and road tests are available from sources like Edmunds.com and Autoblog.com. AOL Autos has pricing and specification information, as well as a rundown of trim levels and available equipment. Cars.com and TheCarConnection.com offer detailed opinions about living with the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Car and Driver's Buyer's Guide is a succinct list of pros and cons to ownership. Autosavant.com's articles are intensive and personal. FuelEconomy.gov and SaferCars.gov are official government sources for mileage and crash-test results, respectively. Links to detailed comparison tests that feature the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and its rivals can be found in our full report on minivans.