Let me start out this review with a little psychological test: What is the first thought that pops into your head when you hear the word “sweats” or “minivan”? I’m assuming sex appeal isn’t in your list of answers. How about comfort, functionality and ease of use? Minivans – and sweats, for that matter – are easy to jump into in the morning, comfortable to tool around in yet completely un-sexy. As I’ve given birth twice, I really don’t need any more strikes against me in this arena. So you can imagine my disappointment when having coffee recently with a mom of three young boys who, like many moms of three, just purchased a Dodge Grand Caravan (that’s not the disappointing part). She loves the functionality of her new, bright-white Grand Caravan, yet likens the look of it to a gigantic, speeding (wait for it) … tampon (and, let down). Thanks for the visual; you’ve pretty much ruined the minivan experience for me from here on out.
That comment aside, the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan does in fact hold up its end of the bargain by being both functional and comfortable. With a slew of features that literally make daily life easier, I’d gladly (OK, maybe not gladly, but just slightly reluctantly, with a mere second or two of violent kicking) trade in any leftover swank in a pre-child car for a minivan that’s a friend, and not a foe, in this crazy life of mine as a mom.
The usability of the Grand Caravan starts with the automatic sliding side doors and tailgate. Automatic doors have led to a surprising new level of independence in our household. Not only do my kids love the fact that they can easily open the doors, climb in and out on their own, and close the doors, they’ve suddenly developed a strange desire to do everything themselves. Things that are normally a struggle, such as getting dressed in the morning and buckling their own booster seats, are suddenly done without prodding from me. My little 4-year-old may end up out the door without underwear, sporting Crocs on the wrong feet and a camisole layered on top of a turtleneck, both on backward, but who really cares? She can get away with it under the pretense of being devilishly cute.
The second-row captain’s chairs that slide fore and aft also lend themselves to the independence factor; the kids each have their own seat, so there’s no chance of them hitting one another. The Latch connectors in each of these seats are quite easy to use, and a third Latch connector in the center of the third row means kids in car seats can be strategically staggered throughout the vehicle for optimal fight avoidance. The Stow ‘n Go seats mean there’s a cavernously large storage bin under the floor of the second row, perfect for hiding all sorts of accumulated junk when I get sick of seeing it. And, ultimately, when I need more storage space, the captain’s chairs miraculously disappear; folding into this under-floor area (the third-row seats do the same with the help of clearly labeled pull tabs).
Other helpful features in the Grand Caravan SXT include an optional DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. (Just image the thought of quiet kids, sweet tunes and a long, open road in the distance). There’s also a clever adjustable overhead storage system with room for parking-garage tickets, sunglasses, CDs and DVDs, and there are bag hooks in both the cargo area and behind the driver and passenger seats. Optional features include heated front seats, adjustable foot pedals and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Always the discriminating consumer, there are a couple of things that I don’t necessarily love in the Caravan. I wish there were a button for closing the automatic tailgate actually on the tailgate in addition to the ones on the keyfob and the front overhead control panel. I also feel an overwhelming desire to completely rearrange, reorganize and simplify the audio and thermostat controls. I’m still baffled by the fact that the temperature adjustment buttons aren’t color-coded with red and blue arrows, letting me know that one raises the temperature and the other lowers it. Seems logical enough to little old me, the one holding the purse strings in the family.
Despite a few minor complaints – and my newly developed self-image neurosis about driving a gigantic, speeding … well, you know – the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan could be quite a helpful addition to any family. What would I really ask for if I had the chance: an easier life, or a little eye candy in a useless car? I vote for easier.
*For more information on the Dodge Grand Caravan and its safety features, visit www.cars.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
LATCH Connectors: 3
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 7
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample – Galore
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some-ish
