The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

To some, the minivan is a sign that you’ve given up on fun in life. That you’ve surrendered those tight jeans for sweat pants, letting the flab freely flow. After all, you’ve gotta tote those rug rats to school, soccer practice and grandma’s house.

Go ahead, all you single types, laugh if you want to.

But people who purchase minivans aren’t into image. They’re smarter than that. The reality is, minivans are really great people movers. And because people have stuff, they’ve got to move it somehow. Besides, ever try to fit that new lawnmower in a Celica?

When it comes to minivans, no one knows or sells more of them than Chrysler. Chrysler was first on the American market with minivans, and through the past 13 years has managed to stay ahead of the competition. Last year brought a total redesign, so this year sees only minor tinkering. That tinkering includes the availability of the Sport Decor Group, a package initially offered only on the short-wheelbase minivans for 1996.

The Sport Decor Group comes with the expected monochromatic paint scheme, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and tires, body-colored luggage rack and fog lamps. Unfortunately, it only offers the 3.3-liter V6 engine as the power plant, not the more robust 3.5-liter.

A touring suspension and four-speed automatic is also part of the package. But this group is just one of a mind-boggling list of combinations with which this van can be had. Here are some of the options.

Start with length. Available in either short (113.3 inch) or long wheelbase (119.3 inch), the base model in either length comes standard with a dual overhead cam 2.4-liter in-line 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine with three-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter 150 horsepower V6 or 3.3-liter 158 horsepower V6 are optional. Both V6 engines give superior torque, more appropriate for a vehicle of this type.

Stepping up to the mid-level SE will get you a four-speed automatic transmission, but basically the same engine choices. The top-grade LE comes standard with the 3.3-liter V6 and gets an optional 3.8-liter V6 with 166 horses and 227 foot-pounds of torque. All-wheel drive is available on the long wheelbase minivan with the top engine.

And that’s just the engines.

For the record, the test vehicle was a Grand Caravan with the 3.3-liter V6. It proved adequate for light duty and seemed to move this truck with some authority. It was always sufficient and is only eight horses and 24 foot-pounds short of the 3.8 in terms of power. So it might seem like a shortcoming, but the 3.3 seems up to the task at hand. There are faster minivans, but top speed isn’t the point here, anyway. The 3.3 isn’t the most quiet engine you’ll encounter, but its 21 miles per gallon was pretty good, matching some mid-sized cars.

The electronically controlled four-speed automatic shifted smoothly most of the time. But asking for a downshift causes a rubbery response, with a slight delay.

Bump isolation was good. You lose some ride comfort with the sport suspension, but not enough to bother anyone. The payback is less body lean in corners and a pretty enjoyable driving experience. Actually, the driving fun of this van is surprisingly higher than its competitors. Braking was average. The brakes are front disc-rear drum, with SE and LE models getting anti-lock braking systems. Four-wheel discs are an option. There was some road and tire noise at highway speeds.

But the beautifully thoughtful design of this van makes it a delight. The instrument panel is contemporary, clean and easy to understand and use. Dual air bags are standard. Three-point belts line many of the seat positions in the cabin, as well as rear head restraints, a worthwhile option. Dual climate controls are optional up front and climate controls are optional out back.

Seating positions, some audio controls and other goodies are also optional, allowi g you many seating and comfort choices. Add to that the hot test option going — the left-side sliding door — and you have one wonderful minivan.

There were only two minor glitches to an otherwise well-assembled and equipped vehicle: The left-side sliding door was balky when trying to close it. The headlights, like so many Chrysler products, put out a splotchy pattern.

But one drive in this van is enough to convince you that this is a top choice in the family-mover sweepstakes.

And those who sneer at you in passing sports cars? Laugh as they try to fit that new TV in their trunk. After all, move the seats and you could haul a store full.

Who’s laughing now?

Dodge Grand Caravan Sport Standard: 2.4-liter I-4, four-speed automatic transmission, dual air bags, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, power front disc-rear drum anti-lock brakes, height-adjustable shoulder belts, P215/65R15 tires, stainless steel exhaust, cruise control, liftgate floodlights, mid-cabin climate controls, easy rollout seats, seven-passenger seating, AM/FM stereo cassette with four speakers and clock, visor vanity mirrors, intermittent wipers, liftgate wiper, tilt steering column, locking passenger seat drawer. Options: Candy-apple red paint, SE sport package (sport decals, body-colored fascia, door handles and luggage rack, fog lights, touring handling group, leather-wrapped steering wheel, P215/65R16 A/S touring tires with cast aluminum wheels), air-conditioning, rear defogger with windshield wiper de-icer, deluxe seating, power windows, power door locks, power rear vent windows, light group, illuminated vanity mirrors with visor extensions, floor mats, sound insulation, Climate Group 2 (rear heat and air-conditioning, dual zone temperature control, overhead console), Convenience Group 4 (remote keyless entry with two transmitters, illuminated entry, headlamp-off time delay), driver’s side sliding door, 3.3-liter V6. Base price: $20,755 As tested: $26,160 EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway Test mileage: 21 mpg