Can the 2011 Dodge Caravan Impress the Judges?

Can the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan impress the judges? At first glance the Grand Caravan for 2011 may look like another plain-Jane minivan-style family conveyance. However, it is not only auto show judges but, more importantly, customers from all walks of life who are duly impressed as soon as they take a closer look at this reliable, yet comfortable and powerful, mini-van.

It was the first Dodge Caravan that created the entire mini-van concept back in the 1984 model year. Today, with the sweeping changes and updates that Dodge has implemented for the 2011 model, the Caravan has come full circle as it re-establishes itself as the most valuable player of the mini-van league.

The main improvement is to be found inside the roomy cabin, where "Stow 'n Go" seating modifications allow drivers to easily convert the same vehicle they use to transport their children to soccer practice into a tough hauling and transport van that can easily be filled with lumber and cement for a do-it-yourself home remodeling project, or sports and camping gear for an extended vacation or nature excursion. That is not the only interior improvement, though, as the 2011 model of the Grand Caravan also boasts a new design that is flawlessly executed with higher quality materials.

Dodge has also updated the basic engine for the new Grand Caravan, replacing an older, less efficient engine with the highly acclaimed and powerful 283-horsepower Pentastar V6 that also powers its sports cars and SUV models. This engine delivers very respectable fuel mileage, and combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, it makes the Grand Caravan the quickest and highest performing of any minivan model available in the United States for the 2011 model year. Torque steering adds to the performance and versatility of the new Caravan.

Of course, a mini-van is first and foremost a family vehicle for which safety is a paramount consideration, and the Dodge Grand Caravan is a leader in that realm as well. With active front head restraints, and a full set of airbags including driver knee airbags as well as side curtain and front seat side airbags, the Grand Caravan provides ample protection in the event of a crash. Antilock disc brakes are standard as are stability and traction control, with safety-oriented options including rear parking and cross-traffic sensors, a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system.

Price is another factor that makes the Dodge Caravan quite impressive, as it is the minivan that provides the best set of options for its base price of just under $30,000. It is available in five trim packages, from the stripped-down commercially oriented C/V and entry-level Express through the Mainstreet and Crew and up to the luxurious R/T that adds both higher performance and top-class interior amenities to the Grand Caravan package.

At first glance, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan may just look like another mini-van. However, a close look at the redesigned exterior, and a test drive that showcases everything it has to offer, presents a very impressive picture indeed.

Dodge Caravan "Chrysler"

For 17 years, "Chrysler" minivan (or OLA) dominated in the North American market, the most popular of these machines are model Dodge Caravan / Grand Dodge Caravan (as is well known, to the group " Chrysler " minivan models include Chrysler Town and Country and Voyager, the latter until 2001, in the United States bear the stamp Plymouth).

Dodge Caravan


Dodge Caravan

Despite the fierce competition, even in 2000, the issuance of a single family Dodge Caravan / Grand Dodge Caravan amounted to 354.4 thousand units, or 26.0 of the total North American production of cars minivan (1363.0 thousand cars). The share of all " Chrysler " minivan was almost 41, "Ford" - 22.4 and from the GM - just over 21.


Dodge Caravan

The rest came from the share of Japanese companies. Changed the look and integration of the basic models have emerged more powerful engines. Now, buyers offer two basic models Dodge Caravan SE and Dodge Caravan Sport on customary chassis and four long Grand Dodge Caravan: Standard, Sport AWD, ES and ES AWD.


Dodge Caravan

Capacity 4-door body Dodge Caravan and 5-door Grand Dodge Caravan-7 or 8 passengers depending on the form of a third seat row. Basic equipment Dodge Caravan SE with 2,4-liter 16-valve "quartet" with power 152 hp and 3-staged "Robot" is proposed for 19.2 thousand dollars. Performance Sport comes more powerful 3,3-liter engine V6 at 182 hp and 4-staged "automaton".

Dodge Caravan Interior


Dodge Caravan

A more comfortable and spacious Grand Dodge Caravan valued at 24.3 thousand U.S. equipped with the same propulsion unit, but two different tan gram side doors and with a larger cargo compartment of 0.92 m3 to 0.66 m3 from conventional Dodge Caravan. In the case of the dismantling of the middle and rear seats full cargo compartment of the Grand Dodge Caravan rises to a very solid 4.13 m3 (3.64 m3-a normal body).


Dodge Caravan


Most manned Full power Grand Dodge Caravan ES AWD with V- figurative 6-cylinder 3,8-liter engine power of 218 hp already invited to 32.3 thousand dollars.

Dodge Caravan

On request from the autumn of 2001, there are even more powerful cars 3,5-liter "Six to 233 hp In standard on the ES AWD includes installing automatic climate (for front and middle seats), electric opening / closing doors, travel computer, the driver's seat, with the possibility of adjustments in 8 tracks, more rigid Touring suspension, disc brakes with anti-lock system, all wheels, etc.

Dodge Caravan

On request set the automatic function with AutoStick, light 17-inch wheels attached to the ceiling information video system and several other specific equipment.

Dodge Caravan

The first Dodge Caravan came back in 1983 and immediately gained popularity since the beginning of a new class of large family and car nines. For the sake of fans across brands, the same as car Pick sold under the names Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan. They can be distinguished from that of the company on "fabrication" of the front part of the body (the radiator grille, bumpers), and some differences in the cockpit.


Dodge Caravan

Low operating costs and performance management, which was replaced earlier full habits like Universal Station Wagon.


Dodge Caravan

In the same year model began supplied to the European market. Serial and car Pick almost entirely responsible for all requirements of the family minivans, as a comfort, and on the dynamic characteristics. Air-conditioning, windows first output of service.


Dodge Caravan

Most have a predetermined use of the cargo bay Dodge Caravan, not only as a family car pastors, but as a service or public transportation. In 1995, the market is the second-generation Dodge Caravan minivans.

Dodge Caravan Interior


Dodge Caravan

The elegant style body with the Dodge Caravan makes a strong tilt hood and front racks became the model for emulation. Producing two basic versions of the short - and long base, which is the standard set and the amount of luggage. Longer version of the machine was Grand.

Dodge Caravan Engine


Dodge Caravan

The main difference Caravan second-generation predecessor, the emergence of two side sliding doors, and though there was a modification to the 4-door body, in which the driver's side door of the second was not. Wide doors provide easy access to a spacious passenger compartment with three rows of seats.

Dodge Caravan

Seats second and third rows swap. They are quite heavy, but in dismantling, they can be carried on small-embedded wheels. Passengers evacuated the second extra pots "stove".

Dodge Caravan

Caravan-vehicle could not have been better suited for long-haul travel great company. All thought to fines. The automatic selector lever boxes in the tradition of American automotive submitted to the steering column. Consequently, the switch from front to rear seats can be made from the passenger compartment.

Dodge Caravan

The third generation model, presented in 2001, largely mirrored predecessor. The same body, a similar design. But with the disappearance of Plymouth brand in the market remained Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager.

Dodge Caravan

In the role of the driving forces had two engine: 2.5-liter injection Quartet turbocharged capacity of 150 litres. The 3.5-litre V6 capacity of 141 litres. The latest engine is the most popular and, in fact, raised the standard of American power units minivans.

Dodge Caravan

In March 1990, the entire family upgraded model, the body and chassis of the redesigned substantially changed even dimensional parameters (4525 h1830 h1680 mm), the maximum amount of luggage increased to 3250 litres. Forms body became more smooth and smoothed. In range, engines have 3.3-litre 164-strong petrol V6 engine fitted to the model Grand with long wheelbase (4895 h1830 h1690 mm). Its use until 1994. 1991 saw the emergence of one modification AWD with a plug through muff independent rear suspension-type bridge with the De Dion. In the same year ruler engines were added to 99-strong four-cylinder engine, which has a 15% cost of the waste in range 3.0-litre V6 engine, as it spends on the route to 17 l/100 km.

Dodge Caravan

How can indeed occurred and economical 2.5-litre capacity turbodiesel 118 million. With. Intended for the European market since June 1992.

Dodge Caravan

Gamma engines of petrol engines of 2.4 (152 litres). , And 3.3 litres (160 litres). And turbodiesels of 2.5 and 2.8 litres. At Dodge Caravan, which sell in the American market, turbodiesels not set, but a more powerful 3.8-litre petrol engine capacity of 182 litres. In line with a modified five-step mechanical boxes, and 4-step "machine". Version 3.3-and 3.8-litre engines can be fitted with Commercial transmission AWD.

Dodge Caravan

Next modernization touched Caravan in 2004. Updated estate debut at the NAIAS in Detroit. There are two basic models : Caravan with a wheel base 2878 mm and Grand Caravan with the wheel base 3030.

Dodge Caravan

The main difference in the interior. This new simplified system transformation seats Stow `n Go (freely translated" folded easily "), through which a passenger can be folded down for a second any of the seats the second and third series, forming a smooth floor. To use the new filling seats, NASA developed and guarantee comfort landing even after long hours of driving.

Dodge Caravan

Gamma engines: 2.4 litre 16V R4 (155 litres). For Caravan SE; 3.3 litre V6 12V (180 litres). For Caravan SXT and Grand Caravan SE and 3.8 litre V6 12V (215 litres). For Grand Caravan SXT. The company is working on a prototype Dodge Caravan 2008 model year.