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The
most ubiquitous name in all of minivandom is Dodge Caravan. It was the one that
started it all back in Iacocca's Chrysler regime of the early '80's. Dominating
sales then as now, the Caravan strikes an easy chord with families everywhere
due to its combination of versatility, good looks and high level of standard equipment.
Like its sister vans, the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager,
the Caravan can be had as a bare-bones utility van to a pull-out-the-stops luxo-ride.
The Caravan is available only in a short-wheelbase body style, and can be ordered
with a gas-saving 150-hp four-cylinder engine (which is really slow). We recommend
stepping up to the optional 180-hp V-6 if possible. We also recommend choosing
the long-wheelbase Grand Caravan over the Caravan, thanks to its measurable gains
in passenger and cargo space, as well as the availability of many, many more features
in higher trim levels (such as a 215-hp V-6, all-wheel drive, power moonroof,
rear-seat DVD player and heated leather seats). Mind you, the price climbs steeply
the more option boxes you check, but then again, isn't your family worth it? |