2012 & 2013 Dodge Van Reviews & Ratings

American brand Dodge, which is overseen by the Chrysler Group, produces all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Caravan are two of the most popular minivans to come from the brand, and they were also the first modern minivans in the world, along with the Plymouth Voyager. All of these minivans were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year. These minivans barely beat the Renault Espace minivan in Europe by a few months' ... (full review continues below)

American brand Dodge, which is overseen by the Chrysler Group, produces all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Caravan are two of the most popular minivans to come from the brand, and they were also the first modern minivans in the world, along with the Plymouth Voyager. All of these minivans were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year. These minivans barely beat the Renault Espace minivan in Europe by a few months' earlier release. Since the Dodge vans were released, they have been the best-selling minivan models in America. For the 2012 model year, Dodge is offering the Dodge Grand Caravan, available in five different trim styles.

The first Dodge Caravan was fashioned after the Chrysler S platform, an extension of the K platform. The Grand Caravan came along in the 1987 model year. It had a more extended wheelbase. When one combines sales numbers for Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vans, the number reach into the tens of millions in the United States alone. Chrysler released several special editions of the Caravan and has received several awards surrounding these van models. Folding Stow 'n Go seats were first introduced in 2005, in a newer, larger Grand Caravan package to compete with such vehicles as the Dodge Durango. The vans also got a complete redesign in 2008 and a refresh in 2011 due to pressure from competing brands and vehicles, such as the Nissan Quest, the Toyota Sienna, and the Honda Odyssey. The Grand Caravan's Chrysler twin is the Chrysler Town and Country.

The 2012 Grand Caravan comes in five trim levels: the American Value Package (starting at only $20,995), the Grand Caravan SE (starting at $22,995), the Grand Caravan SXT (starting at $26,495), the Crew trim (starting at $28,495), and the Grand Caravan RT (starting at $29,995). The Grand Caravan gets an impressive 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The most cost-efficient trim, the AVP, holds such standard features as a 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine, an MP3 player, side-curtain airbags, an automatic transmission, third-row seating, and stability and traction control. Options include Bluetooth and iPod connectibility, Satellite radio, a DVD player, and a navigation system. The most luxurious trim, the Grand Caravan RT holds slightly more impressive features, such as a body-colored grille, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, performance brakes and suspension, leather and power seats, an Infinity audio system, and a rear-view camera. But, as stated, there are several trims in-between which add great features such as a power liftgate and sliding doors, a roof rack, a power outlet, digital music storage, and a touch-screen display system.

Overall, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is a great choice for families looking for a van with quality materials in a welcoming cabin, excellent handling capability, versatility in seating configurations, good safety ratings, and seating for up-to seven. If you're more interested in a smoother ride and more cabin space, some of the Caravan's rivals might be a better choice.