2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review
by Bertrand Godin / Auto123.com

Few vehicles out there can literally be described as mobile homes. Take the Dodge Grand Caravan; it serves as a living room, a playroom or a dining room. Of course, it can't be all at the same time, but the fact of the matter is, interior configurations are nearly infinite.

The Grand Caravan minivan from Dodge is loaded with family-friendly features.

The 2009 Grand Caravan boasts the same popular attributes that have helped build its "family hauler" reputation since the mid-'80s. About the only thing that's different nowadays is size; the new generation (introduced for 2008) is huge. Obviously, it makes for an even more versatile package.

Styling is pretty understated: clean lines, no flash and no fanfare. Overall, though, this Dodge is still attractive considering its minivan body style. Having said that, some exterior details should be revised. For instance, the roof rails on my tester not only had visible screws but the latter had visible threads, thereby suggesting an unfinished assembly.

Life inside the Grand Caravan SXT is tailor-made for modern families. There are plenty of storage compartments and the interior layout is designed to accommodate multiple occupants at once (up to seven). You can teach math to a kid just by counting the number of cup holders, so I guess the Grand Caravan also has an educational purpose. What's more, everyone is comfortably seated. The driver can even adjust the pedals to fine-tune the driving position. I have to say, however, that rear-seat access and comfort for adults are limited with the folding table of the ingenious Swivel 'n Go system in place.

In order to maintain competitive prices, Dodge had to make strategic choices. On a daily basis, you realize that cost reduction is not the only thing that explains material selection. Sure, hard plastics everywhere is a cheaper way to trim the interior, but it also makes for a more durable, easier-to-clean environment. Parents will love that! Plus, said plastics are tastefully finished and solidly matched together, which is usually rare in this market segment.

The interior layout is designed to accommodate multiple occupants.

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