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2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Passenger

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2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Passenger Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Although it's been overshadowed by the SUV as the symbol for family transport in third-millennium America, large numbers of families still opt for the arguably more functional minivan. Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan and is now the only domestic manufacturer left in the game, as GM and Ford have effectively replaced their slow-selling minivans with three-row crossover SUVs. For the 2010 model year, the Dodge Grand Caravan and its slightly ritzier Chrysler Town & Country sibling, continue as strong players offering attractive seating and entertainment options to better compete with the remaining minivans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.

You'll Like This Car If...

With features like an available Swivel 'n Go setup that configures into a table for four people and dual, independent nine-inch video monitors that can display DVD movies, video games or satellite-based SIRIUS Backseat TV, Chrysler's fifth-generation minivan is the obvious choice for satisfying rear-seat riders.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Grand Caravan's ride and handling are well-balanced, you may prefer the softer Toyota Sienna or the more eager Honda Odyssey. Also, while the Grand Caravan's interior has been greatly improved versus its predecessor, we expected the category's leader to feel somewhat richer.

What's New for 2010

Changes for 2010 include driver's and front passenger active head restraints on all models, three-zone manual climate controls for the Grand Caravan SE and a new 3.16 final drive ratio for vans equipped with the 4.0-liter engine.

Driving the Grand Caravan Passenger

Driving Impressions If you've found the ride and handling of other minivans too soft or too firm, you might appreciate the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan's balance between highway comfort and around-town responsiveness....

We also appreciated the much-improved steering and braking response from the optional sport tuned suspension package (SXT). Equipped with the 3.8-liter V6, the Grand Caravan had no problem transporting medium-size loads, but for an additional $700 and an actual improvement in EPA fuel economy figures we prefer our test vehicle's 4.0-liter V6 option. We'd likely look elsewhere in the segment before settling for the 175-horsepower base V6. The Grand Caravan isn't as nimble in parking lots as the exceptionally tight-turning Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Overall, we found the 2010 Grand Caravan much more satisfying from behind the wheel than its predecessors and commendable for a people-mover of its stature.
Favorite Features

Audio/Video Options
In addition to the comprehensive uconnect infotainment system up front, Chrysler's newest minivan offers dual, independent rear video screens that allow second- and third-row passengers to watch two different DVD movies, play video games or even watch the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network Mobile via SIRIUS Backseat TV.

Swivel 'n Go Seats
Although not without legroom challenges, the Swivel 'n Go seating option, that comprises rear-swiveling second-row captain's chairs and a hideaway, removable table, takes the concept of the rolling family room to a new level.

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Passenger Details
Interior

Sharing sheetmetal, powertrains and all but a few features, the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are most differentiated by unique interior styling. Whereas the Town & Country combines wood-like and bright trim in conveying a more sophisticated persona, the Grand Caravan's sportier gauge cluster and heavier use of black suggest a more athletic nature. Available conveniences include Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go second-row seating, integrated child booster seats and a class-exclusive power-folding third-row seat. Loading and unloading is predictably easy and the accommodations are comfortable.

Exterior

After more ovoid third- and fourth-generation models, the newest Grand Caravan returns to the boxier roots of the first couple of iterations – sans the fake wood paneling. The squared-up sheetmetal and prominent chrome trim give the 2010 model a look that's bolder and more sophisticated at once, and counters the stereotypical minivan look. Power-operated side windows give second-row passengers a less claustrophobic ride, while the SXT trim provides a standard roof rack with integrated cross rails.

Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment

A base-equipped 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, stain resistant cloth seating, Stow 'n Go second-row seating and a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability and traction controls plus front and three-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

The Grand Caravan's most sophisticated option is a hard-drive-based uconnect gps system that offers navigation with real-time traffic information and features MP3/WMA music and JPEG image uploading, auxiliary audio input, voice-recognition, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and more. Other notable options include backup sensors and a rearview camera, Blind Spot Monitoring System and the Cross Path System, which warns of traffic crossing paths when backing up. Also available is a power liftgate, power sliding doors and power-folding third-row seat. Second-row seating options include rearward-pivoting Swivel 'n Go seats, integrated child booster seats, and manual sunshades. A comprehensive entertainment system offers two independent video displays with a swivel third-row monitor.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan no longer offers a four-cylinder engine, which is probably a good thing because we can't even say we'd want to regularly haul around full loads with the base powertrain. Comprised of a 3.3-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, it offers very little gain in the way of improved fuel economy. The lager V6 engines are teamed to six-speed automatic transmission which permits them relatively decent fuel economy with more power and smoother operation.

3.3-liter V6
175 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
205 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (gas), 12/17 (E85)

3.8-liter V6
197 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
230 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

4.0-liter V6
251 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
259 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

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2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
3.6
Out of 5

Based on 189 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan models.

Review this car
  • Value
    3.7/5
    Quality
    3.4/5
  • Reliability
    3.7/5
    Performance
    3.7/5
  • Comfort
    4.1/5
    Styling
    4.0/5

Bad transmissions

By Copper (IN) on Saturday, February 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

5 2.0
overall rating 2 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
2/5
Value
3/5
Reliability
1/5
Quality
1/5
Performance
2/5
Styling
5/5
Comfort
5/5

Pros: "a lot of room, easy to drive"

Cons: "transmissions, wheel bearings, gear shifter"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Have put in a new transmission every 30,000 miles, have had 3 set of wheel bearings put on, have had to have the dash removed and a new gear shifter put on. I have 88,000 miles on it. Unless I got the 1 lemon not my choice of a good vehicle. I do like the room and the fact that the seats fold down into the floor. Great for family if only not a lemon."

Solid Van. Great on trips. Plenty of power.

By Bacca (VA) on Thursday, February 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,999

5 4.0
overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
4/5
Value
2/5
Reliability
4/5
Quality
4/5
Performance
4/5
Styling
3/5
Comfort
4/5

Pros: "Good ride. Lots of toys. Two DVD players."

Cons: "Poor OEM brakes. Resale value."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"It has been solid transportation. Very few repairs. We have the 4.0 engine. It gets about 22 mpg on the highway and 16 around town. OEM brakes gone at 13k. Replaced with Raybestos and have gone 50k with half the pads left. The ride is nice around town and even better when loaded for trips. This is a good van. The down side is how fast it's value drops. That's bad for the first buyer but great for the used buyer. With a window sticker of $38k and 2 years later a trade in of $13k, you might as well drive it until it drops. Fortunately it should last a long time."

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