Almost every aspect of the Caravan's suspension has been overhauled, including retuned front shocks, lowered ride height, increased damping and re-worked rear axles with larger rear shocks.
Certainly, we're surprised that such a large, UPS-shaped vehicle can manage to feel "sprightly".
There's one powertrain: the 283 hp Pentastar VVT (variable valve-timing) 3.6L V6 mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. A driver selectable fuel economizer switch alters the shift points for maximum fuel efficiency. Estimated ratings are (L/100 km) 12.3 city and 7.9 hwy.
The brilliant multi-configuration Stow N' Go seating system has forever endeared the Dodge Caravan to those with large families, although the cabin quality has always left a little to be desired. Swivel N' Go has been discontinued, but a revised and simplified Stow N' go returns for 2011 with wider, more comfortable second and third row seats.
The cabins of both our testers are testament to the sweeping changes that Chrysler's interiors have gone through. Cheap, hard plastics, and tupperware-like storage have been replaced with fine leather, soft touch dash materials, tastefully designed centre stack and instrumentation, and a console unit whose drawers slide on bearings like well-crafted cabinetry.
Connectivity comes in the form of a "Uconnect Media Centre" with satellite radio, navigation and real-time traffic service, touchscreen and voice command for a host of multiple media sources and outputs.
The Dodge Caravan and Town&Country are built at the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant. Both have been in dealerships since the end of November.
The Dodge Caravan R/T "Man Van" should be in dealerships by spring of 2011.
Certainly, we're surprised that such a large, UPS-shaped vehicle can manage to feel "sprightly".
There's one powertrain: the 283 hp Pentastar VVT (variable valve-timing) 3.6L V6 mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. A driver selectable fuel economizer switch alters the shift points for maximum fuel efficiency. Estimated ratings are (L/100 km) 12.3 city and 7.9 hwy.
The brilliant multi-configuration Stow N' Go seating system has forever endeared the Dodge Caravan to those with large families, although the cabin quality has always left a little to be desired. Swivel N' Go has been discontinued, but a revised and simplified Stow N' go returns for 2011 with wider, more comfortable second and third row seats.
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| Stow N' go returns for 2011 with wider, more comfortable second and third row seats. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
The cabins of both our testers are testament to the sweeping changes that Chrysler's interiors have gone through. Cheap, hard plastics, and tupperware-like storage have been replaced with fine leather, soft touch dash materials, tastefully designed centre stack and instrumentation, and a console unit whose drawers slide on bearings like well-crafted cabinetry.
Connectivity comes in the form of a "Uconnect Media Centre" with satellite radio, navigation and real-time traffic service, touchscreen and voice command for a host of multiple media sources and outputs.
The Dodge Caravan and Town&Country are built at the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant. Both have been in dealerships since the end of November.
The Dodge Caravan R/T "Man Van" should be in dealerships by spring of 2011.
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