First Impressions: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

I'm reviewing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan this week.  It is not very grand. This would not be my choice for a personal vehicle. It has no style and no pizazz. Mini-vans aren't even cool soccer mom vehicles anymore with competition from much more expressive crossovers. Hmmm...

The Grand Caravan has a standard V-6 engine that produces anaemic acceleration.  When I say there is nothing remotely fun about driving this vehicle, please believe me.

It's signature feature is the famous "Stow 'n Go" rear seats which you can make quickly disappear into the floor to create substantial cargo space. Click here to see video demonstration.

I will say this-- the Grand Caravan is good basic transportation if you need room for family and cargo without spending a lot of money. The test model they sent me has no options and comes in under $24,000 including the destination charge.

Chrysler/Dodge pioneered the modern minivan in the early 1980's under the leadership of Lee Iacocca.  It now appears the company is trying to stay in a market that GM and Ford have left. And, I'm fairly confident that this bare bones test model would not stack up well against the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.  But, even with more creature comfort features, I still would not pick a minivan. Chalk it up to personal taste.