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2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES AWD

Date: 19 May 2001	Miles: 2,000
While Dodge and its Chrysler cousins no longer have a lock on minivans, their designs continue to be the most popular and for good reasons. Huge, very comfortable interiors, and a wide range of powertrains, including our vehicle's all-wheel drive, give buyers more choices. So far no mechanical problems with our Caravan and after 2,000 miles in two months, its fuel economy is a respectable 18.7 miles per gallon. Now, we thought we'd miss the convenience of the fold-into-the floor third seat found in the Honda Odyssey. In the Caravan you still have to take the seat out for more cargo room. But, when we had a flat in the Grand Caravan we found its outside mounted spare, made possible by the removable third seat, to be far easier to get to than the Odyssey's spare which is located between the seats. So, in every design there are tradeoffs.
Date: 7 July 2001	Miles: 5,700
If you mention minivans to anyone without a houseful children, the first reaction is "not on your life." But, when you're exposed to a top notch minivan like our 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan SE AWD on a daily basis, your attitude is likely to change. For one thing, minivans were a hit due to their versatility long before the sport-utility craze shifted into high gear. Not only can our Grand Caravan carry more cargo than a Suburban, but it has a far lower load lip. One young staffer approached our Dodge with dread, but was won over by its maneuverability, wet-weather all-wheel drive system, and the convenience of its removable center console, and power rear hatch. Another found that long highway trips with the family were far less painful with so much room to spread out, and still take along more luggage than a platoon could need. Mileage with our vans's 3.8-liter V-6 is not bad at 19.3 miles per gallon after 5 months and 5,700 miles. And, while we'd love it to be better, it is better than any mid-size SUV in our fleet. Initially we had some ignition and electrical problems with our Grand Caravan, but they have long since been solved. Our only recent fault is a yellow emission's engine check light that we need to have checked out. So, while this Dodge Grand Caravan hasn't been perfect, it's easily among the most well rounded vehicles ever designed.
Date: 25 August 2001	Miles: 11,000
I recently moved for the first time in 24 years and our long term Dodge Caravan ES AWD made it as easy as possible. Until you have made one trip after another for everything from boxes to "Bowser," you can't appreciate both the power sliding doors, and more importantly, the Caravan's innovative power rear hatch. Mileage now reads almost 11,000 after 7 months. Economy remains good if not stellar, at 19.3 miles per gallon. It hardly varies a tenth from tank to tank. So it's consistent, and dependable, and that is what you want a family hauler to be, isn't it?
Date: 19 October 2001	Miles: 13,000
By now you know this 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan SE with all-wheel drive, is like a friend we can really rely on. Be it people, video gear, or household furnishings, you just don't realize the value of a minivan until you need one. No SUV or pickup truck is a complete replacement. As we drive through our 10th month with the Grand Caravan, the odometer is just clicking over 13,000 miles. In all that time, problems with our Grand have been minimal. We did have an electrical system fault when it first arrived, and a "check engine" light for an emission's quirk. Otherwise our log book sings the Grand Caravan's praises as both a short and long haul carrier. Its very comfortable on the highway, and very maneuverable at the malls. We do wonder about some buzzing in the dash on rough roads, however, and wonder if it will get worse as time goes by. Still, with fuel economy of 19.0 miles per gallon, and smooth performance from the 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6, this looks like an automotive reliance that will last.
Date: 7 December 2001	Miles: 17,730
The Grand Caravan ES AWD has an add-on, fully automatic all-wheel drive system that is both simple and foolproof. On dry roads, the Caravan is 100% front-wheel drive. When front- wheel slippage is detected, a viscous coupling transfers as much power as is needed to the rear wheels. This type of system is limited in its capabilities, but it is also fuel efficient. 19.5 miles per gallon after 17,730 miles. That's good for an extended length minivan with a powerful 215- horsepower 3.8-liter V-6.
Date: 18 January 2002	Miles: 18,455
Day in and day out, we've come to depend on our 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES with all-wheel drive. One of the primary workhorses of our fleet, we're glad to say it's holding up well after 11 months and 18,455 miles. Fuel economy has been very steady, now at 19.4 miles per gallon, and the only recent malady is a noisy power steering pump. One staffer wrote: ''It's easy to see why this is a top seller. Excellent ride, very comfortable,...and versatile interior. And the AWD gives added security.'' The 3.8-liter V-6 is also gutsy with good passing ability, if a little uneven on power delivery. Still, Grand Caravan has more of what people buy minivans for than you'll find in any other box.
Date: 08 March 2002	Miles: 20,000
After 13 months and 20,000 miles, this workhorse is seldom idle. There was a stalling problem when first delivered, and we noted last time the noisy power steering pump. But otherwise this family friendly minivan just keeps on hauling. In fact one staffer said few so called ''touring sedans'' are more comfortable on long trips. Plus mileage is up 6-tenths to 20.0 miles per gallon. No wonder once again we picked the Dodge Grand Caravan, and the rest of Chrysler's minivan fleet, as our Drivers' Choice Best Minivan for 2002.
Date: 14 June 2002	Miles: 29,000
This is the swan song for our long term 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES with all- wheel drive. If we get a bit emotional at this parting it's because we've lived with this Caravan for some 15 months and nearly 29,000 miles. And I do mean lived. From camera crews to garden mulch, from pets to furniture, if you could haul it within the Grand Caravan's huge 167.9 cubic foot cargo bay, we did it, and numerous times. Loading is a breeze thanks to the low deck, power side doors, and the Caravan's innovative power hatch. Mechanically, we had a stalling problem just after delivery that got the test off to a bad start. But, since that single repair, this Grand Caravan has been flawless. The combination of a 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6, and simple all-wheel drive system, easily managed any road and weather encountered. At this stage, only the occasional accessory belt squeal lets us know this vehicle has aged. Fuel economy never did. It was rock solid throughout the test, ending at 20.9 miles per gallon. While Chrysler invented the modern minivan, we have to admit at being worried that they might lose out to newcomers. Well, our fears have been calmed. We think Chrysler's effort is still the best minivan design on the market today.