2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT shatters notions of mundane minivans. A six-disc CD/DVD changer with RCA inputs, an integrated Siruis Satellite Radio receiver, a rear LCD, and wireless headphones ensure neither the driver nor the passengers will be bored on long road trips. DaimlerChrysler's UConnect hands-free Bluetooth cell phone integration with voice recognition enhances safety by eliminating the need to fumble for a phone while driving. Two rows of fold-down Stow 'n Go seating offer flexibility for transporting and storage.
The Caravan's interior space is poorly designed. The awkwardly shaped center console doesn't hold much more than the included remote control for the rear video screen, which would be better placed in the backseat. Three adjustable overhead compartments are convenient for only small items such as sunglasses or pens. The cup holders are shallow and loose, so water bottles and soda cups fall over easily.History
Strengths of the Chrysler minivans include state-of-the-art ergonomics, the least-expensive vans you can get (four cylinder models, to be sure, but with the power of recent V6 engines), power liftgates, and all the cupholders you could want, combined with an aesthetically pleasing instrument panel. Did we mention climate control? Even the most American-bashing reviewers tend to put Chrysler vans on at least an equal footing with Hondas, and many put them on top without shame.
Chrysler invented the minivan - twice. Richard Moss pointed out that Chrysler Europe was working with Matra on a minivan in the late 1970s / early 1980s. When it was ready to go into production, Chrysler sold most of its European operations to Peugeot-Citroen (PSA), which dumped the fledgling minivan. Matra took the design to Renault, which modified it to fit the Renault 21 drivetrain...resulting in a calendar-year 1983 introduction and Europe's most popular minivan. If Chrysler had held on to Chrysler UK, it may well have had a greater European foot-hold - but that's another story. The American Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan were also introduced in 1983, as 1984 models.
All Caravan passenger minivans seat seven occupants. Super High Density Foam, developed by NASA for the space program, is used in the minivan's seats.