2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

June 22, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

it’s not exactly warm and inviting
MotherProof

actually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirror
Motor Trend

boxy styling doesn't do anything for the mom-mobile reputation
Car and Driver

TheCarConnection.com editors say there's no mistaking the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan for anything other than a Dodge. Not every reviewer finds the new styling to be appealing, though.

Motor Trend attributes its front-end appearance to the influence of "Dodge's 'masculine' Charger and Magnum" and goes on to describe it as having a "broad shouldered...handsome, expensive presence...[it] actually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirror." Even Kelley Blue Book cannot refrain from calling its styling "masculine." ConsumerGuide says it has "fresh styling," while Edmunds deems it "unpretentious.” CNet claims it “doesn't break any new ground,” though, and Autoblog comments, “the last time we saw sheet metal this flat and unadorned was on a UPS truck.”

Cars.com likes the newer, blocky shape of the minivan from Dodge; 2009’s version “really hit the mark with the new styling. It didn't go overboard trying to make it look like something other than a minivan.”

MotherProof says the inside of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is “rather space-shuttley with its boxy, line-y interior design.” The review also notes, “This square theme abounds in other Dodge models; it’s not exactly warm and inviting.”

Conclusion

For being the quintessential "soccer mom" vehicle, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is easy on the eye, but still leaves something to be desired.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:it’s not exactly warm and invitingMotherProofactually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirrorMotor Trendboxy styling doesn't do anything for the mom-mobile reputationCar and Driver TheCarConnection.com editors say there's no mistaking the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan for anything other than a Dodge. Not every reviewer finds the new styling to be appealing, though. Motor Trend attributes its front-end appearance to the influence of "Dodge's 'masculine' Charger and Magnum" and goes on to describe it as having a "broad shouldered...handsome, expensive presence...[it] actually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirror." Even Kelley Blue Book cannot refrain from calling its styling "masculine." ConsumerGuide says it has "fresh styling," while Edmunds deems it "unpretentious.” CNet claims it “doesn't break any new ground,” though, and Autoblog comments, “the last time we saw sheet metal this flat and unadorned was on a UPS truck.” Cars.com likes the newer, blocky shape of the minivan from Dodge; 2009’s version “really hit the mark with the new styling. It didn't go overboard trying to make it look like something other than a minivan.” MotherProof says the inside of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is “rather space-shuttley with its boxy, line-y interior design.” The review also notes, “This square theme abounds in other Dodge models; it’s not exactly warm and inviting.” ConclusionFor being the quintessential "soccer mom" vehicle, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is easy on the eye, but still leaves something to be desired. 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STYLING | [7 out of 10] MotherProof: “it’s not exactly warm and inviting” Motor Trend: "actually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirror" Car and Driver: "boxy styling doesn't do anything for the mom-mobile reputation" TheCarConnection.com editors say ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Ford Flex is a different take on the traditional minivan. With its MINI-esque styling and seven-passenger interior, this might be a Ford worth considering if you don't fall in love with the Grand Caravan. If value is your biggest attractor, check out the Hyundai Entourage. It does not offer everything the Dodge does, but the Entourage may have enough for you. If you're not sure you need all the room found in the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, check out the Mazda5. It's sportier and more fun to drive than the Dodge. Don't even think of asking for Stow 'n Go seats or Sirius TV at a Honda or Toyota dealership. Dodge's price point is significantly lower than either the Honda's or Toyota's, and the Grand Caravan offers more variety in terms of powertrains and available features than either competitor. And if you drive the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan back to back with a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, you'll likely feel some differences in refinement; the Dodge doesn't quite have the level of polish that the Honda and Toyota do.

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See the Dodge Grand Caravan in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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