America's best selling minivan has been revised for 2001 and boasts new sheetmetal, boosted horsepower, a refined suspension, upgraded brakes, improved safety features, and plenty of additional gadgets. Third row seats are now easier to remove and install, but still don't fold flat.
Chrysler single-handedly inspired the phrases "mommymobile," "soccer mom" and other insipid sound bites back in 1983 when it invented the minivan. Dodge Caravan has been the best-selling minivan for all of those years, but needs to further distance itself from the many upstarts that have been nipping at its heels (and certainly surpassed it in some respects), such as the Mazda MPV and the Toyota Sienna.
Step up to the Sport and get the more power 3.3-liter V6 as standard equipment. This engine produces up to 180 horsepower and 210 foot-pounds of torque. Also standard on Sport models are front disc/rear drum brakes with four-wheel ABS. A four-speed automatic with overdrive, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel and a removable second-row seat are part of the Sport model package as well. Options include 16-inch wheels, a power-sliding door, an in-dash 4-disc CD changer, dual-zone air conditioning and remote keyless entry.
Although DaimlerChrysler minivans have previously been criticized for not measuring up in terms of safety ratings, Caravan's optional side airbags should boost these scores. Those, along with improved brake components, dual-stage front airbags and energy absorbing interior materials should go a long way toward insuring the safety of Caravan's occupants.
The sleek shape of yore has been rendered obsolete as well, replaced by stylish creased sheetmetal for an upmarket look. Dodge's signature "cross hair" grille helps distinguish the Caravan from its Chrysler brethren.
Though Chrysler hasn't redefined the minivan with this 2001 redesign, we recognize the company's latest effort to maintain leadership in the minivan segment.