2007
Dodge Caravan
Although the Caravan missed out on many new features the Grand
Caravan, the long-wheelbase version, got in 2005, Dodge promoted
the standard Caravan's price as its most attractive selling
point. The 2007 Dodge Caravan is a family friendly vehicle; it
offers smooth riding and responsive driving. The Caravan model
dates back to 1996, but Dodge has continuously improved it since
then. The 2005 model year brought upgrades. Changes for 2007 are
minimal; two new shades of blue — Modern Blue Pearl Coat and
Marine Blue Pearl Coat — are new for 2007 Caravans. The regular
Caravan has a 113.3-inch wheelbase.
Trim
There are two trims for the 2007 Dodge Caravan. SE is the base
model powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a
four-speed automatic transmission. It comes with hand-crank
windows, manually adjusted mirrors, and a limited list of
options, although rear-seat video entertainment is now available
on all Caravan models. It does have standard air conditioning,
variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/CD stereo and 215/70 tires
on 15-inch steel wheels. The tire-pressure monitor is standard,
but Stow'n Go seats are not available.
Caravan SXT is the short van equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 and a
higher level of standard equipment, though it does not get Stow
'n Go. SXT does add second-row bucket seats, dual-zone manual
air conditioning, tilt steering, cruise control, power windows,
power heated mirrors, power locks with remote keyless entry, an
upgraded AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo, a rear window defroster,
sunscreen glass, 215/65 tires on 16-inch aluminum wheels, and
other niceties, plus an expanded list of options.
Powertrain
The Caravan can have either a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter
four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V-6 that develops 170 hp and 200
pounds-feet of torque. Each engine works with a four-speed
automatic transmission
Handling
The Dodge Caravan are smooth, quiet vehicles, additional
sound-deadening measures added last year reduced wind noise.
Ride quality is decent and well-controlled on the highway. The
rack-and-pinion steering responds nicely and provides a good
driver connection through the steering wheel. The Caravan rides
more softly than an SUV, gliding over bumps with ease. It's an
excellent choice when transporting passengers.
Interior
The 2007 Dodge Caravan passenger minivan seats seven occupants.
Super High Density Foam, developed by NASA for the space
program, is used in the minivan's seats. Dual-zone air
conditioning, a rear defroster system, tilt steering wheel,
heated power mirrors, sunscreen glass, power door locks and
keyless illuminated entry are standard on the SXT. The SE model
is less abundantly equipped, but options are available.
Power-adjustable pedals are optional. Cargo volume behind the
rear seat is 15.1 cubic feet. With all seats removed, the
Caravan holds 142.3 cubic feet of cargo. Caravans are 189.3
inches long overall and 68.9 inches high to the top of the roof
rack. The downside of the Caravan models is they come standard
with the traditional seating setup instead of the new Stow 'n Go
system, so the seats must be removed to turn them into effective
cargo haulers. The second-row bucket seats and third-row split
bench can be popped out and rolled away in three quick steps,
providing a wide variety of seating and cargo configurations,
but despite the flexibility it does mean hauling them in and out
of the car, as compared to Stow ‘n Go in which they fold into
the floor. Getting in and out of the Caravan is easy with its
low floor height. Dodge Caravan's interior is comfortable and
convenient. A pair of cargo nets can be suspended from hooks,
providing well-designed bags to keep your groceries from rolling
around. Another net can be secured between either the second-row
or front-row captain's chairs. Hooks on the backs of the seats
are useful for holding shopping bags. The standard manually
operated sliding doors are easy to operate, smoothly gliding
open and closed with the pull of a nicely designed lever. The
outside door handles are comfortable and well designed; there is
a feeling of quality in appearance and operation.
Exterior
Dodge's familiar crosshair grille appears up front and has a
U-shaped design. That grille is similar to the one on the Dodge
Magnum wagon. The front also contains a molded license plate
pocket. The Dodge Caravan is a sizeable vehicle, but small
enough to easily maneuver through the city. The standard Caravan
measures 189.3 inches bumper to bumper. Caravan rides on a
wheelbase of 113.3 inches. The 2007 Dodge Caravan’s exterior is
sleek and attractive with steeply raked windshields and
aggressive grilles. The tracks for the sliding side doors are
cleverly camouflaged under the rear side windows for a clean
appearance. The D-pillars and rear window are steeply inclined
for a sporty look, and a discrete spoiler rises from the
trailing edge of the roof. Flared wheel openings add strength to
the appearance. Headlamps and tail lamps are big. The optional
roof rack is hunkered close to the roof, making it less likely
to generate wind noise, but also offering less clearance for the
thicker hooks of some tie-downs. Aluminum wheels hold 16-inch
tires on SXT minivans, while SE models roll on 15-inch steel
wheels. Power operation for the passenger-side sliding door is
optional on the SXT.
Safety
Three-row side curtain airbags are optional, and antilock brakes
are optional only on the SXT. An inflatable knee blocker helps
protect the driver. Safety features that come standard include
the required front airbags, which feature multi-stage inflators
designed to automatically compensate for the severity of an
accident. Front seatbelts use pre-tensioners to take up slack
during a collision. Middle- and third-row seats include
child-seat anchors for a more secure installation. Optional side
curtain airbags are designed to offer head protection for
outboard occupants in all three rows.
The shorter Caravan is a good, practical minivan which best of
all has a low starting price. With two trims and many options,
there is a wide range of choices. The Caravan SE is the base
model powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a
four-speed automatic transmission. The Caravan SXT is equipped
with a 3.3-liter V6 and features second-row bucket seats, remote
keyless entry, sunscreen glass, and 215/65 tires on 16-inch
aluminum wheels. Both models come with a standard low tire
pressure monitoring system and dual front airbags. The Dodge
Caravan is a family friendly vehicle offering the features and
flexibility that many buyers seek. This is one vehicle that will
carry most families with ease, the 2007 Dodge Caravan’s
estimated fuel economy range is 26 mpg Hwy, and 20 mpg City.
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