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2012 Dodge Caravan Des Moines

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For 2012, the Dodge Grand Caravan lineup receives revised trim levels, including a new, lower-cost base model dubbed the American Value Package.  The new engine for 2011 is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque.  This fine new 3.6-liter V6 is mated to a six speed automatic transmission, resulting in a combination that delivers good response for most drivers.   The materials are rich, though, like most of its rivals, hard plastic dominates the dashboard. Still, the new soft-touch door tops,  nicely designed gauges and nice bits of trim are welcome.  Grand Caravan is about usable space. Super Stow 'n Go is standard. It offers comfortable second-row seats that fold into the floor, offering useful cargo space with those seats up or down. The third-row seats fold into the well behind them.  The Dodge Grand Caravan is all about transporting people comfortably, efficiently and safely, while keeping them entertained. Its designers focused on interior creature comforts, such as the popular Stow 'n Go seating system. Stow 'n Go consists of bins in the floor behind the first row of seats, and second-row seats that can be folded into those bins, resulting in a flat load floor for easily carrying larger objects. Or, when the seats are up in the normal seating position, the bins can accommodate toys, games, sporting gear, tools and other small cargo.

'12 Dodge Grand Caravan Power

The ride is very good and the handling is a lot more than adequate.  There is no lean so passengers won't be thrown around with every flick of the steering wheel.  A couple of safety options that are worthy of note. The Blind Spot Monitoring system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the van's blind spots and warns the driver with lights in the side mirrors or a driver-selectable chime that sounds like the seat belt chime.   The Rear Cross Path system is activated when the van is in reverse. It uses radar sensors to detect vehicles crossing behind the Grand Caravan and warns the driver with lights in the side mirrors and that same chime. The system won't detect small objects, such pedestrians, so it's still important to proceed slowly. It does, however, detect vehicles up to 20 meters away, and is programmed to recognize the speed of oncoming vehicles and alert the driver only if they are traveling at a speed that could lead to an accident.

2012 Grand Caravan Design

Up front, it has a sportier fascia with mesh inserts, a revised version of the Dodge crosshair grille, a slightly reshaped hood and quad headlights. At the rear, the liftgate is slightly modified to accept new DODGE lettering, there is a body color roof spoiler, the fascia is new, there a step plate with chrome trim, and the taillights add LEDs. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard.

Inside the '12 Dodge Grand Caravan

The center console is integral on the 2011 Grand Caravan.  It offers deep storage, two cupholders and a covered shallow tray. There are also bottleholders in each front door, so the driver and front-seat passenger can each bring along two drinks at once.  The Grand Caravan is designed well for hauling youngsters, with some thoughtful features. Among them is the convex conversation mirror, which is handy for talking to those in the rear seats without having to turn around.  The available DVD entertainment system is a snap to play.  Plug in the DVD, press Play, and it works; the screen drops down from the ceiling and the viewing begins. Video can be shown on the front touch-screen when the transmission is in Park. It comes with wireless headphones for rear seat passengers and has jacks to plug in video game systems.   There are three versions of the UConnect, all with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The base version has a 30-gigabyte hard-drive that can hold about 6,700 music files. Another version has an integrated Garmin navigation system that works just fine. It also has a 30-gig hard-drive, but it can hold about 4,250 songs because some of the space is used for Navigation map information. It can also hold 4,250 songs and adds Sirius satellite radio, Sirius Traffic and Sirius Travel Link. This system comes with Uconnect Phone wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, and iPod control, and it can record voice memos.

Grand Caravan Model lineup

The AVP comes with 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, power front windows, dual-zone air-conditioning, second-row Stow 'n Go bucket seats, a conversation mirror and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel-mounted controls. 

Grand Caravan Express comes with cloth upholstery, tri-zone manual climate control, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Super Stow 'n Go second-row bucket seats, split-folding third-row seat, power windows, power door locks, heated power mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary input jack, trip computer, and P235/60R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.

Grand Caravan Mainstreet adds power rear and rear quarter windows, and alloy wheels.

Grand Caravan Crew gets tri-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, power sliding side doors, USB port, Sirius satellite radio, Uconnect Multimedia with 6.5-inch touchscreen and 30-gigabyte hard drive for music storage, Uconnect Phone, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, 115-volt power outlet, fog lights, roof rack and P225/65R17 tires.

Grand Caravan R/T upgrades to leather upholstery, power passenger seat, Infinity 506-watt sound system with subwoofer and three additional speakers, sports suspension and polished alloy wheels. It loses the roof rack.

A Cargo Van is also available, with more rudimentary air conditioning and audio, no back seats, no carpet, skinnier tires, lower-line exterior trim than the Express model.

Conclusions

Grand Caravan offers amazing versatility with one of the most convenient cabins. The flexible seating, abundance of storage space, and impressive entertainment options can make life easier for busy owners.  It's very nice inside, handles very good, is quiet and has alot of power with good fuel economy.  If you are looking for a new car, take a look at the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Some of the information in this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com