Dodge Grand Caravan vs Honda Odyssey - A Comparative Review
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a direct relative from one of the first minivans. Knowing that dodge has been in the minivan business has a lot to say, and most certainly Dodge has found a way to improve and modernize their minivan models every year. Still at the top of the minivan market is the 2009 Grand Caravan. It is a vehicle that many families cannot do without, from its passenger capacity at seven to its unique Stow 'n Go feature. The Dodge Grand Caravan was redesigned in 2008, and is a carryover for 2009. It comes in two trims, the Dodge Grand Caravan SE and the Grand Caravan SXT.
Grand Caravan Design
You know it’s a Dodge by looking at its well known Dodge grill. Actually on the Grand Caravan the grille is more upright, making the Dodge crosshair grille look more like a Dodge truck, especially in chrome. The wheelbase of the new Grand Caravan is 1.9 inches longer, and the overall length stretched 2.5 inches, so the overhangs are about the same. The front track has been widened by 2.5 inches, and the rear by 0.8 inches, without widening the vehicle at its sides. The roof has been widened resulting in more headroom in the cabin.
Inside the ’09 Grand Caravan
The optional Stow 'n Go is the most stand out feature, as the only other minivan this is available on is the Grand Caravans cousin, the Chrysler Town and Country. The Stow 'n Go is a system which allows the second- and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor. When the seats are in use, the floor wells can be used as storage area. Without Stow 'n Go the second-row seats swivel to face the third-row 60/40 bench seat, with an easily stowable table between them. The third-row seat folds into the floor, while the second-row quad chairs are removable. The standard SE trim interior includes a four-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system and fabric seats. Options for the SE include the G package with cruise control, tinted side glass, rear climate control, and a bigger alternator. The H package includes everything in the G package, plus YES Essentials fabric, second-row power windows and third-row power vented windows, 60/40 third-row bench, trip computer, heated mirrors, remote starting and adjustable pedals. The Grand Caravan SXT offers a variety of packages including the L package with heated seats for the first two rows, a MyGIG Multimedia Entertainment System, power liftgate and rear backup camera, plus other smaller things.
Grand Caravan Power
There are three powertrain options for the 2009 Grand Caravan. The SE is powered by a 175 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT model uses a more powerful 197 horsepower 3.8-liter V6, while a 251 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 is available. Both the standard and optional SXT engine choices use a six-speed automatic.
Driving Capabilities
The redesign the Grand Caravan got last year changed leaf springs to coil springs in the rear, and brought a new twist-beam rear axle with a track bar, not independent. The 3.3-liter V6 offers adequate power and acceleration, while the optional 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter engines make more power with almost the same fuel mileage. For 2009, there is an optional sport-tuned suspension on the high-end SXT; all models get a revised braking system that reduces noise vibration and the harshness of the braking system.
Safety Features
Safety features that come standard on all models include electronic stability control, four-wheel-disc ABS with brake assist, and full-length airbag curtains. Grand Caravan received five-star front and side crash ratings and four stars in rollover ratings from NHTSA.
2009 Honda Odyssey
Like the Grand Caravan, the Odyssey minivan received an exterior and interior refresh for 2008. Furthermore, the V-6 engine was improved to get better mileage. The Odyssey is a minivan with style and convenience and competes with minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Hyundai Entourage. It can seat seven ore eight passengers and has four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.
For 2009 a power rear liftgate has been added as optional equipment on the EX-L. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is also a newly available option on the EX-L, and is included with the optional navigation system.
Odyssey Design
The Honda Odyssey has dual sliding side doors, and all but the LX have power operation on both sides. Windows in sliding doors can be opened partially The hood is sculpted with curves that lead naturally back to the windshield and emphasize the big fender flares. Honda has not hidden the sliding door channels at the base of the window but left them partially obscured by a crease that runs the length of the vehicle.
Inside the Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey minivan is unique in that the three upper trims have room for eight by including a removable center seat in the second row that can stow into a recessed compartment. Seating for seven consists of bucket seats in the first and second rows and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat that folds into the floor. The third-row seat splits 60/40 and folds easily into the well provided for it. There is affair amount of cargo space and organizational features in the Honda Odyssey. This includes a useful storage area hidden under the middle of the floor, originally designed to house the spare tire, Honda engineers moved the spare tire to a location in the rear. In the compartment is a rotating compartmentalized bin, like a Lazy Susan.
Odyssey Power for ‘09
The standard powertrain for the 2009 Odyssey is a 3.5 liter V-6. The top two trim levels use an updated Variable Cylinder Management version of Honda's 3.5-liter V-6, which shifts automatically between six-, four- and three-cylinder operation in response to driving conditions.
Driving Capabilities
The Odyssey delivers everything you could ask for in a minivan: a smooth ride, responsive handling, stability at speed and a smooth, powerful engine. The Odyssey belies its size on the road and handles like a sedan. The Honda Odyssey minivan is enjoyable to drive, and it lives up to Honda's reputation for refinement, convenient features and great fit and finish. The turning radius is among the tightest of any minivan, making it an easy to make U-turns and maneuver in parking lots. The park-assist system, with beeping tones that warn the driver of other bumpers front and rear, helps considerably when parallel parking. Acceleration is better than that of most other minivans.
Odyssey Safety
Safety features such as side-impact and curtain airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system come standard in all models. Luxury features such as leather trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, navigation system and entertainments system are all available.
Summary
The 2009 Honda Odyssey and 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan are both high class, reliable and capable minivans that will serve families well. The Odyssey has a starting MSRP of $26,355 – $40,505, while the Grand Caravan comes in at $22,725 – $28,660. The Grand Caravan transports people comfortably and safely, and does its best to keep them entertained. And with the Stow ‘n Go system, there is all the storage space and convenience you could possibly want. The lighting, options like a DVD system, sound system with hard drive, and tables for the passengers to sit around are excellent family perks. The best optional feature is Stow 'n Go, allowing the rear seats to disappear into the floor for carrying cargo; this creates a huge amount of space. The Grand Caravan's versatility is unmatched. The Dodge Grand Caravan gets a fuel economy range of 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City, while the Odyssey gets 24 highway and 16 city. The Grand Caravan has an edge over the Honda Odyssey in price and overall value, while the Odyssey offers one more seat for passengers than the Grand Caravan.
