2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Another generation, another redesign.  The 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan still accounted for 25% of the minivant market, but its once heralded affordability was being challenged by competition from Honda and Toyota, which offered more amenities, and better reliability and crash test ratings for the money than the Caravan.

The 2001 Grand Caravan dropped the LE trim, offering SE as its base model, followed by a Sport and ES trim.  The ES, top-of-the-line performance model, along with its standard 3.8-liter, 215-hp V6 (a 35-hp upgrade from last year) engine, also was the only trim to offer the auto-manual AutoStick transmission, which provided responsive shift controls. The Grand Caravan ES also offered another minivan first, an optional power liftgate, making it the first minivan with three power doors.  The SE and Sport trims came standard with the 3.3-liter, 180-hp V6 (a 22-hp upgrade), paired with a four-speed automatic.  Sport and ES models featured ABS standard with optional power side doors.  A new EX trim offered the same features as the ES, but not as many options, and was more affordable.

Inside, a removable center console could be placed either between the front or second row seats.  For extra storage in the cargo area, a pop-up bin with center divider was added.  Legroom was extended for front row passengers.

With the V6 engine, the 2001 Grand Caravan has a good amount of power, and its ride is relatively smooth and responsive.  Most drivers make a point of mentioning how fun and comfortable it is to drive and how roomy and well-thought out the interior is.  Criticisms center on repair problems and poor reliability, compared to other brands, not enough second row legroom, and a bulky rear seat that requires more than one person to remove.  The third row of seats also do not fold flat into the floor.