Budget-Friendly People-Mover
This boxy Chrysler road warrior has ploughed through many generations since it was launched in 1983. Still today, its functional contours pay dividends in its light and airy interior. However, 2017 was its final iteration, when it was seamlessly replaced by the Chrysler Pacifica.
Long a popular choice with Canadian families wanting a simple, efficient, and budget-friendly set of wheels, the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Wagon still meets these needs, particularly in the Atlantic Provinces. Designed mainly to transport groups of people at an affordable price, it can cost thousands of dollars less than its competitors.
Plenty of Room to Stretch Out
Even at this bargain price, the Grand Caravan doesn’t skimp on its features, which include zoned climate control, heated mirrors, a central touchscreen display, with a rear-view camera (for models produced later in the year).
The interior of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Wagon has plenty of room for the whole crew. Better still, when its foldaway seats are in use, their wells double up as useful storage bins. Over 4.6 m³ of passenger volume means the driver and all six passengers can travel comfortably.
Its seating layout is available in these configurations:
- Front: two bucket seats with 105 centimetres of legroom;
- Back: 60/40 split three-person Stow ‘N Go bench seat with 93 centimetres of legroom;
- Middle: two Stow ‘N Go bucket seats, or a two-person bench seat, both with 83 centimetres of legroom.
Focus on Safety
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, and active front head restraints. A generous array of airbags includes full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear head airbags, front-seat side airbags, and even a driver’s knee airbag. Other safety features include:
- Brake Assist;
- Electronic Stability Control;
- Daytime Running Lights;
- Child Safety Locks;
- Traction Control.
With six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, this versatile minivan is powered by a 3.6 l V6 engine, with a generous 283 hp at 6,400 RPMs (211 kW) that provides decent acceleration. Its fuel consumption is reasonable for a vehicle the size, at 13.7 litres (highway) and 8.4 litres (city) x 100 kilometres. Thanks to a fuel tank holding 75 litres, its urban autonomy is a satisfactory 635 kilometres.
Choosing the Best Auto Loan
Averaging out at around $40,000, this minivan is a practical workhorse that’s easy to finance, thanks to its solid reputation. With a 10% deposit and repayments of under $700 a month for five years, at an average interest rate of 6%, Canadian buyers can feel confident that it will keep its value, if properly maintained.
Remember to factor in additional costs when calculating the price of your new-to-you Dodge Grand Caravan. Sticker prices may be increased by sales taxes, registration costs, title transfer and processing fees, and possibly freight charges as well.
These extra charges may be added to the amount that you borrow – but remember, this means you’ll be paying interest on taxes and fees for years to come. A savvier move is to pay them in cash when you sign the documentation, even if you have to delay your purchase by a couple of months.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for good value in comfort, safety, and efficiency, this 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Wagon is the perfect choice, especially for large families or work crews on the Eastern seaboard. A powerful engine and many high-level standard features – all at an affordable price – make this unassuming minivan the smartest choice in its category.
