Minivans are like pickups: they're ideal when you have a friend that owns one. Pickups, especially full-size ones, consume tonnes of fuel, are impossible to park in town and are frowned upon unless you're towing something big. In the minivan's case, well, nobody wants to be caught at the wheel of something as pedestrian and tied-down as one of these. That's why CUVs exist right?
Thing is, nothing can really replace a well designed minivan. I recently moved and let me tell you that my best friend for that week, the only thing that delivered on its promise, that didn't let me down, was my trusty 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. At times, it was loaded with my precious scale-model cars, other times, the in-laws, my cat and wife and still tonnes of boxes.
The real Swiss-army knife
I've read many reviews where the car or truck is compared to the utility and versatility of a Swiss-army knife. But hands down, the minivan is the one and only do-it-all, carry-it-all vehicle on the road. And, as I write these lines, no other minivan can come close versatility-wise to the Grand Caravan. As a matter of comparison, I took a Honda Odyssey home a couple of nights after my week-long test of the Dodge and certain differences were obvious right away.
In the drive department, the Odyssey takes the crown every time. However, even if the Honda's fit finish and materials are superior to the Chrysler's, the cabin layout and functionality are prehistoric in comparison. I borrowed the Odyssey to move some boxsprings and can you believe that I had to remove the second row from the van? Chrysler's Stow and Go is simply genius at work. In no time flat or back-breaking work, I was able to sit people, carry large objects and this, anywhere and at any point.
Honestly, I wonder why Honda, Kia and other makers of minivans haven't copied the system. Is it out of shame because it would look too obvious that the idea was stolen? Regardless, the Dodge Grand Caravan has the best interior setup.
Thinking inside the box
It takes much imagination to make a minivan attractive. Take the new Sienna and the jury is seriously out on whether or not Toyota did a good thing. The Odyssey Concept could be considered a departure from the usual staid boxy minivan but we'll have to wait for the production version. In the case of the actual Grand Caravan unveiled for the 2008 model year, its simple masculine approach is pleasing and immediately identifiable.
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| The Dodge Grand Caravan has been the best selling minivan in Canada for longer than I can remember. (Photo: Chrysler) |
Thing is, nothing can really replace a well designed minivan. I recently moved and let me tell you that my best friend for that week, the only thing that delivered on its promise, that didn't let me down, was my trusty 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. At times, it was loaded with my precious scale-model cars, other times, the in-laws, my cat and wife and still tonnes of boxes.
The real Swiss-army knife
I've read many reviews where the car or truck is compared to the utility and versatility of a Swiss-army knife. But hands down, the minivan is the one and only do-it-all, carry-it-all vehicle on the road. And, as I write these lines, no other minivan can come close versatility-wise to the Grand Caravan. As a matter of comparison, I took a Honda Odyssey home a couple of nights after my week-long test of the Dodge and certain differences were obvious right away.
In the drive department, the Odyssey takes the crown every time. However, even if the Honda's fit finish and materials are superior to the Chrysler's, the cabin layout and functionality are prehistoric in comparison. I borrowed the Odyssey to move some boxsprings and can you believe that I had to remove the second row from the van? Chrysler's Stow and Go is simply genius at work. In no time flat or back-breaking work, I was able to sit people, carry large objects and this, anywhere and at any point.
Honestly, I wonder why Honda, Kia and other makers of minivans haven't copied the system. Is it out of shame because it would look too obvious that the idea was stolen? Regardless, the Dodge Grand Caravan has the best interior setup.
Thinking inside the box
It takes much imagination to make a minivan attractive. Take the new Sienna and the jury is seriously out on whether or not Toyota did a good thing. The Odyssey Concept could be considered a departure from the usual staid boxy minivan but we'll have to wait for the production version. In the case of the actual Grand Caravan unveiled for the 2008 model year, its simple masculine approach is pleasing and immediately identifiable.
 |
| Chrysler's Stow and Go is simply genius at work. (Photo: Chrysler) |