2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan?
In an effort to stem the flow of minivan customers away from Dodge showrooms to those of rivals Honda, Nissan and Toyota, DaimlerChrysler has updated its best-selling Grand Caravan minivan for 2005. Included in the revision to the company's bread-and-butter people mover are an all-new platform, updated styling inside and out, second- and third-row seats that fold flat into the floor, new safety features, and a host of other changes designed to make the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan competitive once again. Included on the list of upgrades: new seats stuffed with NASA-grade high-density foam, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, inflatable knee airbag, Uconnect Bluetooth wireless technology, and rear park assist.

Advantages of the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan:

• Stow 'n Go folding seats
• Available side curtain airbags for all three rows
• Lots of family-friendly features
• Actually fun to drive

Objections to the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan:

• No more AWD option
• Powertrains lack refinement
• Interior bits and pieces look and feel inexpensive
• Dismal resale value

Editor's Advice:
Though changes to the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan do not represent groundbreaking developments, this updated minivan should tide loyal buyers over until a completely redesigned model arrives later in the decade. By all indications, DaimlerChrysler has matched or beaten the domestic competition from Ford and General Motors with this updated version of its perennial sales champ. The question remains, though, as to how well it will be able to duke it out with the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna.