2005 Dodge Caravan in West Lebanon, NH - $3,955

Almost 21 years ago on Nov. 2, 1983, a cash-strapped Chrysler Corporation launched new product in a new market segment -- a vehicle American consumers had not experienced before. The rest is history. Designed and engineered from the inside out, the front-drive Caravan received a number of upgrades and refinements last year. For 2006, Dodge simplified the model lineup -- now just SE and SXT passenger van models and a CV cargo van variant.

Safety enhancements added include a driver's side inflatable knee blocker and a standard door alert that activates signal lights when the power sliding doors or manual sling doors are in operation, signaling that occupants are getting in or out of the minivan.

Power for the Caravan is generated by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a 3.3L V6 prime mover. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Short and sweet, but still capable, the standard-wheelbase Caravan packs plenty of value for the money. Manufactured at the automaker’s St. Louis (Fenton), Mo., assembly plant, the market-leading minivan equipped with the optional 3.3L V6 engine is nimble, responsive, safe and comfortable at speed.

Caravan's body structure is designed for high bending and torsional stiffness, which helps isolate suspension vibration and chatter from the passenger compartment. The use of "Quiet Steel", a visco-elastic treatment sandwiched between two steel layers works with structural ribbing and a liquid spray-on dampener integrated into the recessed floor design to reduce vibration, road noise and stone impingement.

The front suspension is equipped with iso struts with integral gas-charged shock absorbers, coil springs, asymmetrical lower control arms, link-type stabilizer bar, urethane jounce bumpers and rubber-isolated cast aluminum cross member.

The rear suspension setup includes rubber-isolated longitudinal single-leaf springs, tubular beam axle, track bar and gas-charged shock absorbers. The optional Trailer Towing package is equipped with revised rate springs and load-leveling shock absorbers.

Inside the cabin, Dodge rethought everything. A low step-in height is complemented by a command outward view of the road. The instrument cluster boasts modern graphics and the message center is located in the instrument cluster. UConnect hands-free communication with Bluetooth wireless technology and factory-installed SIRIUS satellite radio are available options.

Access to the second row seating is aided by hand-grips built into the backs of the front seats, which also feature hooks to secure grocery bags. A removable net between the front seats and a sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat adds to the available stowage capacity. The optional third-row bench seat (std. SXT) has a fore/aft adjustment that allows it to be moved forward or backward to maximize cargo space or passenger comfort.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 113.3; overall length: 189.1; width: 78.6; height: 68.9 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder -- 150 hp at 5,400 rpm and 165 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.3L -- 180 hp at 5,000 rpm and 210 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 2.4L four-cylinder â€"- 20 city/26 hwy.; 3.3L V6 -â€" 19 city/26 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 142.3 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 3,600 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags. SXT adds automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry and Sentry Key theft deterrent system. Optional safety features include power adjustable pedals, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and front/rear head curtain airbags.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 3-year/36,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Dodge Caravan minivan starts from $20,130 for the cargo van, $18,630 for the SE and $22,520 for the SXT. Destination charges add $715.

As tested

2006 Dodge Caravan SXT minivan

Exterior color: Butane Blue Pearl Coat

Interior color: Medium Slate Gray

Tire make/model: Bridgestone Turanza EL42

Tire size: P215/65R16

Base price $22,520

Destination charge 715

Total as tested $23,235

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