Perhaps we should add "Caravan Sport" to George Carlin's list of words that
just have no business being used together. Remember "jumbo shrimp"?
"Military intelligence"? At the very least, we have to add it to the list
of Great Misleading Automotive Names. I think I'll pencil it in right
under the Dodge Dart Swinger.
There's nothing wrong the Caravan. It's a perfectly nice minivan, as we've said in our other reviews of it [link]. In fact, it's still probably the best of the bunch. But "sport"? C'mon, guys! You might as well sell a Dodge Neon "Luxury" package or a Dodge Ram "Sissy" version. There's just nothing sporty about a Dodge Caravan, no matter how many times you write "Sport" on the side of it.
The "Sport" package is a $1,600 option that's mostly cosmetic. Most of the stuff they throw in doesn't have anything to do with sportiness. It includes stuff like bucket seats, air conditioning and heated mirrors. It does include a couple of parts that are supposed to improve the van's handling, like wider wheels and a rear sway bar. But, I have to admit, I didn't notice any difference in handling. I couldn't compare it side by side to a regular Caravan, but suffice it to say that you shouldn't trade in your BMW 328i for one of these babies just yet. It's still a minivan, and, "Sport" package or not, you're still gonna look like you're a middle-aged mom on her way to pick up three kids from soccer when you drive it.
Minivan makers in general, and Chrysler in particular (because so much of its business IS minivans), are trying to figure out how to make minivans seem less frumpy. Let's just say that the "Sport" version of the Caravan hasn't solved the problem yet. So, back to the drawing board, guys.
Oh...by the way...wondering what's in the "Sport" package? Here's the rundown from Dodge: Air Conditioning Defroster; Rear Window (Required in New York) with Windshield Wiper De-Icer and Dual Heated Mirrors; Seating: 7 Passenger, Deluxe Front--Reclining Buckets with Armrest Middle, 2 Passenger Reclining and Folding Bench with Adjustable Headrests, Armrest and Easy-Out Roller System, Rear--3 Passenger Reclining and Folding Bench with Adjustable Headrests, Adjustable Track and Easy-Out Roller System; Decor Liftgate and Doors; Body Color Fascias; Body Color Fog Lights; Luggage Rack; Body Color Glass; Sunscreen and Solar Touring Handling Group; 16" Cast Aluminum Wheels; "Equinox" Design; Sparkle Silver Rear Sway Bar; Solid REQ (EGA). Phew!
View cars.com model report on this vehicle.
