New 2010 Dodge Caravan

Imagine Life Without Your Caravan When I was growing up, a “caravan” conjured up an exotic romp on the back of a camel, stories about genies and scenes out of Lawrence of Arabia. Then came the 90’s and the minivan. From that point on, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone whose first impression of a “caravan” involves tribal nomads and a sun-baked desert.

As suburbia’s grip on American culture firmed it’s hold, people grew tired of the old station wagon. Full size vans were too big and, well, ugly. Pickup trucks were not family oriented. But what if a car and a van could be merged? You could get the handling of a car and the storage, seating and convenience of a van. You would get a car-a-van. Admittedly, it was a gamble for Dodge when the Caravan was introduced – but a gamble that has paid off hundreds of times over. By 2001, the Dodge Caravan stopped being the perfect second car and took its place as the family’s primary means of transportation. In a cash-and-carry, DIY world, you either need a minivan or a friend that will let you borrow hers.

Today’s Dodge Caravan is the product the refinements from the years of building minivans. Stow-away seating, covered storage areas and accessories that turn the back of the minivan into your living room, make the 2007 and newer Caravans the most comfortable and practical ever. The Caravan is nimble, it handles like a coupe, and no SUV or crossover can come close to its ability to drive past gas stations. Most importantly, it lasts. It is not uncommon to see a 2000 or 2001 Dodge Caravan for sale with 120,000 miles but in otherwise perfect condition. Indeed, many of the major car rental companies and car dealers have Caravan’s off rentals and leases at extremely reasonable rates. Their wide availability, a never ending supply of new and used parts, and the indispensable role the minivan has filled in our lives, will keep the Caravan in demand for many years to come.

The simple fact is that you can’t imagine life without your Caravan. Any minivan owner with a family will tell you that when it comes time for a new ride, nothing comes to a Caravan and not having a minivan is simply not an option. Maybe when the grandkids grow up.