2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan gains active front-seat headrests across the lineup and standard tri-zone manual climate control on SE models.

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan has history on its side, if nothing else. A dual-screen rear entertainment system, Sirius Satellite TV and hard-drive audio storage are also available.

Unfortunately, these attributes are overshadowed by the Grand Caravan's quality issues and other faults like low-quality interior materials and a feeble base engine. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan is available in three trim levels: C/V, SE and SXT. The SXT adds a larger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, power and remote-operated sliding side doors (optional on SE), second-row power windows and third-row power vent-style windows (also optional on SE), an overhead console with storage bins and ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and satellite radio. With the SXT, the rear DVD entertainment system includes a swiveling second-row flip-down screen.

The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with one of three V6 engines. The SXT comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque and gets 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The Grand Caravan comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front headrests and full-length side curtain airbags.

Optional on both the SE and SXT trims are second-row integrated child booster seats (requires Swivel 'n Go). In government crash tests, the 2010 Grand Caravan scored a perfect five stars in all frontal- and side-impact categories. The Grand Caravan's interior design theme is plain but functional, with high-mounted audio controls for easy visibility and operation. Aft of the comfortable front seats, there are various seating choices.

The 2010 Grand Caravan's handling will be adequate for most owners, particularly in sport-tuned SXT trim. As for Grand Caravans with the ancient 3.3-liter engine, we'd say don't bother -- they're sluggish and marginally less efficient than the muscular 4.0-liter SXT.