One-Year Test Update: 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport

Chrysler still owns the minivan business. Whatever the models considered in any given survey, or sales at any given time period, Dodge and Chrysler minis never fall below a 40-percent market share-and everyone else divvies up the rest.

The Chrysler group remodeled its minivan lineup for '01, and we rounded up a nearly top-of-the-line Dodge Grand Caravan ES to see what it's made of and how it'll handle a year with us. The big-news feature is the optional power rear-deck hatch to complement the optional dual power side doors. Our Shale Green Metallic ES based at $29,110 and was very well equipped at that. Selected options include a leather/power seat package (reasonable at $1250, considering how many seats there are), the 29S Preferred Equipment Package (AutoStick trans, traction control, upgraded stereo system, touring suspension, 17-in. alloy wheels, and a bunch more stuff, all for $1985), the 215-hp 3.8L V-6 (why wouldn't you buy it at only $325), the aforementioned whiz-bang liftgate at $295, heavy-duty cooling ($155), an in-dash four CD changer (just $150), plus D and D, for a grand total of $33,290. It's already on duty, with no problems to report so far.