I have trouble fitting into vehicles. It’s true. When I’m driving, my stomach is just too big to fit behind the wheel in some models. In others, my legs do not fit well. It is truly a chore to find a vehicle that “fits” me. One of the purposes of Huge Comfort is to find products for you to use that are size friendly. As such, I have made an exhaustive effort to study vehicles that big and tall people can drive.

In the first of my series, I present the Dodge Caravan and the Dodge Grand Caravan (the difference is essentially that the Grand Caravan is 6 inches longer). As the first of its kind model genre (the Caravan was the first minivan), the Dodge Caravan continues to be on the cutting edge of technology.

Personal Observations on the Dodge Caravan/Dodge Grand Caravan

One of the features that I look for personally in a vehicle is the driver’s seat. The first thing I need to know is “Do I fit?” And with most models of the Dodge Caravan the answer was a resounding “yes”. I was able to test model years 1989, 1992, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010. I fit comfortably in them all.

Some of the features about the driver’s seat I liked were:

• Captain’s chairs with adjustable armrests
• Tilt steering
• Easily accessible dashboard controls
• Plenty of head room
• No center island that rubbed up on or impeded my right leg

Before Buying a Dodge Caravan or Dodge Grand Caravan

A brand new one is a bit on the pricey side, as I have seen them priced between $25,000 and $35,000. However, as far as safety goes, the 2011 model is getting the best safety ratings in the history of the vehicle. I would try to stick with a used model, as a reliable one from 2000-2005 can range in the $4,000-$7,000 depending on the model year (later models will be in the $10,000-$15,000 range).

I would recommend a few things before buying:

• Check out the vehicle in person. This is the only real way to know what you are buying.
• Take the vehicle for a test drive. If you don’t like the way it rides or you drive for 20 minutes and the check engine light appears, you may want to back out of that particular purchase.
• Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. If the user will not sell to you contingent upon a mechanic inspection, then don’t buy it.
• Compare the asking price with the Kelly Blue Book value


• Check out information on the specific models. If you do not have a Consumer Reports subscription (which may be worth subscribing to), two good sources are Wikipedia for a general overview and How Stuff Works Consumer Guide for Autos
• Also, keep in mind what you are using it for, If you are single and don’t have a family, another size friendly vehicle (which we will profile as time goes on) may be better. The mileage on Dodge Caravans and Grand Caravans is about 14 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. So if you commute a long distance to work, it can take a toll on your wallet.

After you have researched, if you find that the Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan is for you, you may want to check out below. I have made a special list that is automatically updated of Dodge Caravans and Grand Caravans available on eBay. So you might be able to get a really good deal.

Dodge Caravan – Dodge Grand Caravan – eBay Motors