2011 Honda Odyssey Bests Field in Mileage Challenge

On Monday, Cars.com will unveil its latest Shootout, the Ultimate Minivan Challenge. We pit six recently redesigned and updated minivans against each other in a series of tests.

We can’t reveal the final results here, but we will let you in on which car won out in gas mileage: the 2011 Honda Odyssey. It shouldn’t be a surprise, as the Odyssey has the best EPA ratings of 19/28 mpg city/highway. But in real-world driving — mostly highway — it returned 25.9 mpg. The Volkswagen Routan, which is EPA-rated at 17/25 mpg, came in second, returning 25.1 mpg.

Check back Monday to see the results from rest of the field, which comprised the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna.

Chrysler Incentives Push Hemi V-8, Leasing In February

Chrysler has added a few cash-back incentives to its new 2011 model lineup, including more cash on the hood for high-output V-8 Ram trucks. More importantly, this time around Chrysler is offering some attractive lease deals. However, most of the cash incentives on the 2010 models are gone with the lone exception of the 2010 Dodge Challenger, which has $2,000 cash back.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro gets another $500 tacked onto its cash-back plan, which now totals $3,000. There’s another $1,000 added on the Caliber, so buyers can get up to $2,500 cash back on that model. Most of the redesigned models like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and the Chrysler minivans don’t have any cash incentives, but they do have fairly attractive financing deals.

If you want to get a better deal on one of Chrysler’s newer models, there are lease deals to be had such as $199 a month for the Dodge Avenger or Chrysler 200 or $359 a month for the new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T.

Most of the incentives below expire Feb. 28.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: First Look

• Competes with: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
• Looks like: The interior is radically different; outside ... not so much
• Drivetrain: 283-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with six-speed transmission
• Hits dealerships: Late 2010

The most important thing Dodge has changed to its upcoming Grand Caravan is the interior. It is all new and in line with the other recent Dodge models we’ve seen, like the Journey. However, the company is highlighting the performance of the new V-6 engine and a thoroughly revised suspension, touting it as “a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan.”

See, that’s where people just throw their hands up.

Recall Alert: 26,397 Chrysler Vehicles

Chrysler Group is recalling 26,397 vehicles across six nameplates due to potential engine fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The models affected include the 2010 Chrysler 300 and Sebring; the 2010 Dodge Charger, Challenger, Avenger and Journey; and the 2011 Ram 1500 light-duty pickup truck.

In the affected vehicles the power-steering pressure hose may separate under pressure and leak power-steering fluid onto the hot engine components. This may result in an engine fire.

Chrysler will inspect and replace the power-steering pressure hose free of charge. The recall is already underway. For additional information, owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA's hot line at 888-327-4236.

Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Lexus GX 460, 2010 Nissan Sentra, 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Speaking of 2010 models, this week’s podcast features three 2010s, and perhaps after you take a listen you’ll want to see if there are any Labor Day deals on them. Or maybe you won’t. Listen to editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and David Thomas offer their unvarnished impressions.

You can download the podcast now via iTunes here or get an MP3 version here.

We’ve also fixed a glitch that prevented downloading via iTunes on your iPhone.

2010|Lexus|GX 460

2010|Nissan|Sentra

2010|Dodge|Grand Caravan

Cars.com Reviews 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan can be summed up with one simple phrase: Form follows function. This big box is all about maximizing room for cargo or kiddies, and it’s a trick the Chrysler Group knows best, with its patented Stow ‘n Go seating system. However, Dodge may have taken the form-function philosophy a little too far considering the model’s crude interior appointments, says Cars.com senior editor David Thomas. Still, is the Grand Caravan’s attractive price enough to keep up with the new Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey? Continue reading to find out.   

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

2010|Dodge|Grand Caravan

Recall Alert: 1996-2007 Chrysler Minivans

Chrysler is recalling 6,686 minivans equipped with optional Class 3 receiver hitches. When loaded to the maximum capacity, the hitch can fracture or bend where it meets the hitch muffler strap, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Included in the recall are 1996-2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, 1997-2007 Chrysler Town & Country and 1996-2004 Plymouth Voyager minivans.

Chrysler will begin the recall later this month. Owners can call the company at 715-831-8713 or NHTSA's hot line at 888-327-4236.

Minivan Segment Swaggers Back To Life

Everyone is familiar with the minivan stigma: The cliché that minivans are for the unhip, banal and suburban unwashed masses. Nothing really says “soccer mom” any more than the words “Sienna,” “Town & Country,” “Grand Caravan” or “Odyssey.” 

The social stigma of being branded uncool a bit too early in one’s adult life has driven potential minivan shoppers toward crossovers in the past, and it’s a reason why General Motors and Ford abandoned the segment altogether. 

Hypercharged crossover sales — and before that, SUVs — hollowed out what was once a vibrant minivan market. We’ve lost 14 minivan nameplates since 2002. 

But there are some signs of life. Total minivan sales are up 3.4% for the year, but that’s compared against total industrywide sales gains of 17% year-to-date. 

Chrysler Expanding 60-Day Return Incentive

Chrysler has been allowing buyers of its Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans to return them within 60 days if they weren’t satisfied with the purchase. Now the company is expanding the program to most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Only the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Viper are excluded.

They’ll also pay for the first two months of payments up to $1,000 total. Chrysler says they’ll take the return “no questions asked,” but buyers will still be on the hook for fees, finance charges and negative equity, which could be significant. We list all the fine print below.

Chrysler is also offering 0% financing for 60 months on 2010 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles through Aug. 2.

Recall Alert: 284,831 Chrysler, Dodge Minivans

Chrysler has issued a recall for 284,831 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans from the 2008-2009 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects vehicles built between February and September 2007, which may have a wire harness routed incorrectly. This may create a condition where the lower sliding door hinge bracket rubs against the wire insulation and wears through it.

This could cause a short circuit inside the sliding door, overheating the latch and potentially causing a fire.

Chrysler and Dodge dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles for free. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.