Grand refers to the length. Grand Caravan models are significantly longer (by 11 inches) than Caravan models. Grand Caravans are 200.5 inches long, stretched over a 119.3-inch wheelbase. Caravans measure 189.3 inches over a 113.3-inch wheelbase. That makes a big difference in cargo capacity when all three rows of seats are in place.

Caravan SE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, hand-crank windows, and a limited list of options. It does come standard with air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM stereo cassette audio system. The bigger Grand Caravan SE is similarly equipped, but is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine. For 2003, Grand Caravan SE offers the option of three-zone climate control, which is not available on the shorter Caravan SE.

Caravan Sport and Grand Caravan Sport models come standard with the 3.3-liter V6, plus tilt steering, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, a rear-window defroster and anti-lock brakes. The Grand-length Sport gets fancier seats with upgraded cloth, and a standard rear defroster, three-zone climate control, and a heavy-duty alternator. A 3.8-liter V6 is offered as an option.

Snowbelt residents will appreciate the superior all-wheel-drive traction of the Grand Caravan Sport AWD.

Next up the ladder is the Grand Caravan eL, which adds mid-row bucket seats and a 50/50 split rear bench. Again, the 3.3-liter V6 is standard, and the 3.8-liter V6 an option.

Grand Caravan eX comes loaded with popular features, such as the power up-and-down rear liftgate, a power sliding door on the passenger side, removable power center console, remote keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes, low-back reclining front bucket seats with eight-way power for the driver, a storage drawer under the front passenger seat, and a CD player. The 3.8-liter V6 is standard, and leather upholstery an option.

Grand Caravan ES is the top of the line, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. ES adds a power sliding door on the driver's side, an overhead trip computer, reading lamps, dual cargo floodlights, automatic dimming mirror, all-season touring tires, and an Infinity 10-speaker stereo. The list has been expanded for 2003 to include a power liftgate, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), a roof rack, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

ES also offers a long list of exclusive options, including leather seats with heat, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, four-way power for the passenger's seat, Auto-Stick transmission, and automatic climate control. You can spot an ES by its bright side molding insert, chromed aluminum wheels, and fog lamps.