Some of you reading this are probably old enough to remember the minivan's rise to fame that began roughly around the mid-1980s. At the time, Chrysler had just released two all-new models: the Plymouth Voyager and the Dodge Caravan. Folks back then loved the new vans, as they offered the same, or more practicality than the average American station wagon while also cutting down on fuel usage. In other words, Chrysler helped to make transporting the entire family, and the stuff that goes along with it, cheaper and more efficient.However, as of the last two decades or so, the minivan's popularity began to wane sharply. As the crossover SUV became more and more common, the minivan was pushed further and further back. In the late 2010s, Dodge's Grand Caravan began offering a unique, performance-oriented trim level to try and attract a new niche of buyers. It was called the GT, and GT-spec'd Grand Caravans also came with more than just a fancy badge and a blacked-out grille. The Minivan With An Athletic Heart DodgeWhen we think of minivans, we don't exactly conjure up thoughts of lap records, Monaco pole positions, or beating Corvettes in between-the-lights drag races. Instead, the minivan is typically seen as one of the most docile of the automotive segments, something that could be compared to an old, lazy beagle. However, when it comes to the Grand Caravan GT, the old dog was granted a few new tricks to make it slightly less lazy.DodgeBeginning with what it packed under the hood, Dodge supplied the Grand Caravan GT with a 3.6-liter V6. The mill belonged to Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine family, and marked the most powerful engine ever installed within a Dodge Grand Caravan from the factory. The mill itself boasted things like an upgraded state of tune over other iterations of the motor, along with dual variable valve timing, two-stage variable valve lift, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that has cooling built right in. Backing up the Pentastar mill is a six-speed automatic transmission hooked up to a front-wheel drive drivetrain.The bulk of the Grand Caravan GT's performance-oriented upgrades lived within its chassis. For starters, it comes with a stiffened and tightened suspension setup, which is, reportedly, much better at keeping the big van flat and level through corners. In addition, the GTs sport Load-Leveling Height Control, as well, a package shared with Grand Caravans that were destined for conversion into mobility vans via third-party companies. Its brakes remained standard. Reliability Alongside its penchant for performance, the 2019 Grand Caravan GT also boasts a solid record in terms of dependability. According to RepairPal, it manages to achieve a four out of five-star reliability rating, ranking it second out of eight total minivans reviewed by the site. In addition, its estimated average annual repair cost comes out to $673 per year which, again referencing RepairPal, is on-par with most in its segment. What The GT Has To Offer DodgeSeeing as the GT grade constitutes the top-of-the-line trim level, Dodge made sure to pack it to the brim with a boatload of standard features. Interior & Tech DodgeAll GT grades receive leather-trimmed seats sporting red stitching as standard. Both the front and second row of seats are also heated, as is the leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus the front seats boast eight-way power adjustment. Its center console comes with illuminated cup-holders, along with a ton of extra storage space. Chrysler's famous Stow-N-Go seats are also included, which can be folded completely into under-floor storage bins to create a completely flat floor.Dodge When it comes to tech, the GT grade takes advantage of a 6.5-inch touch infotainment screen that employs the use of Chrysler's UConnect software. Also standard on the GT grade is a nine-speaker sound system complete with a built-in, 506-watt subwoofer and amplifier. As for optional upgrades, original buyers could opt for blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist, along with rear cross-path detection. Tri-zone automatic climate control is also included with the GT package, giving rear-seat occupants the ability to control their own temperature. Remote start is also included. Exterior On the outside, the Grand Caravan GT shows off a couple of key features that let the world know it's not just a normal van. Its wheels are special, 17-inch machined alloys unique to the package. It also sports a body-colored front grille, which can also be blackened if desired. A "GT" badge sits on the rear power liftgate. Wing mirrors come standard as body-colored, and its roof rails are blacked-out from the factory. What It Costs & How It Compares DodgeWhen the Dodge Grand Caravan GT was new in 2019 — its last iteration before it became fleet-only for its final, 2020 model year — it was stickered for roughly $36,240 before any destination fees or options were added on. Now, just seven years later, its price is nearly a third of that. Looking at the market, we see that the '19 Grand Caravan GT fetches an average used price of $12,040 when in average condition with average mileage.Now, the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan GT isn't the only minivan on the market with a touch of athleticism on its side. At the same time, Toyota was producing its Sienna with a 296-horsepower V6, making it the most powerful series-production minivan to ever hit the streets. In addition, the Honda Odyssey offered a 280-horsepower engine, and the Chrysler Pacifica sported 287 ponies. We'll compare current average used prices for all the aforementioned models below: In The End DodgeDodge's final dance with the minivan was a good one, as the Grand Caravan remained a great seller for most of its life. In its final few years, the GT grade was seemingly brought forth to attract a new niche of buyers to the model, most likely in an effort to salvage some sales as well as gain a slightly larger piece of the market. However, the lack of interest in minivans, and Chrysler's introduction of the Pacifica, dealt the killing blow to the Grand Caravan.However, these days, if you're interested in a practical, reliable, and slightly sporty minivan for your family, the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan GT definitely deserves a thorough look-over — especially as it's thousands cheaper than most of its contemporaries.