2001 BMW X5

2001 {{{{{{Dodge Grand Caravan}}}}}}
Since we last updated our Grand Caravan, a couple gremlins have reared their heads: The driver-side window intermittently fails to raise or lower, and there's a bushing squeak emanating from the front suspension. Unfortunately, these showed up just after we had the (early) 15,000-mile services performed (change oil and filter, replace air filter, inspect belts and hoses, and tire rotation). We'll catch them next time. We've become smitten with the GC's roomy interior and family-minded creature comforts; it's the vehicle most requested for family vacations, long weekends, and hauling missions. With our tester's full three rows of seating in place, carrying the scout troop is a no-brainer. Pull out the second and third rows, and it easily swallows 4x8 sheets of plywood or enough tires to supply a NASCAR team for a weekend. Our editors are impressed with the cabin's lack of squeaks, rattles, or road noise, especially when the professional-grade stereo (albeit with way-too-small buttons) gets cranked up. The dual-powered side and rear doors are number one on our gizmo list-a handy feature when arms are full of toddlers or groceries or when the weather is sour.

From The Logbook
"Interior lighting in this Caravan is superb. If you can't find something in here after dark, it isn't in here!"
-John Matthius

2001 {{{{{{BMW X5}}}}}}
As the year with our Long-Term X5 winds down, our staff's desire to get behind the wheel of our black BMW only gets more frenzied. We're still not happy with the optional navigation system, which clearly displayed the X5 swimming in the middle of Lake Arrowhead, even though it was a nautical mile inland. The limited cargo space also has been an issue, as one staffer commented, "Forget about carrying a family of four's luggage for a week's vacation, unless you don't mind strapping a couple suitcases onto the roof rack." Storage aside, the votes on the X5's 4.4L V-8 powertrain are unanimous. Others noted, "The throaty exhaust note is music to the ears, torque band is wonderful, and the tranny is a sure shifter." There are no mechanical issues to report this time around, as our staffers not so patiently await their final turns.

From The Logbook
"There's only one way to describe the X5: Sehr gut!"
-Scott Mead