2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

The minivan remains one of the most space-efficient, carlike vehicles. And Dodge aims to retain its big share of the minivan market, or enlarge it, with its revamped, fifth-generation Grand Caravan.

The shorter Caravan model is gone, leaving the long-wheelbase 2008 Grand Caravan, which most buyers have gotten, anyway. The 2008 version is 2 inches longer in wheelbase and overall length than the previous Grand Caravan, with a roomier interior. It's got a new no-nonsense look that shouldn't cause drivers to be called "soccer moms (or dads)."

There are SE and higher-line SXT trim levels. Base prices go from $21,740 to $26,805. The SXT costs $27,435 if equipped with an optional ($630) new 4-liter, 251-horsepower overhead-camshaft V-6, which is by far the best engine for the heavy Grand Caravan.

However, the new engine must be ordered with a $3,785 Quick Order Package that contains such items as a rear-obstacle detection system or $7,290 Quick Order Package, which contains many items including a DVD entertainment system with dual DVD players and dual screens.

Dodge says 2008 prices are lower than those of similarly equipped predecessors, partly because it can build its new minivan in fewer configurations than for the outgoing minivan.

The minivan market is, of course, mostly a family market. Chrysler thus offers the 2008 Grand Caravan with a very family oriented "Swivel 'n Go" option. It costs $495 in the SXT and $1,440 in the SE, but it must be ordered for each model with another option package.

Swivel 'n Go has second-row bucket seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third-row riders and a fairly small circular table you then can erect between the second- and third-row seats to use to eat or play cards, Scrabble, etc. The table and its leg come from an under-floor storage bin. Four front console cupholders slide back to deliver drinks and food to rear occupants.

The Swivel 'n Go feature is reminiscent of "Car of the Future" articles seen in 1950s mass-market magazines for mechanically, futuristic-minded readers that showed a family playing cards on a table in the center of their car, which had a transparent bubble roof and drove itself on highways. (I was in a "drive-by-itself" Honda on that automaker's test site in Japan, but that car still isn't ready for prime time and had no table or bubble roof.)

Remaining for the Grand Caravan is the $945 "Stow 'n Go" option, which lets you fold second- and third-row seats into the floor. However, it's not available with the Swivel 'n Go option.

Also newly available are three kids' channels of Sirius satellite television. The dual DVD system can simultaneously play two different DVDs on two separate overhead LCD screens. All audio can be carried through wireless headphones.

Larger tires, revised suspension and wider front/rear tracks (distance between wheels on the same axle) allow good roadability for such big, heavy vehicles. The best handling is provided by the SXT with the 4-liter V-6 and sport suspension. My test SXT minivan's precise steering had a somewhat heavy, but confidence-inspiring, feel, while the ride was supple and the brake pedal's linear action allowed easy stops.

The Grand Caravan is pretty well-equipped with comfort and convenience features. Safety items include side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control -- besides optional rear-park assist and a newly available backup camera.

My test Grand Caravan had the 197-horsepower V-6. It provided good -- but hardly neck-snapping -- acceleration because Grand Caravans weigh from 4,321 to 4,514 pounds. The 4-liter V-6, which comes with a sport suspension, provides the best performance.

The 3.3, which is best for in-town driving, works with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the other two V-6s shoot power through a more modern, responsive six-speed automatic.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with the 3.3 V-6 and 16 and 23 with the other V-6s. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

The new Grand Caravan doesn't have the familiar rounded, sweeping "jellybean" styling of earlier models. Rather, it has the more purposeful squared-off, broad-shouldered styling of an SUV or crossover vehicle.

The longer front end borrows its nose design from Dodge's masculine Charger. The roof is lower and wider, and there are sporty looking wheel flares.

The first Dodge Caravan -- and identical Plymouth Voyager -- minivans had no-nonsense boxy styling and were runaway successes. The more expensive Chrysler Town & Country came later as an uptown version of the Caravan. The 2008 T&C's styling is similar to that of the Grand Caravan, but has quad headlights and borrows front styling from the sporty Chrysler 300 sedan. It also has additional features and a more relaxed ride than the sportier Dodge.

It's easy to get in and out of the Grand Caravan, thanks to a low floor and wide door openings. The quieter interior is definitely upgraded, with better materials. Seats are comfortable, and there's a new dashboard-mounted shift lever. First and second rows are roomy. The third row can be reached without body contortions but has tight legroom for tall passengers. Gauges can be quickly read, and major controls are easy to reach and use.

The cargo opening is low and wide, and cargo space is generous.

Chrysler is generally best known for offering the first modern minivan -- the Dodge Caravan and identical Plymouth Voyager -- in 1984, although Volkswagen first sold its minivan, called the "Transporter," in 1950. The Transporter, variously called the Station Wagon, Kombi and Micro Bus, already was into its third generation when Chrysler announced its first minivans.

But the public snapped up Chrysler's minivans because they were readily available, inexpensive and practical -- and promoted by popular Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca, who gave them an All-American image.

Chrysler's first minivans were among its many vehicles based on its mundane front-wheel-drive K-car platform. But they gave the automaker a long lead in the minivan market that it still dominates, despite strong competition from Japanese minivans such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. 

2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 

PRICE: $21,740-$26,805. 

LIKES: Larger. Roomier. New businesslike styling. Swivel seats with table. Powerful new V-6. Comfortable.

DISLIKES: Average highway performance with base and mid-range V-6s. Tight third-row seat for tall adults.