2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review | Buyer Guide
A “Family Room on Wheels”
The fifth generation of the world’s most popular minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan, boasts of 35 new or improved features. It gets new styling, a new drive train and new comfort and entertainment options. Dodge claims it’s “a family room on wheels.”
When I first caught a glimpse of the ’08 Grand Caravan I was disappointed. Granted, minivans are not the most exciting vehicles to look at, but this new model looks darn near generic. Chrysler made the Caravan and its corporate twin the Chrysler Town and Country boxier and featureless this time round. I think it’s a step backwards in design.
The interior of my Grand Caravan was purposeful, but bland, even though it was a top-of-the line SXT, model with leather. If you want a more luxurious look, you need to consider a Town and Country. However, the layout of the Grand Caravan’s cabin is hard to fault. The gear selector is mounted on the dash, out of the way, yet easy to reach. Switches and controls on the dash are clearly marked. A touch screen in the center, which controls the optional entertainment (but no navigation) system, is easy to use. In fact, the interior is the very model of functionality.
Numerous bins, including two glove boxes, as well as a host of clever features make the Grand Caravan the Swiss army knife of its class. The center console has not only a storage compartment and cup holders, but a sliding tray to serve backseat passengers, or the console can be removed entirely. The sunglasses bin, when opened, doubles as a conversation mirror. Small, LED reading lights, like you see on an airplane, provide unobtrusive illumination in all three rows.
However, the hallmark of the Chrysler minivans is the “Stow ‘n Go” feature. Stow ‘n Go enables owners to fold the third-row seats and the second row seats into the floor to maximize cargo space. In this configuration, the storage capacity is humungous at 140.6 cu-ft. When not in use, these storage bins are great for stowing groceries and other supplies.
New this year is another “family room” innovation called “Swivel ‘n Go. ” This optional feature offers the capability to rotate the second-row seats so that they face the third. A small table installs between the two rows that enables passengers to play games or grab a bite to eat together. Legroom in this setup is skimpy, so it is best suited for youngsters.
Other options available include power sliding doors, a power liftgate, a dual DVD entertainment system and satellite TV, in addition to radio. As for safety, The Caravan comes equipped with side-curtain airbags, an anti-skid system with traction control and brake assist, as well as an optional rear backup camera.
Dodge carries over its weak-kneed 3.3-liter, 170-hp, V-6 mated to a four-speed automatic and its more potent 3.8-liter, 198-hp, V-6, now teamed with a six-speed automatic. However, if you are carrying a full load often, you’ll want to go with the 4.0-ltr V-6 that pumps out 240 horses. It’s also tied to a six-speed automatic. This combo has plenty of oomph to get you up steep grades.
As minivans go, the Grand Caravan displays decent driving dynamics. The Chrysler engineers have tuned the suspension more for a comfortable ride, rather than sharp handling, but the handling is predictable. The Caravan has a relatively short (39.1 ft) turning radius, and is not difficult to maneuver in parking lots. I found the ride quality on freeways to be very good, and about average on secondary roads.
All in all, the Grand Caravan might not be pretty, but it is well thought out, and when fully equipped, might just be “a family room on wheels.”
Snapshot Review
Bland Looks
Functional and Flexible Interior
Improved Power Train
Entertainment Options
