Edmunds drives 2008 Grand Caravan

[DetroitNut90]

If you don't like the minivan, you just need to get over yourself. Today's minivan is as much a part of the American family as sibling rivalry and Pop-Tarts. It's practical, versatile and it's what your family wants. Plus, people buy them, just like Pop-Tarts.

And here comes the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Despite swirling rumors of the minivan segment collapsing under the threat of crossover utilities, one in every 15 new vehicles sold in the U.S. is a minivan and about 40 percent of these vans are sold by Chrysler and Dodge. Americans have consistently purchased about 1 million minivans each year since 1993.

Although both Ford and General Motors simply aren't going to build minivans anymore, Chrysler has no intention of walking away from the segment it created almost 25 years ago.

Continue Reading @ Inside Line

[toesuf94]

I must say that I am impressed by these vans. The flexible interior and the finishes they show in the interior should make this thing a barn burner in the sales arena. The Town and country in silver that they show in the photos looks slick and clean, and would probably be my choice. I am just curious if the mini-van is still a desired item or if the market is moving away from this type of product and into the cross-over territory. I know a lot of 20-30 somethings that will not touch a mini-van, no matter how good it is. There is a bit of a negative cache with them in that group...at least from what I have seen.

[gm4life]

Looks much better now and I actually like the interior.

[Intrepidation]

That's was a very positive review, and their only problem with it was the middle-seat seat belts weren't adjustable...other than that they liked it a lot...no stupid negativity about it.

The interiors are very impressive and the powertrains look very nice too...I like the Town and County's interior better because it's more upscale, but I do like the Dodge front end a bit more. They look like winners to me.

[pow]

It looks much better in those photos. The initial PR photos were horrid.

[CMG]

Never before have I seen so much excitment about an upcoming minivan. The guys at dealerships are actually excited about these 2008 Caravans/T&Cs.

There are so many people who can't get past the stigma of a "minivan", but they are actually extremely useful. Many people who HAVE bought them can't picture going back to cars.

[regfootball]

yeah. the 40 and younger set is so style conscious, but for many, a minivan would be among the best vehicles instead of some crossovers. vans still provide a lot more space and utility.

the problem is the fact that they still do things like the ugly dash on this thing with the pornogrpahic shifter sticking out from it.

why must they style the interiors of these things to resemble a school bus instead of just a car?

if they stopped making the interiors so grandpaish and started making them kind of sleek and more carlike......

[Cory Wolfe]

They're definitely innovative. I just wish they were more stylish inside and out (could be said for most minivans, however).

[ZL-1]

It looks much better in those photos. The initial PR photos were horrid.

Same with the Sebring. Saw one a couple of days ago and while I don't find that attractive, it looks much better in the real world.

[ToniCipriani]

Chrysler really doesn't know how to build cars, but they do know how to build one hell of a van.

[Intrepidation]

Chrysler really doesn't know how to build mid-cars, but they do know how to build one hell of a van.

They can build one hell of a large car.

[regfootball]

i saw something that said this thing is SIX inches wider than the 07 GC.......

[pow]

i saw something that said this thing is SIX inches wider than the 07 GC.......

Which makes it about the same width as the Odyssey. The '07 GC has had nearly the same (narrow) dimensions since the mid-'90s.

[pow]

As far as pricing, it's actually very similar to Odysseys and Siennas with similar equipment. The low Sedona-like starting price is from decontenting in the base models (bench 2nd row, 175 hp engine, etc).

[regfootball]

i think the swivel and go is kind of dumb. what they should have done is figured how to do a one touch power stow and go second row and third row. wait, i think they have a power third row.

[Intrepidation]

i think the swivel and go is kind of dumb. what they should have done is figured how to do a one touch power stow and go second row and third row. wait, i think they have a power third row.

Yes because who wants to face the rear passengers and actually carry a conversation with them, or play game on the table or eat off of a table? Yes, totally dumb.

But if you don't like them than get Stow `n Go...good luck finding either feature from teh competition...and good luck finding a minivan from the other Doemstics...unless you count thegiant $h!-brick Ford Fux.

Edited August 6, 2007 by Dodgefan

[mustang84]

From someone who grew up in minivans as a kid, I gotta say that's pretty cool. The table and double-row DVD players are good ideas. It's good to see the third row passengers not getting the short end of the stick anymore. I remember in our '93 Villager the second row had two cup holders and the third row had none, plus there were no second row vents so it got hot as hell in back. I wonder if they have any 120V outlets in back to charge a laptop.

I like how Dodge is starting to do the USB ports with the Avenger. I'm sure other cars have done it or will be doing it (like Ford Sync-equipped cars), but the Avenger has done a good job marketing it.

[Micah Pie]

If I had the money, I would replace my Chevy Venture with one of these RIGHT NOW!

But since the Van is payed for, I rather keep it until it goes out, it's still a nice van. A shame GM put it in it's grave.

I like the introduction of the article, though.

Yes, get over yourself... yes, a Minivan doesn's scream "I am a potent male!", but it does quitely whisper to passing SUVs "Hey, for about 10 more miles to the gallon, I haul twice the kids at a more comfortable, low ride"

That and the sliding doors. Seriously, NOTHING is better than sliding doors. If it was up to me, my 84 Olds Delta 88 had sliding doors!!

[Intrepidation]

If I had the money, I would replace my Chevy Venture with one of these RIGHT NOW!

But since the Van is payed for, I rather keep it until it goes out, it's still a nice van. A shame GM put it in it's grave.

I like the introduction of the article, though.

Yes, get over yourself... yes, a Minivan doesn's scream "I am a potent male!", but it does quitely whisper to passing SUVs "Hey, for about 10 more miles to the gallon, I haul twice the kids at a more comfortable, low ride"

That and the sliding doors. Seriously, NOTHING is better than sliding doors. If it was up to me, my 84 Olds Delta 88 had sliding doors!!

Apparently, Mercedes didn't get the memo when they were installing those huge, stupid rear doors on the huge, stupid R-Class.