2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

The Grand Caravan is a minivan that debuted in 1987. It was originally a long wheelbase version of the Caravan, the vehicle that introduced the minivan. Still going strong after all these years, the Grand Caravan has been redesigned for 2008.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Dodge Grand Caravan was one of the first of its kind, and it's still one of the best. It's the ultimate in family-friendly, from its swiveling seats, to its entertainment options, to its full stack of safety features. The ride is quiet and comfortable. It's the quintessential minivan.

What's New For 2008:

The Grand Caravan is all-new for 2008. It now features Swivel 'n Go seats, a power folding third row, removeable cupholders, heated seats, and a built-in flashlight. Side airbags and stability control are now standard. The exterior is all-new, and is powered by a 4.0-L V6 with 240 horsepower.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$22,520

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
7

Gas Mileage:
17/24

Engine:
3.3L V6

Horsepower:
175@5000RPM

Torque:
205@4000RPM

Transmission:
4 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
20

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
0/Unlimite

Rust Warranty:
60/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Grand Caravan 3 stars for overall quality. Problems with the last generation included steering play, suspension noise, water leaks and failing remote starters. Two major recalls were issued for breaking wipers and improperly manufactured seatbelts. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Grand Caravan earned perfect government crash test scores. IIHS crash scores are not yet available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. A parking camera and sensors are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Innovative seating
+ Plenty of storage compartments
+ Wealth of entertainment options

Cons
- Bland exterior
- Mediocre performance
- Third row a bit cramped

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chevrolet Uplander has over 200 more hp, but lacks side airbags. The Chrysler Town and Country is virtually identical, but costs a few hundred more. The Kia Sedona costs over a grand less, has a standard third row and 250 more hp.

What Others Are Saying:

"In terms of styling and driver appeal, I think the new Grand Caravan has taken a step backwards -- but minivan buyers are generally much more concerned with safety and functionality than driver appeal, and those are areas where the Grand Caravan really shines." - About.com

"Perhaps the exterior fails to prompt any huzzahs from the peanut gallery, but people looking for an exciting family hauler ought to check out the Magnum. Those who need uncompromised room for seven or eight people and all the accoutrements of suburban life can do no better than a minivan, especially if that minivan has not one, but two DVD entertainment systems, allowing the middle and back seat occupants to watch different movies. Pimp that, Xzibit. Or, if all the kids are watching the same movie, when it's over, the middle seats swivel 180 degrees, allowing everyone a nice face-to-face discussion of the subtleties of plot and theme." - Car and Driver

"Seen from that perspective, there is not much sexy about the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It is a family hauler, albeit one elegantly done. Even with the 4.0-liter, V-6 engine, there is little about the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT that can be called zoom-zoom, although it demonstrates substantial straight-line performance on high-speed expressways. Going around curves in the minivan, which stretches nearly 17 feet and weighs 4,483 pounds, requires a modicum of common sense. It's not a sports car. It was never meant to be one. It is, instead, a remarkably nice mobile lounge, and it should be driven that way." - The Detroit News

Read more about the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan at the Dodge manufacturer web site.

Published on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - Email to a friend

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What do you think?

Road Test: Dodge Grand Caravan
Read User Comments

Differences between the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country are largely superficial. They're even built in the same plant in St. Louis, MO. Like the Town and Country the Caravan was completely redesigned for 2008 with a new 6-speed automatic transmission for the higher trims, "Swivel 'n Go" seating, plus side curtain air bags for the 3rd row and standard electronic stability control. With this many similarities, you'd think that it would be tough to tell the vehicles apart. But the Dodge model just looks cheaper somehow.

Chosen Model Trim:

The Dodge Grand Caravan comes in the SE and SXT trim models. I test drove the SXT which comes loaded with features including DVD and CD players, back-up camera, satellite radio, power windows and locks and foldable seating. There's also a central light strip that provides a low-level of illumination when the head lights are on as well as focused map lights for all of the seats.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

The van shares one nit-picking flaw with the Chrysler Town and Country. The center console is so large that fastening your seat belt can be challenging. Nevertheless, you get a ton of storage room for your CD's and DVD's in return for that minor inconvenience. The van has numerous configurations, depending on how you set the seats. Stow them out of the way for hauling large items or get the package that includes swiveling bucket seats and a table so the kids can play cards when they're bored watching DVD's on those long trips.

Driving Experience:

As with the Chrysler Town and Country you have choices of engines. The model I drove had the 3.8 Liter 6-cylinder and it drove like a dream. As with the Town and Country, you're not going to be winning any speed or maneuverability contests in this minivan. Even so, it was a safe, comfortable ride even in cold, wet, slippery conditions.

Summary and My Opinion:

Since this is a major overhaul of the Caravan, reliability information is not available. That being said if you want a minivan that offers all of the features that you can imagine, a nice interior, configuration versatility and a comfortable ride, you could do worse than the original minivan, the Dodge Grand Caravan. If you don't want all of the snazzy features you can get a Grand Caravan for substantially less money than a Town and Country. If you load the Caravan, there is no substantial difference in price. And honestly, the Town and Country has a more polished feel and look to it.

User Comments

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review discusses the original minivan's new redesign.

Friday, July 25, 2008

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2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review