Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Vans & Minivans Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan 2008 Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan
501 messages, Last post on May 18, 2009 at 7:05 PM
You are in the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan Forum. Your Host is Karens
|
I had to leave my Chrysler Town & Country at the mechanic for a day for many repair issues (and still need to bring it back for more repairs, all under warranty. Wow), and I got a rental for that day – a Kia Sedona minivan. At first I was kinda unhappy, because, you know, it’s a “KIA”. Well, after driving it for one day, I must say I am very impressed! It is SO MUCH BETTER than my Chrysler van, that I was shocked. Sure, in terms of features and entertainment, the Chrysler wins hands down. But other than that, I must applause Kia/Hyundai. I got an LX Sedona, a bare-bones model, with no extra features, just the basics. To start the comparison, let me state that I have the Limited version of the Town & Country, which have the more powerful 4.0L engine (251 hp) and a 6-speed transmission, as apposed to the 5-speed only on the Sedona, which also has a 3.8L, 250 hp engine (across the line, BTW, not only in top models). But the Sedona was so much better at takeoff, it felt briskly and ready to go, while my truck-like Town & Country feels much more sluggish. Leave alone the engine noise – the Sedona has a quieter, much more refined sound when accelerating, while the Town & Country has a harsh-sounding engine which would rather suite for a truck. The ride on smooth roads is quite similar, but on bumps or potholes, the Sedona WINS - BIG TIME! It takes’em so much better. The handling of the Sedona is also superior to the Town & Country. The Sedona feels almost sporty when compared to the Town & Country, it feels lighter, almost car-like, the steering feel is better, and the steering wheel is much smaller which enhance the driving experience. (The Town & Country has a H-U-G-E thick steering wheel which would also rather suite for a truck.) Overall, the Sedona feels much more refined that the Town & Country, in most every aspect. The controls feel more precise, even small things, like the signal lever, and even the signal clicks. Controls are up high within easy reach, while in my Town & Country I have to bend down below my knees for some A/C controls. Everything is lighted, even the ignition key ring insert, the glove box, etc. It has the windshield wiper de-icer – a feature Chrysler had it first on minivans, but they dropped it to save some money, and companies like Kia picked it up instead. What a shame. Again, The Town & Country has its own pros, it’s much nicer executed in many ways, much more luxurious, and more exciting gauge cluster and entertainment options, but the driving experience is not even close to the Sedona. I am still shocked.
|
|
|
Replying to: samnoe (Apr 05, 2009 11:46 am) Didn't you test drive any other vans before deciding on Chrysler? I test drove Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai before buying mine. It seems like nobody takes their cars for test drives before buying them.
|
|
|
Replying to: maguy (Apr 05, 2009 5:50 pm) Never did I thought that the new one will be worse than the predecessor. My lease was up with the old one at the same time when the new one was released, and I had no source to check any reviews, only the "new features" which Chrysler added, and sounded very exciting. Many features I did not want but there was no choice, I could only get them that way or wait another few months for a custom-built model. I knew I will hate the power 3rd row seats. Who needs it? Now it gives me the hell. Every day new problems. It does not act like it supposed to. Squeaks and rattles all over the van like crazy. All passengers, included my own kids, keep questioning me if I am sure this is a new van??... I am sure that it's because it's a first year model, and in a year or 2 most problems will be corrected - with the exception of the engine refinement, ride and handling, which needs a major makeover. I hope that Chrysler see their situation today, and will learn the hard way - and in the end, release better products. |
|
|
Replying to: samnoe (Apr 06, 2009 2:52 pm) I tried a sedona on a recent trip, and it felt very sluggish and stodgy...a bit like the 90's era grand caravan. The highway fuel economy was about 3 MPG less than my 3.8. The only good thing I can say about the Sedona is that it rode better than the Kia Amanti, which is supposedly a luxury car. Does anyone here have an opinion about the new chrysler 4.0L vs the 3.8? I just passed 66K and other than a leaking rack, the van has been flawless. Note: I just replaced the factory Bridgestone's with Cooper CS4's. What a difference in feel and road noise! |
|
|
Replying to: samnoe (Apr 06, 2009 2:52 pm) People's experiences with Chrysler/Dodge minivans seem to be all over the map.
|
|
|
Replying to: srs_49 (Apr 07, 2009 2:30 am) What I meant to say, that I never expected the Kia to feel so much lighter, faster, better bump absorbing, less body lean, easier controls, than my once-beloved Town & Country. But it did. And that was my shock. Hyundai/Kia are improving with giant steps. And Chrysler????? Anyway, we're not into comparisons here, but I just wanter to air out my feelings, my thoughts... That's all. Back to the Chrysler Town & Country........ |
|
|
Replying to: srs_49 (Apr 07, 2009 2:30 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: xwesx (Apr 08, 2009 10:54 am) My Mother still has a 2002 Caravan Sport which has also been flawless. Two close friends each drive a Grand STX or T&C Touring which also have been flawless in the 2 years they've owned them. I know these are just anecdotes, but the truth is that you rarely hear the success stories. I don't blame people for complaining when they get a lemon, but I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater either. I just hope Chrysler hangs on, because the Caravan is their only vehicle that reigns supreme in it's market segment, and I hope to keep buying them. |
|
|
Replying to: samnoe (Feb 12, 2009 7:58 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: drewdl (Apr 20, 2009 2:01 pm) |
|
You are here:
Forums
Vans & Minivans Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan 2008 Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Chrysler Town and Country
2007 Dodge Caravan
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
