Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan First Drive

38 messages, Last post on Oct 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Grand Caravan, Van

Article comments for First Drive: 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. (more)

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#16 of 38 Love the concept; don't like the execution by goatrope Aug 05, 2007 (6:21 pm)
I'm glad to see that the Limited comes with xenon HID headlights - current and previous models have substandard headlights - and a rear-view camera. What I don't like is that this "minivan" only comes in the extra-long 202.5 inch size - that's as long as a GMC Yukon. And the blocky design reminds me of the recent GM failures. GM and Ford are dead in this segment, and the Honda has an unacceptable transmission and those goofy, expensive Michelin Pax tires on the top model. Only the Kia and Mazda come in the non-super size. I like minivans, but I don't like the new Chrysler.
#17 of 38 Questions by carcom2 Aug 05, 2007 (8:48 pm)
I'm glad to see some very favorable first drive reviews. Been waiting to drive the T&C every since I heard it was redesigned. Any one know what the gas mileage figures are or weight of the 2008's? What octane does the 4.0 use? Also, if you get the power sunroof, is there still room for the dual DVD players with the nice lighting? Can you get the sunroof with just 1 DVD player and the lighting? What do you think about the Powertrain Warranty? -- "The Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component that is defective in workmanship and materials. There is no coverage for towing. Any announcement on the date the dealers in the Northeast will get them? Replies to this message: carcom2 (Aug 05, 2007 10:10 pm) briancam (Aug 06, 2007 12:38 pm)
#18 of 38 Swivelling seats by bszeto Aug 05, 2007 (9:26 pm)
Sorry Chrysler, you guys were not the first to have swivelling seats - it was the Toyota Previa (around 1991-1996) that had swivelling middle-row chairs! Replies to this message: newcastlein83 (Aug 22, 2007 4:37 am)
#19 of 38 Re: Questions [carcom2] by carcom2 Aug 05, 2007 (10:10 pm)
Replying to: carcom2 (Aug 05, 2007 8:48 pm) I searched some more and saw this: Leg Room - 3rd Row [in] 37.6 - for smaller engine and 31.8 for Limited. Wht almost 6 in. less in Limited? Fuel Economy [mpg] - Combined 20; vs 19 or Limited Base Curb Weight [lb] - with Automatic Transmission [lb] 4335 vs 4621 for Limited Fuel Tank Capacity [gal] 20.5 20.5
#20 of 38 Re: Questions [carcom2] by briancam Aug 06, 2007 (12:38 pm)
Replying to: carcom2 (Aug 05, 2007 8:48 pm) 4L engine uses 87 octane. Interestingly, the 4.0L and 3.8L get the same EPA fuel econ rating - 16/23. Of course the bigger engine has more power thanks to SOHC.
#21 of 38 Rear Seat Comfort? by samnoe Aug 06, 2007 (4:02 pm)
If the new van is longer and wider than before, why didn't they succeeded to rework the rear folding seat? All imports have much better designed third row seats! Power folding is nice, if you can afford it, and when you'll use it (once in 2 months?), but the comfortability is something we need every single day! And what's up with this weird shifter? Is it OK or is it annoying? I would really like to see a better review, compared to other vans. 0-60 figures is not so important, but braking, turning circle, and a few other things I would really like to see. I personal don't care for the swiveling seats. I think the Stow'n'go is much more practical and is much more useful in the long run. Too bad the seats are soooooooo uncomfortable. That's a major drawback. Replies to this message: newcastlein83 (Aug 22, 2007 4:39 am)
#22 of 38 2008 Chrysler Mini Van by tfb2 Aug 12, 2007 (8:25 am)
JD Power recently turned in the result of a survey that stated the number one reason people buy new cars is style - the way they look. Chrysler decides to abandon style and give us a rectangular box instead. I saw the 2008 Chrysler Mini Van at the Detroit Show last January, and decided to buy a 2007 instead of waiting for the 2008. Chevrolet had trouble selling their Mini Van, and three or so years ago designed it to look more like a truck, because that’s what people were buying. No, I’m not making this up. As a result, Chevrolet sold even fewer Mini Vans, to the point they are now out of the market. Same for Ford – gone from the Mini Van market, although I read they are going to bring back the Station Wagon in the guise of a rectangular box called Flex. God bless them for trying. But, what does Chrysler do for 2008? They go for the truck look. It seems Honda has been crowned the King of Mini Vans by the Automotive Press. The current model Honda Odyssey Mini Van has among other features: The most horsepower in its class. A Computer controlled engine cylinder management system that “blanks” out 50% of the cylinders when they are not needed for power. Depending where you read about the fuel savings, this feature will save between 5% and 25% in fuel. Wish I knew the truth. The Odyssey has a computer controlled suspension system. Ever driven a Mini Van at high speed (Interstate Hwy.) on a windy day? You’ll like this feature. And, the Odyssey can be ordered with both the Moon Roof and Side Curtain Air Bags. But, because you can buy the Chrysler at Dealer Invoice, and it seems there is always a rebate on the Chrysler, the Honda will cost you anywhere from 2,500.00 to 7,000.00 more than the Chrysler, even though both MSRP’s are similar. I fell for the “photo shopped” picture of a puffed up Chrysler Touring Wagon that circulated on the Internet last year, labeled as being the 2008 Chrysler Mini Van. If you have seen that photo, you can imagine my disappointment when I first saw the 2008 Chrysler Mini Van Rectangular Box. Too, there was a rumor last year that Chrysler was going to have the first V8 engine available for a Mini Van. Being Chrysler, I immediately thought Hemi, and cylinder management is available with the Hemi. Now, in my mind, it registers as just another disappointment from Chrysler. I certainly hope our American guys make it. I’m doing my job, buying American made products. But, I want styling and state of the art, not a rectangular box that has trouble getting out of its own way. Come on Chrysler, Ford, Chevrolet, do your part. Probably the first thing you should do is fire or reassign the people who signed off on the styling of the new Chrysler Mini Van and the new Ford Flex. Replies to this message: hansienna (Aug 12, 2007 5:42 pm) aaron_t (Aug 22, 2007 9:53 am) marine2 (Aug 28, 2007 10:58 pm) xwesx (Aug 29, 2007 7:42 am) carcom2 (Aug 29, 2007 3:38 pm)
#23 of 38 Re: reply [6sptl] by hansienna Aug 12, 2007 (5:33 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (Aug 05, 2007 6:59 am) Swivel seats must be VERY uncomfortable if the Sienna 2nd row seats are more comfortable. I own a 2006 Sienna LE and the front passenger and 2nd row seat comfort is UNACCEPTABLE. By comparison, the 2nd row Quad seats of my 2002 T&C LX were VERY comfortable. Although my 06 Sienna has a very comfortable driver's seat, all other seats of the Honda Odyssey are THE MOST comfortable for me. The Sedona and Entourage seat fabric and carpet look and felt VERY cheap by comparison.
#24 of 38 Re: 2008 Chrysler Mini Van [tfb2] by hansienna Aug 12, 2007 (5:42 pm)
Replying to: tfb2 (Aug 12, 2007 8:25 am) Are you living in a cave? The 2007 Sienna has MORE power than the 2007 Odyssey. ....Sienna 268 HP vs Odyssey 244 HP ....Sienna 245 lb-ft torque vs Odyssey 240 lb-ft I would still prefer a 2007 Ody EX over a 2007 Sienna LE but would NOT get the EX-L. The VCM is a BIG hoax that looks good on paper but is no better in the real world. My 06 Sienna has been a very big disappointment. It is NO better than my less expensive 2002 T&C LX....contrary to the misleading reports of the car "experts". The more attractive interior of the Sienna does not compensate for the lack of separately controlled temperature for the driver and front passenger...and the Sienna has an inferior radio.
#25 of 38 Re: Better but still lagging the leaders or even hyundai [6sptl] by newcastlein83 Aug 22, 2007 (4:23 am)
Replying to: 6sptl (Aug 03, 2007 6:22 pm) Uh, my 2000 Dodge Caravan 2.4L (four cylinder), 3-speed (yes three ..no OD) automatic transmission has been up to 112 mph. It cruises 85 with ease. I'll say that it's 0-60 is not stellar. You sound like a japanese snob/chrysler hater.