Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan First Drive

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

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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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#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.
#26 of 38 Re: Swivelling seats [bszeto] by newcastlein83 Aug 22, 2007 (4:37 am)
Replying to: bszeto (Aug 05, 2007 9:26 pm) My Olds 442 had swivel bucket seats. Great for changing into/out of golf shoes.
#27 of 38 Re: Rear Seat Comfort? [samnoe] by newcastlein83 Aug 22, 2007 (4:39 am)
Replying to: samnoe (Aug 06, 2007 4:02 pm) weirdest yet is the Prius.
#28 of 38 Re: 2008 Chrysler Mini Van [tfb2] by aaron_t Aug 22, 2007 (9:53 am)
Replying to: tfb2 (Aug 12, 2007 8:25 am) Toyota's more peak horsepower is trumped by Chrysler's most transmission gears. The Chrysler 4.0L also has more peak torque at lower engine speed than any other minivan. If you've driven the 2007 Pacifica, the powertrain is the same with only the overall gearing affected by final drive ratio and tire size differences. I haven't heard anyone complain about the 2007 Pacifica powretrain. My 2005 and 2007 T&C Tourings had no problems 85-90mph. Softer than I prefer, but quiet and controlled. I haven't driven the 2008 models yet. The moonrof + side curtain airbags "problem" on the 05-07 models has been resolved for the 2008 models. You should really get your facts straight and drive the models in question before assuming a completely redesigned model is the same as the outgoing model.
#29 of 38 Re: reply [6sptl] by marine2 Aug 28, 2007 (10:26 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (Aug 05, 2007 6:59 am) I have driven the caravan, and I've said it improved over the obsolete previous version. Hoever six speeds does not imply a better transmission, simply that it has more gears. The base engine is underpowered unrefined and spends as much gas as the most powerful one. That's funny. I could have sworn I read the base engine only has a four speed tranny. You must have driven the only one with the six speed in it.
#30 of 38 Re: 2008 Chrysler Mini Van [tfb2] by marine2 Aug 28, 2007 (10:58 pm)
Replying to: 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. I like the 2007 model, but the 2008 is no slouch in styling, especially inside. Chrysler has it hands down over the 2007 inside. That boxy look also gives it more room and if you look in the engine compartment you will see a big difference with the 3.8 engine. You can actually take the rear plugs out yourself in the new van. Good luck with your 2007 model. 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. It was a rumor and I bet it wasn't from Chrysler. So how can you blame Chrysler for that? Hemi? We're talking mini vans here, not sport cars. Replies to this message: xwesx (Aug 29, 2007 7:42 am)