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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#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)
#32 of 38 Re: 2008 Chrysler Mini Van [marine2] by xwesx Aug 29, 2007 (7:42 am)
Replying to: marine2 (Aug 28, 2007 10:58 pm) Hemi? We're talking mini vans here, not sport cars. True, but I suspect such a fitting would be a well-received niche. There are likely a fair number of parents out there who should have a minivan for practical reasons but likely prefer something far less... family oriented.
#33 of 38 Re: 2008 Chrysler Mini Van [tfb2] by carcom2 Aug 29, 2007 (3:38 pm)
Replying to: tfb2 (Aug 12, 2007 8:25 am) As far as styling for the 2008 T&C, I was disappointed after just seeing base model interior, but then when I saw a Touring model without options, what a bid difference. It looked much better. So I'm wondereing which model you're referring too. Also as far as the outside, I like the front& rear end. The side profile is starting to look better to me after a second look. The overall outside looks better in some colors than others and I think if one got the 4.0 L, they wouldn't be disappointed. I don't like the dash on the Honda. T&C looks better IMO. As far as Honda fuel savings,the 2007 Honda LX-18/25; EX-L - 19/26 based on 2007 EPA mileage estimates. It's not a big deal. Based on 2008 estimates it would probably drop down 2-3 miles, so hardly any better than the 2008 T&C. They've improved the aero. on the T&C, so without driving them both down the highway, who knows which will drive better. And you probably realize by now the 4.0 L T&C has more HP & torque than the Honda, right? 251 HP; 259 lb-ft
#34 of 38 Re: Caravan/T&C are still FIRST for many of us [6sptl] by hansienna Sep 02, 2007 (8:25 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (Aug 03, 2007 6:22 pm) But many of us are NOT aggressive drivers and appreciate comfort items like separately controlled temperature for driver and front passenger that is NOT available on the beloved Odyssey for less than $ 29,000 and runner-up Sienna for less than $30,000. My 2002 T&C with 3.3L V6 could easily exceed the speed limit. If you want power and performance, Chrysler has the 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Viper. What do Honda and Toyota produce that can keep us with any of these 3? Replies to this message: mek0123 (Sep 03, 2007 5:03 pm)
#35 of 38 Re: Caravan/T&C are still FIRST for many of us [hansienna] by mek0123 Sep 03, 2007 (5:03 pm)
Replying to: hansienna (Sep 02, 2007 8:25 pm) Yes, the dual and tri-temperature controlled minivan feature in the Chrysler minivans, not to mention the load leveling shocks (option w/towing package) leads to comfort unequalled (in my opinion) to their Japanese counterparts. I've got 203K on my 2001 Dodge GC ES and it still runs like new with original load leveling shocks in rear and same engine and trans. No problems at all less an ABS sensor in rear wheel and a water pump at 52K. Fluid changes at regular intervals are key to longevity with both domestic and foreign vehicles alike.
#36 of 38 08 T&C by samnoe Sep 04, 2007 (3:28 pm)
Don't you know Hemi's are designed for Rear Wheel Drive vehicles only. The minivan is front drive. I also dislike the Odyssey's instrument panel. The gauges are nice, and that's about it. The base LX are more comfortable with simple dials for the temperature system than the weird automatic controls in the higher models. Quality may be good, but they need to improve design. A design like the CR-V Would be just good IMO, if not too plain. I still think the new Chrysler minivan is not up to where it should be. Interior quality, engine and overall refinement still trail the leaders. I do love the MyGig music system, though, and some other minor features over the Japanese minivans. Let's see how sales will be. Any idea when it will arrive at the dealers? Replies to this message: hansienna (Sep 05, 2007 6:30 pm)
#37 of 38 Re: 08 T&C [samnoe] by hansienna Sep 05, 2007 (6:30 pm)
Replying to: samnoe (Sep 04, 2007 3:28 pm) Another web site (that does not appear to be a competitor of Edmunds) has these photos of a 2008 T&C: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php?p=46914#post46914 I think the interior looks "very nice".
#38 of 38 I'm Tired by hayneldan Oct 19, 2007 (5:37 pm)
Of all these Odyssey and Toyota owners sniping at the people who happen to like The Chrysler/Dodge versions better than the ones they picked. It is the owners money and they should pick the van that appeals to them the most. For the records The new 08 minivan is 50 to 390 lbs lighter than a Honda(depending on model)has a longer wheelbase 122.2 vs 118 and has the same or better features that the Odyssey and a longer warranty to boot. To those who snipe at the stow and go seating, I am 6'4' and weigh 250 lbs, if you adjust the headrest and the angle of the stow and go even you too can be comfortable in the second row.