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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#9 of 38 swivel seats by ppodrouzek Aug 04, 2007 (4:03 pm)
Yes, the rear swivel seats are removable.
#10 of 38 RE:Better but still lagging the leaders or even hyundai [redundant] by briancam Aug 04, 2007 (5:31 pm)
Replying to: redundant (Aug 04, 2007 3:08 pm) The interior finish is better than before but not perfect. The Town & Country looks warmer and more inviting and luxurious than vans like the Sienna and Odyssey but some surfaces are still a little low buck feeling. The Dodge's interior is an obvious step down but they to jazz it up a little with white faced gauges on the SXT, some chrome trim and silver painted plastic that's meant to look like metal. If interior materials are important to you, get the T&C or Odyssey.
#11 of 38 Thats good by redundant Aug 04, 2007 (7:48 pm)
If it looks as good as the competion, that is great. I would get the Town and Country anyway. I am pleased it is being reviewed as well as it is. I need to replace an 8 year olds ford Windstar.
#12 of 38 reply by 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. The swivel seats are not as comfortable as the front seats never mind being even close to the sienna, honda's or even hyundai's second row. The third row also continues to be worse than the rest. Regarding our chrystler worker, that type of mind set is why chrystler will probably be in the dustheap of car makers in the not too distant future, if ou want to sell more make it better than the rest, don't simply spout BS. Replies to this message: briancam (Aug 05, 2007 11:55 am) hansienna (Aug 12, 2007 5:33 pm) marine2 (Aug 28, 2007 10:26 pm)
#13 of 38 6sptl LOL by ppodrouzek Aug 05, 2007 (7:37 am)
Funny 6sptl guy LOL, NO YOU DID NOT drive the new van. I was there.. Only few people were allowed to drive them, but that DID NOT include you... Only auto journalist were allowed to drive them, so what is the name of the publication you work for?? And what is such "Mr.Auto journalist" like you doing here posting on Edmunds boards? And swivel seats are MORE comfortable than the front seats. A lot more cushion than front seats. Try again with your BS And here is another great Grand Caravan review from CarConnection guys http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Minivans_Vans/2008_Dodge_Grand_C- - - - - aravan_Road_Test.S182.A13191.html "The 2008 models aren't likely to set in motion the revolution Chrysler kicked off in 1984, but sometimes, what you really want is planned evolution. The new Caravan achieves that in spades, and the rest of the minivan segment will have to struggle to catch up." And MotorTrend guys like the new van too http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/minivans-vans/112_0710_chrysler_minivans/ "Based on our drives in a range of preproduction 2008 units, Chrysler looks to have leaped straight back to the front of the minivan pack."
#14 of 38 Re: reply [6sptl] by briancam Aug 05, 2007 (11:55 am)
Replying to: 6sptl (Aug 05, 2007 6:59 am) Get over the base model - customers will buy mid level Touring or SXT models. The base is value only, four speed TRANS, 175 hp motor, sounds like a rental to me. I know, I know, Toyotas and Hondas are perfect, that's the mindset that need to go away. and Chrystler - c'mon dude, didn't they set you right on the proper name of the company when you went to go drive those vans? Doesn't add up.
#15 of 38 rhetoric for the sake of rhetoric, I think so. by mopar424 Aug 05, 2007 (5:13 pm)
Love the new vans. CHRYSLER succeded in making a great LOOKING van(in the same mindset as GMs last attempt, laughs), better than many suvs. They created the segment, they know wth they are doing.
#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)