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Vans & Minivans Honda Odyssey Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring
184 messages, Last post on Jan 16, 2009 at 4:58 PM
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I posted this under a different post too: It's funny that most reviews use the Grand Caravan without self-leveling suspension. If any of you have driven the new 2008 Chrysler Town and Country Limited with the self-leveling suspension, you would walk away with a better impression compared to the regular suspension. The drive and the looks inside are better. The T&C I drove takes much quicker composed turns,steering more responsive providing better feedback - not numb like most reviews state for the GC. I have a 97 GC Sport - the enhanced suspension helps it handle like a very good driving car - better than the regular 97 minivan. That, to me, is the difference between the 2008 w/ self-leveling vs the 2008 without(you can buy as an option self-leveling for both T&C and GC). I thought the T&C drove great, the GC good. As I've mentioned before, better trim levels are available on the T&C. Check out the differences and let me know what you think. For those of you out there into this - isn't a self-leveling suspension the ice-cream? Nice job marine2. It would be nice if T&C/GC had a telescoping steering wheel. That's about all that isn't available. Although, even with the leather seats included suede inserts,I wish there was less vinyl. And it looks like the 3rd row is all vinyl. Can't remember the last time I sat on vinyl seats. Leather & fabric, yes. But vinyl? How are those in the summer? If wearing shorts, does your skin stick to it? I know I can always hit the remote starter to get the AC going. I feel like buying something to replace the 97GC, although with 103K it still drives fine. Just that after 10 yrs, starting to want something new. Still love my 2005 300C. So don't know if I will wait to see the VW minivan version or what else coming out. It's nice not having to need a new vehicle. But just want one. PS - I'm wondering how many of you not liking the 2008 T&C and GC even drove them? Seems like you like regurgitating info. from reviews. Is that the way you decide on buying a car? You don't go out for a test drive but let someone else write about the drive? Why don't you drive one with the self-leveling suspension and then talk about your real experiences instead of blowing smoke and spouting off specs? |
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Replying to: 6sptl (Sep 07, 2007 6:38 pm)  |
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| Can the pricing be equalized for the comparison? The Higher priced Dodge had more features than the Honda. Feature for feature, the Dodge is cheaper. I realize what you test cannot always be controlled, but the ratings can be. If the pricing was flipped by $3k in Dodge's favor as it probably is comparing similar features/options, the Dodge would have won the comparison. | |
I recently test drove a new 2008 Town and Country LX. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan counterpart is not available yet at my dealer, but they are essentially the same minivan with different logos. The dealer quoted me a cash price of $25K for the TC LX with the 24H option package that includes Stow N Go, adjustable pedals, and cruise control. He also quoted $25K for the 2008 GC STX K package that has all the above, plus a better 197 HP engine, with powered doors and drivers seat. I also test drove a 2007 Honda Odyssey LX, quoted at $27K just to compare them. As a man, I much prefer the 2008 TC and GC styling that makes them look like big SUVs compared to the current egg-shaped Odyssey. Obviously, dealers would not let me drive full out on a highway or obstacle course, so both test drives were just around the block at less than 30 MPH. The Odyssey has more acceleration pickup but stiffer steering. The TC rode and steered smoother for my taste under those very limited conditions. Interiors in both were fine by me. I'm not fussy about it. For me, the real factors are the features I want and can afford. I need adjustable pedals. Odyssey doesn't offer them unless you spend $35K on a Touring model. I have to completely back up my driver's seat to feel comfortable and this eliminates most second row leg space for an adult passenger. With Stow N Go, I can lower the second row seats into floor compartments and my passengers, or myself if I'm driven, can ride on the third row seats with limitless leg room as if inside a stretch limo. Occassionally, I also need to move large objects, so Stow N Go switches to maximum cargo space most easily. By contrast, the very comfy Odyssey second row captains chairs will only accomodate kids when I back up the driver's seat to the max for my comfort. And if I need maximum cargo space, I either have to remove and store two 40- pound seats or try to fold them forward. The Odyssey salesman had to forcibly pry off the two captain chairs headrests, then move both front seats forward to try and fold the captain chairs to their least obtrusive position, and even then they didn't fit securely, plus the two headrests are still bouncing around loose as we drive. Those steel prongs could pierce a skull in a high speed accident. He quickly changed the subject to Odyssey's superior resale vale, which is moot as I intend to keep the van under its lifetime powertrain warranty. Odyssey offers no free protection beyond 3-years. After 10 years, all minivans have negligible resale value. Now I admit, my usage and needs are not that of a big family, but I will buy a 2008 GC STX K, after I test drive it to be sure. The Odyssey dealer offered to beat my $25K quote on his $27K LX model, but I would not be happy with short pedals, short warranty, and unwieldy 2nd row seats. Dodge, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota minivans have no recalls in 2007 or 2008. Not yet anyway. So I don't buy into fears about reliability of new models. At least Chrysler and Dodge will now back them up better. 
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Replying to: tonyv1 (Sep 11, 2007 12:26 pm) Before you buy, you might want to test drive the prospects under all typical conditions to ensure your future satisfaction. When you buy, be sure to become familiar with the requirements to maintain Chrysler's lifetime powertrain warranty in force.
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I did not drove the new van, just saw it and felt it. I would agree that in terms of features and "trick" stuff, Chrysler is hard to beat. Heck, so many features the current Japanese minivans have comes from Chrysler, as power liftgate and doors, 3-zone automatic temperature, and more. But Chrysler is missing a point here. If they want to be really competitive, they need to focus on the good parts of the competition, and meet them or even beat them (if that's even possible). Engine refinement is number one, and we need them in ALL models, not only in the top of the line - Like the imports are doing. Second, is the interior design and quality, which also trails the competition. Offering features like swivel'n'go seating is an answer to a question no one asked. That's just to hide the weak points of the van. Some points that make me so disappointed: The rear seat, which folds flush into floor, and have even a POWER option, is SO uncomfortable, that you can't sit on them for more than a short period of time (if you're an adult). Chrysler expended the dimensions in every corner, but the rear seat and storage behind it stayed the same size and design as in the 2005-07 models, which was an "afterthought", not designed for the fold flat seat! I doubt a child could sit in this seat (facing up to the sky) and use the table from the Swivel 'n go! It's useless. Why can all other vans have normal comfy rear seats, and Chrysler's sucks? Another small detail. The windshield wiper de-icer. Chrysler was the first to introduce these feature on a minivan. They eliminated it since 2003, to cut costs. Since then, so many competitors - who really cares about attention to detail - copied them. Toyota Sienna, Hyundai/Kia. Now Chrysler did NOT returned this awesome useful feature on the 2008, even though there was so many requests for them! Funny thing is, Chrysler claims that they're doing a lot of research. What? and How? Don't they read internet forums such as this one? I could count many other forums as well, but I am not allowed to do it here on Edmunds. My complaints on the new van includes the annoying position of the gear selecter, a/c vents double the needed size causes the controls to sit too low (why can't it at least be a little angled to the driver, like all Japanese models?), ultra uncomfortable rear seat, below par choices of engines (the new 4.0 is only available on the highest-end models so it's worthless for most people), the lack of better interior design, especially of the gauges (not too bad, though), the steering wheel size which is big and uncomfortable as a truck - why does most Toyota and Honda models get steering wheels as comfortasble as sport cars? I will add more of my comments after my test drive.
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Replying to: cccompson (Sep 11, 2007 1:06 pm) |
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Replying to: samnoe (Sep 11, 2007 4:02 pm) WHY do you relate 3 zone temperature and power liftgate to "Trick" stuff when the Odyssey and Sienna offer it ONLY on the higher priced models? I feel the 3 zone temperature is THE BEST feature in a modern minivan but sadly, my 06 Sienna does NOT have it even though it cost more than the 02 T&C which had the feature. WHY do you think the Chrysler T&C shift selector on the dash is annoying when the Odyssey and Sienna have it on the center stack instead of on the steering column? Windshield de-icer? WHY is this feature available on ONLY the higher priced Sienna? Is it standard on ALL Entourage and Sedona? IF Honda and Toyota believe their Odyssey and Sienna are reliable, why don't they also have a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty? Many people feel OHV is a design better suited for their needs than the SOHC or DOHC.
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Replying to: hansienna (Sep 12, 2007 8:00 pm) The gear selector in the new Chrysler van is very weird because it's an uncommon place to put it there. Having it between the 2 front seats - as most cars and SUV/CUV's - is the most comfortable for most people, but in minivans, they reserve the space on the the floor between the seats for more useful stuff, either consoles or just more empty room. So I would take the column shifter, which is closer to your hands and are more traditional and easier to use. Chrysler wanted to be smart here and set something between the 2 - and I think it's a mistake. Should I be allowed, I would link you a few other discussion forums where so many people complain about the gear selector. Just do a search and see for yourself. Is that the RESEARCH Chrysler is doing? Honda & Toyota doesn't need lifetime warranty because people trust them. Chrysler still needs to "prove" themselves to regain the trust. Again, I am not for the imports, but the fact is that most people trust them more. And believe me, powertrain is not the whole story. My '05 GC has so many squeaks and rattles, I don't know on which one to concentrate first.
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| I just read the article and it looks to me as biased reporting at its best. It sounds like the writer was defending the Honda. I was looking for an unbiased test of these two vans rather than let me knock off the other one. Yes, neither is perfect, one needs to search elsewhere for that, but I was hoping for more constructive reporting than he said - she said. Also, I question the final ranking and scoring explanation section - these seem subjective. | |
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