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Article Comments - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring

185 messages,  Last post on Jan 16, 2009 at 5:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan, Car Comparisons, Van

Messages Page 5 of 20

#34 of 185 I prefer 2008 Grand Caravan STX over 2007 Odyssey by tonyv1

Sep 11, 2007 (1:26 pm)

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.

#35 of 185 Re: I prefer 2008 Grand Caravan STX over 2007 Odyssey [tonyv1] by cccompson

Sep 11, 2007 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: tonyv1 (Sep 11, 2007 1:26 pm)
The current street price for an '07 Odyssey LX is about $22,000 or less.
 
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.

#36 of 185 My opinion on the 2008 Chrysler/Dodge by samnoe

Sep 11, 2007 (5:02 pm)

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.

#37 of 185 Re: I prefer 2008 Grand Caravan STX over 2007 Odyssey [cccompson] by tonyv1

Sep 11, 2007 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: cccompson (Sep 11, 2007 2:06 pm)
Thanks for the info but "current street price" cannot force local dealers to sell their stock at price you demand and there are always variances for different options already on the car; nor can strangers off the street dictate under what circumstances a dealer must let you test drive their cars, especially in NYC. They will show you the door real quick and it can be a long bus or train ride to the next dealer. It costs me over $50 just to take a taxi roundtrip to my local car dealers, if you can even find a taxi to bring you back home. I did ask Chrysler/Dodge dealer about lifetime powertrain warranty maintenance requirements. He said, and various articles on the internet confirm, that I must keep accurate records of all my oil changes and any other routine maintenance, preferably but not necessarily at a Chrysler/Dodge dealer, but I must bring the car in to an authorized dealer every five years for a free powertrain inspection. Only time will tell if they will honor this warranty or invent excuses the way Kia and others do to shirk their responsibilities.

#38 of 185 Re: My opinion on the 2008 Chrysler/Dodge [samnoe] by hansienna

Sep 12, 2007 (9:00 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Sep 11, 2007 5:02 pm)
I agree with your comments on 3rd row seat comfort of Stow 'N Go T&C/GC but it IS MORE comfortable than the very low, tiny 3rd row seat of the Sedona and Entourage. I also think Chrysler should offer the most powerful engine as an option on EVERY model.
 
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.

#39 of 185 Re: My opinion on the 2008 Chrysler/Dodge [hansienna] by samnoe

Sep 17, 2007 (5:22 pm)

Replying to: hansienna (Sep 12, 2007 9:00 pm)
Hens, you always rave about the 3-zone temperature feature how outstanding it is, Still, I feel it's not AS important. When it's cold outside, everybody needs heat (you can't control the individual fan speed, only temperature), and when it's hot out there everyone needs air-conditioning. Right, sometimes the driver needs more cooler air then does the passenger, but rarely, so I think this feature is not as useful / outstanding, and is a little overrated.
 
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.

#40 of 185 Comments to Breeders' Cup by dgcowner

Sep 18, 2007 (10:44 am)

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.

#41 of 185 Re: My opinion on the 2008 Chrysler/Dodge [samnoe] by dennisctc

Sep 18, 2007 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Sep 17, 2007 5:22 pm)
My '05 GC has so many squeaks and rattles, I don't know on which one to concentrate first.
 
After 21,000 miles on my 05 GC, I don't have a single rattle, squeak or issue. It's been completely trouble free for 3 years and counting. MPG is about 21 overall, 25 on trips loaded. I'm extremely satisfied.
 
You may want to consider other RESEARCH Chrysler has done, like the first 6 spd auto in a minivan, or LED lighting - pin and pipe, their all in one MyGig systems, first rearview camera in a minivan, knee airbags, Stow N Go, Swivel N Go, Live TV, dual screen DVD, quiet steel.....
 
The reason the tranny selector is not on the floor is to allow easy access to the rear seat. Parents think this is more important. I remember Honda's unconventional positioning of the shift lever...seems conventional today.

#42 of 185 Re: My opinion on the 2008 Chrysler/Dodge [dennisctc] by socalawd

Sep 18, 2007 (8:50 pm)

Replying to: dennisctc (Sep 18, 2007 6:05 pm)
After 21,000 miles on my 05 GC, I don't have a single rattle, squeak or issue. It's been completely trouble free for 3 years and counting. MPG is about 21 overall, 25 on trips loaded. I'm extremely satisfied.
 
30K+ miles on my 2005 Honda Odyssey and completely satisfied! I did have my first recall the fuel relay. It took less than a half a hour. I think I'll have this van for 150K+ miles.
 
You may want to consider other RESEARCH Chrysler has done, like the first 6 spd auto in a minivan, or LED lighting - pin and pipe, their all in one MyGig systems, first rearview camera in a minivan, knee airbags, Stow N Go, Swivel N Go, Live TV, dual screen DVD, quiet steel.....
 
Wow ranting about a 6 speed auto when the Dodge only had a 4 speed you were like so what, the Ody has a five speed. Too Funny!!! I am happy they did step up and go with standard side airbags and stability control. Is the 6 speed on all trim levels??
 
I saw the Dodge in person and it is way too boxy. I wish the photoshop pics were true. I have to get my Carspace account setup so I can post my Ody pics.

#43 of 185 Re: I prefer 2008 Grand Caravan STX over 2007 Odyssey [tonyv1] by socalawd

Sep 18, 2007 (10:46 pm)

Replying to: tonyv1 (Sep 11, 2007 1:26 pm)
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.
 
You know they are moveable right?? I have no problem sitting behind a 6 foot person.
 
 The Odyssey dealer offered to beat my $25K quote on his $27K LX model, but I would not be happy with short pedals
 
Out here in cali the Ody LX has a going price of $22K and you can get 2.9% financing.
 
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.
 
A limited powertrain warranty is only that,do you not think that the other parts of the car could have issues after 36K. Air conditioner, , electronics, etc. etc. It is a very good marketing ploy. And when did recalls have anything to do with long term reliability? You could get a 8 year 120K mile $0 duductable extended warranty from Honda Care that covers almost everything but brakes for about $750.00 if purchased in the first year. Well enjoy your van. A lifetime is a long time.

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