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2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
I recently had the chance to test drive the new 2008 Grand Caravan. Having driven a mini van for several years, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to look at the new design Dodge.
The look for 2008 is a boxier and bulkier appearance than the previous models. In fact, it reminds me of the Chevrolet Uplander and its lines.
I was surprised to hear from a salesman that Chrysler Corp. is the only domestic manufacturer of mini vans for 2008. I was confused at this bit of information since the Uplander is returning for 2008.
As I walked around the Grand Caavan I couldn’t help but notice the elongated nose on the van. Gone are the sloping hoods and front the Caravan has had for so many years.
While the front had the longer hood, the back was possibly less appealing with its squared corners. Looking down the side I saw a large flat area of sheet metal with no distinguishing contours. Just vast expanses of plainness.
I was now hoping for a better impression from the interior. Opening the drivers door, I noticed the handles. They seemed like a cheap plastic. These handles will last for a long time, but didn’t give me a feeling of quality.
The interior was actually comfortable once I got in, but again, the quality seemed to be on the cheap side. It just was rather generic looking.
All the controls were easily in reach of the driver and easy to understand. The three rotary knobs for the ventilation system were a bit small. A larger knob would make them easier to grip, but that is a minor thing.
The large oversized key was something new. While not a typical key, it was a large plastic device containing the alarm and remote door lock controls. It also contained a remote start button that will be a nice option to have on those cold winter mornings.
The Dodge designers made fitting into the drivers seat a breeze with the power seats, adjustable steering wheel and adjustable height pedals as options.
After putting the key in to slot and starting the engine, I reached for the shift lever. This lever is on the dashboard between the steering wheel and the center dash panel housing the radio and ventilation controls.
Using this was a little awkward but not really difficult. Shifting into gear, the engine and transmission worked smoothly and quietly as expected.
Driving down the road, the interior noise was a bit louder than I would have expected, but would not be unbearable even on the longest of trips.
The 3.3 liter V6 accelerated smoothly on made merging onto the highway simple. A bit more power would be nice as the feeling I got was the engine may be under-powered in the same situation with a family of four and cargo weighing the van down.
There is an optional 3.8 liter engine with more power, but I was disappointed that only the 3.3 liter carries the Flex Fuel designation.
The braking and handling was typical of something the size of the Caravan. All four wheels have ABS disc brakes to make for a stable stop.
The Grand Caravan is feature rich. The available Stow-and-Go seats fold easily and completely into the floor making for a large flat loading surface. And by folding away, it is easier then the old way of having to remove the heavy seats from the vehicle.
If you like lots of storage, the Grand Carvan is for you. It features two glove boxes, an overhead console with multiple compartments and rigid plastic seat pockets on the back side of the front seats to hold maps.
These rigid plastic pockets can hold those thin items you have, but do seem a touch cheap. The overhead console seemed to lack some build quality with a large gap down its length that left wiring visible.
Two spaces in the overhead console can be used for a video entertainment system, but that still leaves ample storage.
The seats and carpet are made with a stain and odor resistant material. This is a nice addition that will keep the interior looking fresh and new in spite of what the kids can spill or track in.
With the rear seat folding flat into the floor, the compact spare tire had to be moved from its usual position under the cargo area to a spot under the front seats. A crank on the floor of the van between front seats drops the spare from the floor pan similar to previous models.
Available colors range from the Inferno red that must be a corporate mandated color to the common white, blue black and silver. If you want to stand out and show your personality, you can get a Grand Caravan painted Sunburst Orange Pearl.
The history of a Dodge min van shows that this is a competent purchase if you are in the market. You may just have to get used to some of the new design features and styles.
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2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
Base price $21,740
Fuel economy 17 city/ 24 hwy
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