|
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan & Chrysler Town & Country:
So Much More…For Less
What better way to test a minivan than to invite the whole family out to beautiful Carlsbad, California to drive the latest generation of Dodge’s Grand Caravan and Chrysler’s Town & Country? Though specific measures have been taken to give each its own identity, they share the same platform, have the same interior volume, and offer the same seating configurations and engine choices.
 First and foremost, let it be known that the Chrysler Corporation invented the modern minivan in 1983 and since then the Chrysler group has sold more than 12 million of these people movers. This is no small segment of automotive sales. Roughly one in every 15 new vehicles sold is a minivan, and for good reason. Though most ballers would consider a minivan playa kryptonite, it is a true gift to parents with two or more kids. People buy minivans for their functionality, practicality and value. The trick is to include all that you need, nothing you don’t, and as many family friendly conveniences as possible at an affordable price. Both minivans as tested are well poised to continue the brand’s leadership in the field by offering more new or improved features than the previous year’s models, 35 to be exact, at an even lower price.
 The most noticeable thing about the 2008 Grand Caravan and Town & Country is their shape. The large curved jellybean like vehicles of yesterday are now more erect and rectangular shaped as designers chose a more modern and trend-setting look over the old and familiar. This was the item for me that will still take the most getting used to, especially when viewing the minivans from the rear. The rear is simple and squared off evoking an unemotional response each time I gazed at it. The curved pillars bordering the rear glass aid airflow but conflict with the modern upright look. The tradeoff is that the design results in significantly improved headroom, elbowroom, visibility and overall spaciousness. When confronted with the extended family or the fellas on a long road trip, this extra space is a godsend and far outweighs my queasiness with the styling.
 Seating configurations in both vehicles feature the popular second row “Stow ‘n Go” seating where the second row seats quickly and easily disappear into under floor storage areas, and the all-new “Swivel ‘n Go” second row seats. Here, the second row seats can swivel to face its closest side door for easy entry or exit, and swivel back to the front or lock in a rear facing position for easy dialogue, eating or game playing with the third row occupants. Eating or game playing? Yes, this innovative new feature for both vehicles comes with a removable table that actually fits between the second and third row seats so occupants can now eat at a table, play cards or board games or even do homework while the vehicle is in motion. With this selection, the swivel seats do not stow underneath but can be easily rolled out of the minivan to create great cargo space. The table, when not in use, stores in covered storage compartments under the second row floor. In the very near future, the Swivel ‘n Go option will offer an available minivan-first integrated child booster seat in the second row as well as a one-touch power-folding third row 60/40 bench. Currently, the third row easily folds flat into a deep uncovered storage area or can be tilted back to form a tailgate seat when the rear liftgate is opened.
Storage areas are everywhere in these minivans. Along with numerous nooks and pockets in all of the doors, both vehicles have dual glove boxes and a standard center storage space with four dishwasher-safe removable cup holders. A larger, optional, front console that fits a purse and slides back to also service the second row seats is available as well. And did I mention the umbrella holder? Well it sits next to the driver’s seat.
 The interior is not all about storage, but comfort and family convenience as well. Of the two vehicles, the Chrysler Town & Country is the luxury minivan while the Dodge Grand Caravan is the sportier one. That being said, the Chrysler employs wood accents in its interior and has higher quality materials on its seats. Buyers can get the first and second row heated seats. The Dodge’s interior is not as high end but is not cheap looking either. Both vehicles share good interior comfort and nice touches like pinpoint reading lights in all rows.
Also available, and another minivan first, are the entertainment options in the Grand Caravan and the Town & Country. Available options are a dual DVD system where two rear monitors can play different movies simultaneously, Sirius Backseat TV offering three channels of family programming, the MyGig system with a 20-gigabyte hard drive, 6.5 inch monitor and navigation, and even a 506 watt premium sound system.
But if minivans are all about family and family conveniences, they should be about safety as well. Both minivans have considerable standard safety features including: all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist, LATCH child safety seat system, and more. Our vehicles had a thoughtful rearview interior conversation mirror, which I have dubbed the “spy” mirror, which enables the driver to see what the kids are up to in the back. A rear back up camera and back up sonar system are also available.
 To fit every need and every budget, there are three powertrain choices available this year. The newest and most impressive is a 4.0-liter aluminum V6 engine which produces 251-horsepower. This engine packs a punch and delivers the most confidence out of the bunch. This is the one to go with if your budget allows. Though powerful, the engine is quiet and tame, almost hiding the explosive spirit beneath. A 3.8-liter V6 is an impressive second choice. Packing 197-horsepower, it provides necessary power and is almost as smooth as the 4.0. Aiding and abetting the driving experience with these two engines is a minivan first six-speed transaxle. With a larger gear ratio coming out of first gear, both engines launch off the line and then shift smoothly up to sixth gear. My last choice would be 175-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. Yes it will get you there, but having driven all three powertrains, high-speed merging and passing calls for a bit more power. Plus, its four-speed transaxle is noticeably lacking after driving the advanced six-speed.
Driving both vehicles was a pleasure. Both minivans drive like a surefooted car. Suspension are well balanced, leaning slightly to comfort over sport, but if a sport feel is what you desire, the Dodge Grand Caravan with the 4.0-liter engine comes with a sport suspension.
The Dodge Grand Caravan comes in SE and SXT models. The SE with the 3.3-liter engine starts at $22,470 including destination charges. Despite all of the additions and improvements, this price is almost $2000 less than last year’s model. The SXT has the 3.8-liter V6 and starts at 27,535, about $1000 less than last year. The Chrysler Town & Country LX starts at $23,190 and is over $3500 less than its predecessor. Upgraded models are the Town & Country Touring at $28,430 and the Limited at $36,400.
All in all, Dodge & Chrysler minivans have led the way in innovation and value since they introduced the modern minivan 25 years ago. For 2008, each has only gotten better by including more standard features, providing more “out of the box” options, and reducing prices. The value-priced “family room on wheels” is here.
For additional Automotive Rhythms Minivan reviews see:
|
|