Dodge Grand Caravan has come a long way. As the first in a booming segment of large family vehicles it’s the catalyst to the minivan market. Indeed, the first of its kind, it continues to hold the top spot as the highest selling minivan. Aesthetically, the Caravan has been ahead of the pack. However, the new design goes above and beyond anything rolled out of production over the past decade.
Astutely reworking its family favorite, the Dodge Caravan has kept the good stuff (the innovative. quick-fold Stow ‘n Go seats unveiled for 2004), jettisoned the Achilles heels (dated jellybean design, weak power trains), and added a ton of desirable new features, all while trimming the bottom line.
Styling enhancements include a more robust big-bodied look, sculpted and tapered much like an SUV without the inconvenience of a monstrous ground clearance. Capable enhancements such as dual automatic sliding doors with power windows are indisputable indicators of the new direction the minivan has taken.
Swivel ‘n Go seats allow the second-row seats to swivel 180 degrees to face the third row, complete with a removable table in between for fun and games. The table stores easily in the floor when not in use. The feature also allows for convenient entry and exit of the vehicle though with the option added the second row seats lose the Stow ‘n Go function.
Ask Grand Caravan owners about their take on the ’08 model, feedback was mixed but leaned more toward the positive, with the critiques being just that, small suggestions to improve a great product. A short list of features needing some tweaking are the heated seats, which tend be very hard on long drives. A few drivers told me the seating was too high, referring to the seat backs, but just takes some getting used to.
Dodge Grand Caravan has three V6 engines available including a base 3.3 liter flex-fuel V6 with175hp, a 3.8 liter at 197hp and the top-of-the-line 4.0 liter that streams 251hp. Each is mated to either a four or six-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration is sometimes a bit loud and raspy but it does deliver on the pickup.
The greatest fun is the Infotainment system that puts MYGIG Multimedia just a touch away. Access to your favorite tunes and photos are right on point. It includes an AM/FM/CD sound system with DVD as well as a 20 GB hard drive storage for CD music, up to 2,500 MP3 songs and photos. Dual media jacks and a 115-volt outlet allow connections for games systems, video camera and iPod, Zune or other audio devices.
Also, two sets of flat storing wireless headphones, a combination of DVD, satellite TV and gaming that can be enjoyed on the two screens. Designed for ease of use, rear passengers can either utilize a remote or just put a DVD in for automatic play.
Universally the Grand Caravan has much more appeal including a more masculine feel, thanks to the boxy, yet muscular design. According to Motor Trend its polarizing “designer” swoops and adornments are out. But via its simple, broad-shouldered lines the Dodge radiates a handsome, expensive presence.
