2008 Dodge Grand Caravan [ 2007 ]
in Minivans
Based on analysis of 16 Grand-Caravan reviews and test drives.
Dodge Grand Caravan - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan ranks 5 out of 8 Minivans. This ranking is based on our analysis of 16 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Grand Caravan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan receives a very good ranking because of its large interior, innovative seating arrangement and a wide array of kid-distracting gadgets. Still, most reviewers find its restyled appearance unexceptional.
Minivans are about families and most reviewers think that the redesigned 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is a great way for parents and their children to travel. The large interior is widely praised as a kind of family room on wheels, with an innovative seating arrangement and enough entertainment features, either standard or optional, to keep kids both entertained and distracted on long drives. "Don't be surprised, should you become the owner of a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, if your kids Scooter and Buffy actually dance in anticipation of their ride to school each morning," writes Motor Trend. The showpiece of the Grand Caravan's interior is Dodge's optional Swivel 'n Go seats, which allow the second row seats to rotate to face the third row.
Reviewers are unimpressed with the base engine, but Dodge has added an optional 4.0-liter V6 engine for the top-of-the-line Grand Caravan SXT and critics like the way it accelerates. Interior features such as a stowable table (part of the Swivel 'n Go package), standard MP3 capability and the optional MyGIG infotainment system are also well reviewed. About the only aspect of the Grand Caravan that reviewers are less than enthusiastic about, aside from the underpowered base engine, is its appearance. While several praise Dodge for getting away from the minivan's traditional "jellybean" shape, the new exterior gets tepid reviews. However, most writers believe that it's what's on the inside that counts.
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan comes in two trims, the base-model SE and the high-end SXT.
- "In terms of performance, it's easily the best engine Chrysler has ever offered in a minivan and arguably as good as we've seen in the segment." -- The Car Connection
- "Thanks to one of the most innovative interiors we've ever seen, [Dodge] now has the minivan to climb back to the top of the minivan charts." -- Autobytel
Grand-Caravan Performance - 7.6 (Good)
Test drivers find that the Grand Caravan handles well, but prefer the optional 4.0-liter V6 engine over the base 3.3-liter V6. Still, The Auto Channel asserts, "It's a minivan, not a sports car, so it doesn't score high in the 'fun to drive' category." The Grand Caravan's performance attributes score in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the Grand Caravan's handling dynamics. continue
Grand-Caravan Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
Though the Dodge Caravan's exterior score is high for its class, critics assert that it's neither hot nor attractive -- then again, it is a minivan. "Let's just say the Grand Caravan has inner beauty," comments U.S. News' Rick Newman. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why some auto writers believe the Grand Caravan looks more "aggressive" then before, or check out our photo gallery. continue
Grand-Caravan Interior - 7.5 (Good)
Reviewers just love the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan's interior for its size, its quietness, its innovative seating arrangement and its wide array of kid-friendly features. "Inside, the Grand Caravan is roomier and more feature-filled than ever," says Motor Trend. The Grand Caravan's interior cabin ranks in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Interior Review to read why one reviewer compares the Grand Caravan's interior features to "Batman's utility belt," or go to the 2008 Grand Caravan Photo Gallery to see pictures of its cabin for yourself. continue
Grand-Caravan Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The Caravan earns very good marks in front and side-impact crash tests conducted by the federal government, and features a wide array of active and passive safety features -- including side curtain air bags in all rows. "When it comes to safety, the Grand Caravan doesn't fool around," says About.com. The Grand Caravan receives a top safety score for its class. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn why some auto writers believe that Grand Caravan's collapsible table may be a safety concern. continue
Grand-Caravan Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers competitive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Dodge's lifetime powertrain warranty. continue