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2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

The family-car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied the latest road tests to write this conclusive review of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan to offer you a definitive opinion on this practical minivan. This review also compares the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with other minivans and can give you the best advice, even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • The ultimate in family practicality
  • Kids will love satellite TV
  • Two DVD screens available
  • Lots of storage
  • V-6 engines with six-speed automatics

Dislikes:

  • Chunky styling
  • Plasticky interior
  • Lack of polish

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan presents drivers with a solid option that costs less than the more highly styled Chrysler Town & Country. If you're considering the Sirius TV option, know that it carries only a limited selection of programming from its DirecTV partner--and a monthly charge applies.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan benefits from a stiffer unibody than previous Chrysler minivans, and the improved structure shows in two key areas: its library-like interior quietness and very good ride quality.

Outside and from the front, there's no mistaking the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan for anything other than a Dodge. The Dodge brand's sporty cross-hair grille tells you that there is a little bit of Ram in this minivan. The all-new styling on the Dodge Grand Caravan presents a more squared-off look and represents an edgy departure from the Clorox-bottle shape of the previous generation. Particularly from the rear, the van's boxy design looks as if it were artfully drawn with a drafter's T-square. From the rear, it's hard to tell the Dodge from its slightly less sporty and more upscale Chrysler Town & Country counterpart.

The interior shares the angular style that is so prevalent on the Grand Caravan's exterior, but crafted curves purposefully break up the linearity. With recognition that minivan interiors endure an interminable life with children, hard plastics are used for most every surface that isn't carpeted. The Dodge's white-faced gauges look sporty, and bits of chrome distract you from the...plastic. Storage is excellent, with multiple cubbies, door pockets, and huge under-floor compartments. Especially useful are the LEDs that illuminate the front-door bins.

Chrysler's corporate 3.8-liter V-6 powered the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan model tested by TheCarConnection.com. Two other V-6s are available: the 3.3-liter and the 4.0-liter. The 197-horsepower powertrain includes a six-speed automatic, and the combination provides more than adequate performance for this class of vehicle. If you want better acceleration without taking a fuel-economy hit, choose the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251 hp. Pass on the 3.3-liter V-6 altogether because of the four-speed automatic that comes with it. The Dodge Grand Caravan weighs over two tons, so power is an important component of overall driving safety and satisfaction.

The Grand Caravan's long wheelbase of 121.2 inches affords a spacious interior with comfortable seating in all three rows. For you experienced Dodge minivan owners, there is no longer a short-wheelbase Caravan model--Dodge simplified things by just going big, so from 2008 and out, the Grand Caravan is the only Caravan. TheCarConnection.com's test vehicle was outfitted with the Swivel 'n Go second-row bucket seats, a feature that we suppose some people will find useful. This option includes second-row seats that can rotate 180 degrees to face the third-row seats. A removable pedestal-mounted table can sprout from the floor in the limited area between the rows. Perhaps the option works for children, but adults will find the face-to-face configuration cramped. With all rows facing forward, seating comfort is very good. The MyGIG entertainment system plus Sirius TV with its roof-mounted twin-screen LCD system should keep kids entertained.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, also consider:

Reason Why:

If you're not sure you need all the room found in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, check out the Mazda5. It's sportier and more fun to drive than the Dodge. Should value be your biggest attractor, check out the Hyundai Entourage. It does not offer everything the Dodge does, but the Entourage may have enough for you.

If you were to drive the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan back to back with a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, you'd feel some differences in refinement. The Dodge doesn't quite have the level of polish that the Honda and Toyota do. However, the Grand Caravan does offer more variety in terms of powertrains and available features than either competitor, and the Dodge's price point is significantly lower than either the Honda's or Toyota's. Also, don't even think of asking for Stow 'n Go seats or Sirius TV at a Honda or Toyota dealership.

The 2009 Ford Flex is a different take on the traditional minivan. With its MINI-esque styling and seven-passenger interior, this might be a Ford worth considering if you don't fall in love with the Grand Caravan.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is loaded with practical features that families on the go will use and appreciate, but it’s not the most luxurious minivan out there.

The family-car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied the latest road tests to write this conclusive review of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan to offer you a definitive opinion on this practical minivan. This review also compares the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with other minivans and can give you the best advice, even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:The ultimate in family practicalityKids will love satellite TVTwo DVD screens availableLots of storageV-6 engines with six-speed automaticsDislikes:Chunky stylingPlasticky interiorLack of polishBuying Tips: The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan presents drivers with a solid option that costs less than the more highly styled Chrysler Town & Country. If you're considering the Sirius TV option, know that it carries only a limited selection of programming from its DirecTV partner--and a monthly charge applies. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan benefits from a stiffer unibody than previous Chrysler minivans, and the improved structure shows in two key areas: its library-like interior quietness and very good ride quality. Outside and from the front, there's no mistaking the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan for anything other than a Dodge. The Dodge brand's sporty cross-hair grille tells you that there is a little bit of Ram in this minivan. The all-new styling on the Dodge Grand Caravan presents a more squared-off look and represents an edgy departure from the Clorox-bottle shape of the previous generation. Particularly from the rear, the van's boxy design looks as if it were artfully drawn with a drafter's T-square. From the rear, it's hard to tell the Dodge from its slightly less sporty and more upscale Chrysler Town & Country counterpart. The interior shares the angular style that is so prevalent on the Grand Caravan's exterior, but crafted curves purposefully break up the linearity. With recognition that minivan interiors endure an interminable life with children, hard plastics are used for most every surface that isn't carpeted. The Dodge's white-faced gauges look sporty, and bits of chrome distract you from the...plastic. Storage is excellent, with multiple cubbies, door pockets, and huge under-floor compartments. Especially useful are the LEDs that illuminate the front-door bins. Chrysler's corporate 3.8-liter V-6 powered the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan model tested by TheCarConnection.com. Two other V-6s are available: the 3.3-liter and the 4.0-liter. The 197-horsepower powertrain includes a six-speed automatic, and the combination provides more than adequate performance for this class of vehicle. If you want better acceleration without taking a fuel-economy hit, choose the 4.0-liter V-6 with 251 hp. Pass on the 3.3-liter V-6 altogether because of the four-speed automatic that comes with it. The Dodge Grand Caravan weighs over two tons, so power is an important component of overall driving safety and satisfaction. The Grand Caravan's long wheelbase of 121.2 inches affords a spacious interior with comfortable seating in all three rows. For you experienced Dodge minivan owners, there is no longer a short-wheelbase Caravan model--Dodge simplified things by just going big, so from 2008 and out, the Grand Caravan is the only Caravan. TheCarConnection.com's test vehicle was outfitted with the Swivel 'n Go second-row bucket seats, a feature that we suppose some people will find useful. This option includes second-row seats that can rotate 180 degrees to face the third-row seats. A removable pedestal-mounted table can sprout from the floor in the limited area between the rows. Perhaps the option works for children, but adults will find the face-to-face configuration cramped. With all rows facing forward, seating comfort is very good. The MyGIG entertainment system plus Sirius TV with its roof-mounted twin-screen LCD system should keep kids entertained. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, also consider:Mazda 5Hyundai EntourageHonda OdysseyToyota SiennaFord Flex (coming in 2009)Reason Why:If you're not sure you need all the room found in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, check out the Mazda5. It's sportier and more fun to drive than the Dodge. Should value be your biggest attractor, check out the Hyundai Entourage. It does not offer everything the Dodge does, but the Entourage may have enough for you. If you were to drive the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan back to back with a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, you'd feel some differences in refinement. The Dodge doesn't quite have the level of polish that the Honda and Toyota do. However, the Grand Caravan does offer more variety in terms of powertrains and available features than either competitor, and the Dodge's price point is significantly lower than either the Honda's or Toyota's. Also, don't even think of asking for Stow 'n Go seats or Sirius TV at a Honda or Toyota dealership. The 2009 Ford Flex is a different take on the traditional minivan. With its MINI-esque styling and seven-passenger interior, this might be a Ford worth considering if you don't fall in love with the Grand Caravan. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is loaded with practical features that families on the go will use and appreciate, but it’s not the most luxurious minivan out there. The family-car experts at TheCarConnection.com studied the latest road tests to write this conclusive review of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan to offer you a definitive opinion on this practical minivan. This ...

Other Choices:

If you're not sure you need all the room found in the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, check out the Mazda5. It's sportier and more fun to drive than the Dodge. Should value be your biggest attractor, check out the Hyundai Entourage. It does not offer everything the Dodge does, but the Entourage may have enough for you.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan near you

See the Dodge Grand Caravan in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (6 total)

  1. By Chris #1, Posted: 7/24/2009

    This is my 2nd dodge grand caravan, 1st was a 2001, nothing but issues with the struts, tie rod ends, had them changed 4 times (3 at my own expense).got a 2008 sxt because I was informed Dodge revamped their front end and won't have the issue with the struts or tie rod ends. Guess what...under 2 years, 27,000 miles and the tie rod ends and struts need to be replaced. Not only that but within that first winter the sliding doors refused to close, no one could even force them closed! Drivers window would not come back up, air conditioning doesn't work well on those hot humid days (yeah we don't need it then); no I have a transmission leak, Maybe the repair guy didn't tighten something. Oh and the best thing was that they manufactured thousands of the vans with the wrong power steering hose for the upper midwest states, yep, once it got below freezing the hoses tend to crack and your fluid leaks out and you can't move your van! Try being stranded in below zero weather with kids and freezing rain and then have the towing people say, it's going to be about 4 hours, its slippery out there can we get it tomorrow! But thats another issue. So I will never buy another Dodge product again, we have a Chevy pickup that has over 200,000 miles on it and only maintenance items were ever needed; and my husband can work on it w/o all that electronic crap. I say manufacturers go back to what used to work.

  2. By family van #2, Posted: 8/4/2009

    i bought a 2008 caravan for all of the great features. on the way home at 12 miles a sensor went bad. the van has a wind noise from the dash. at 13000 miles the front brakes are shot. it's no wonder why people are buying other brands beside chrysler.

  3. By Frank Ochs #3, Posted: 9/2/2009

    2008 Grand Caravan
    Front Brakes went at 15,000, rear brakes went at 26,000, when is Dodge going to do something? Anyone have any ideas?

  4. By Bruce in Chicago #4, Posted: 9/19/2009

    I have a 2008 Caravan and have put new front pads on at 14K and then front and rear pads at 25K. These brake pads must be undersized. The dealer service department has to know problems like this but this sort of info should be given to buyers; $300.00+ for a front brake job only at the dealer - $150.00 at a reputable Chicago shop. I guess I'm back doing my own brake jobs again.

  5. By Matt #5, Posted: 10/1/2009

    Own a 2008, had to replace front pads at 12,000 miles, and then again at 32,000. Wind whistles through the windshield, dealer said they couldn't find the problem. All you had to do was look at the visible molding that was warped-from the factory. Now I have a wire that was attached to "something" that fell off the undercarriage. Hope it wasn't important. Piece of crap Chrysler. Won't happen again.

  6. By JF Cusson #6, Posted: 11/18/2009

    Own a 2008. Just had to replace front AND rear brakes (pads + rotors) at 28,000 km (about 20,000 miles I guess). What a PAIN! Service man at dealership told me a story about my front pads jamming, making my front rotors overheat and not as good anymore so rear brakes overstressed... bad thing I went on Internet only after and found out this is a definite DESIGN PROBLEM since too many people have problems. Brakes made noise couple of weeks after I purchased the van brand new, dealer would not find anything. So I didn't notice the "normal" sound telling me pad were out so rotors were scrapped also!!! Called Chrysler Canada, they were nice, told me they could help me, do not know how yet, I have to send them my $800 bill...

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