2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

For being the quintessential "soccer mom" vehicle, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is easy on the eye--but still leaves something to be desired.

Cars.com likes the newer, blocky shape of the new minivan from Dodge: 2008’s version “really hit the mark with the new styling. It didn't go overboard trying to make it look like something other than a minivan.” Motor Trend attributes its front-end appearance to the influence of "Dodge's 'masculine' Charger and Magnum" and goes on to describe it as having a "broad shouldered...handsome, expensive presence...[it] actually looks mean looming up in a rear view mirror." Even Kelley Blue Book cannot refrain from calling its styling "masculine." ConsumerGuide says it has "fresh styling," while Edmunds calls it "unpretentious.” CNet says it “doesn't break any new ground,” though, and Autoblog says, “the last time we saw sheet metal this flat and unadorned was on a UPS truck.”

Inside, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is “rather space-shuttley with its boxy, line-y interior design,” Mother Proof says. “This square theme abounds in other Dodge models; it’s not exactly warm and inviting.”

Outside and from the front, TheCarConnection.com editors say, there's no mistaking the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan for anything other than a Dodge; 2008’s sporty cross-hair grille tells you that there is a little bit of Ram in this minivan. The all-new styling on 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.

According to TheCarConnection.com’s minivan experts, the interior shares the angular style that is so prevalent on the 2008 Dodge 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.