Overview:
This week we’re looking at the very versatile 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Swivel ‘n Go minivan. This is the epitome in family vans that provides the best of easy stowing of seats for great cargo space. Then when you travel the family theme provides a table and swivel the 2nd row seats for up to 5 seating around the table for games, snacks or whatever. Or you can leave the seats in the normal positions with multiple video screens overhead. So much for boring “are we there yet” comments from the peanut gallery. In fact if they are still bored stop the car and let them out because they are hopelessly spoiled brats.
When we were kids we had to endure a long journey from the back seat without iPods, game boys, DVD players for current movies and cell phones to keep us occupied. Of course I’m not sure that was all that bad. We had to rely on family interaction with road games kids today have little interest in or time to enjoy. I think I’d have to go with the old except I want to keep my cell phone and the Nav system.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 73%
Assembly – Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum, Nitro, Ram 15, 25 & 3500, Sprinter Van and Wagon.
0-60 at about 9 seconds out of 251 horsepower that pulled the Crest mountain course with ease. I found myself passing traffic because it was smooth and responsive. And because these minivans are low to the ground there is much less tipping sensation than high profile SUVs.
Styling:
Creative thought for the most innovative and versatile of minivans today. Next thing you know they’ll put pull outs and overhead bunks. I suspect I could do without the power seat stowing feature however even though there is a manual over-ride in cash you lose power.
Fit and Finish:
Very good – an 8 on scale of 1-10. I hope the quality remains with the new ownership of Chrysler now apart from Daimler / Mercedes Benz control and influence. Time will tell.
Cost:
MSRP is good and options make this truly a great family van for the 21st century.
Conveniences and comfort:
Very creative Swivel 2nd row seats with table for interaction with 3rd row passengers. Games, coloring book, snack table etc., all quite convenient. All the entertainment system options make this van hard to beat.
Consumer Recommendation:
Great family vehicle with outstanding features for any occasion and use. You’ll fall in love with this versatile minivan.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Grand Caravan $22-27,000, Buick Terraza $27-31,000, Saturn Relay$22-28,000, Nissan Quest $24-34,000, Mercury Monterey $28,595, Ford Freestar $20-30,000, Honda Odyssey $26-39,000, Kia Sedona $21-26,000, Chevrolet Uplander $21-29,000, Chrysler Town & Country $22-36,000, Toyota Sienna $24-38,000, Hyundai Entourage $24-30,000.
Good News:
Great family van, decent fuel economy, powerful, handles well with lots of entertainment options for the traveling family, 2nd row seats swivel 180 degrees to face the 3rd row seats.
Bad News:
2nd row seats must be removed if extra cargo area needed.
Standard Equipment:
4.0 liter 251 hp V6 engine, 6-speed auto trans, front multistage airbags, all rows side curtain air bags, child anchor system, brake assist ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability program, power adjustable pedals, tire pressure monitor, variable intermittent wipers front and rear, air conditioning with 3 zone control, rear seat A/C controls, 8-way power drivers seat, 2nd row stow and go seating with 3rd row 60/40 split bench, power windows and locks front and 2nd row with power vents in 3rd row, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, tilt steering column, cruise control, audio system with CD/ MP3 with 6 speakers, leather wrapped steering wheel, overhead storage and console, removable front console, steering wheel audio controls.
Optional Equipment:
Custom package with Swivel and go removable second row seating with center table, heated front seats, dual DVD entertainment system with multimedia features and 2nd and 3rd row O/H 8” video screens with DVD players, wireless headphones, video remote control, 9 infinity speakers with subwoofer, back seat TV and digital radio, 20 gb disc drive, single disc DVD player, Sirius (1 year service) power lift gate, security group with alarm, UConnect hands free communication, 17” aluminum wheels – $7290. Trailer tow wiring harness, load leveling and height control, heavy duty engine cooling and radiator and transmission oil cooler – $600. Leather seating, power passenger seat – $1,130. Power folding 3rd row seat – $595. Navigation system $1,300.
Gas Stats:
$3.25/ Gal avg. December 28, ‘07
for more information.
16 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,805 – With options noted above $39,305.
