2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review Summary
Read this professional review summery and road test of the latest new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with a complete test drive evaluation in all driving situations including an overview of the Minivan/Van's specifications, 17 hwy / 11 city fuel economy, safety features and more.
2008 Grand Caravan Review Summary & Specs
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Redesigned for 2008, more safety, economy, utility.
2008 Grand Caravan Review Summary & Specifications
The redesigned 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers substantial improvements at a lower price. The 3.3-liter V6 with 175 horsepower is fine, while the optional 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter engines make more power with almost the same fuel mileage. The transmission and ride are both smooth. But it's the interior where the Grand Caravan leaps high hurdles. There's little left wanting, from storage space, to lighting, to options like a DVD system and sound system with hard drive, and tables for the passengers to sit around. But the best optional feature is Stow 'n Go, allowing the rear seats disappear into the floor for carrying cargo. The Grand Caravan's versatility is unmatched.Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from the Columbia River Gorge.
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| Vehicle Category | Minivans |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Dodge Grand Caravan SE (21,740); Grand Caravan SXT ($26,805) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.3-liter liter ohv V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 175-hp 3.3-liter ohv V6; 197-hp 3.8-liter ohv V6; 250-hp sohc 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | frontal airbags, side air curtains, electronic stability control, ABS with brake assist |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Windsor, Ontario; South St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-4ADODGE |
| Manufacturer URL | www.4adodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 21740 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Dodge Grand Caravan SE ($21,740) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, power front windows |
| Destination Charge | 730 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | YES Essentials fabric, cruise control, tinted side glass, rear climate control, 160-amp alternator, second row power windows and third row power vented windows, 60/40 third-row bench, trip computer, heated mirrors, remote starting, adjustable pedals, power sliding doors, power liftgate, 8-way power driver's seat, driver's lumbar manual support, aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, black roof rack, body-colored moldings, six-speaker DVD Entertainment System including MyGig Multimedia with a 20-gig hard drive |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 31320 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 175 @ 5000 |
| Torque | 205 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/24 |
| Wheelbase | 121.2 |
| Length/Width/Height | 202.5/78.7/68.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 39.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/57.0/40.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.2/64.8/36.4 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.9/48.7/37.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 141.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1800 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | tubular axle, coil springs, track bar |
| Ground Clearance | 6.1 |
| Curb Weight | 4321 |
| Stock Tires | 225/65R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.0 |
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