2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

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. Indeed, so accommodating and packed with amusements is this all-new, fifth-generation version of the minivan that started it all a quarter-century ago, your primary morning chore is likely going to be prying the kids out of it.

The new Caravan (and Chrysler Town & Country) arrives none too soon. Chrysler Corporation had the minivan market all to itself in 1984 (one of the advantages to creating a market niche that previously didn't exist), but in the ensuing years its 100-percent share has steadily eroded in the growing shadow of myriad worthy arrivals-Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, and more. The now-retiring fourth-gen Chrysler models still account for a segment-leading 38 percent of sales, but that's largely on the basis of sheer inertia. In our last minivan comparison (MT, August, 2006), the aging Caravan (last renewed in 2001) finished a distant last.

Based on our drives in a range of preproduction 2008 units, though, Chrysler looks to have leaped straight back to the front of the minivan pack. Astutely reworking its family favorite, the automaker has retained the good stuff (the innovative. quick-fold Stow 'n Go seats unveiled for 2004), jettisoned the Achilles' heels (dated jellybean design, weak powertrains), and added a ton of desirable new features-all while trimming the bottom line.

The new Grand Caravan scores on styling. This is a vehicle that plays to a vast spectrum of demographics and tastes, so polarizing "designer" swoops and adornments are out. But via its simple, broad-shouldered lines the Dodge radiates a handsome, expensive presence. The roof is six inches wider than before; the nose and glass proportions borrow from Dodge's masculine Charger and Magnum. Some of the changes you can't see-for instance, while frontal area is increased, the drag coefficient is down four percent. Others are conspicuous. Shrivel no more at the thought of driving a minivan: The Grand Caravan actually looks mean looming up in a rearview mirror.

Gone is the standard-wheelbase Caravan model; the new version is "Grand" only.