CD Article: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with Stow 'N' Go Seats

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


With Stow 'N' Go seats: Reduced pricing on 2008 Grand Caravans has made them a hard-to-beat value in the marketplace, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.  The SXT's optional 3.8-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission offer the best combination of performance and practicality, he says.
 
View the photos | All the Test Drives

[Rupert]

Yes I think you are right after driving one for 15000KM without a single problem. We have the tow package with the 3.8 which has the load levelling rear suspension dampers that also give a remarkably good ride weather hitched to the trailer or not.

[smok]

These vans are pretty nice, I must admit.  I like the looks of them, non offending solid lines.  This is a lot for the money.  I still see tons of 10+ year old chysler vans on the roads, so they are not that bad long term.  Hey Honda and Ford, take note of right pricing for Canadians.

[Honda Owner]

I wonder how Chrysler can justify charging $4000 more in Canada for the exact same vehicle sold in the USA?

If I ever needed a mini-van (and I hope this never happens) I would but a Dodge. Good vehicle for the money. At about 130,000 km best to trade it in though. This is when they start to fall apart.

[The Fuzz]

Sadly the Stow and Go seats are so brilliant that I'm tempted to forget it's a Chrysler and get one in a few months. Hopefully I won't get brought back to reality by frequent visits to the dealership to repair their quality work.

[martman]

I am still driving a 96 grand caravan LE with the 3.8 and tow package. it now has 160kms on it and has been a good family van. It gets 20 mpg fully loaded with kids bikes and camping gear.It will 25-28 on highway at 100 kph.
All repairs have been done by myself, these were the Intake mainfold gasket, alternator, and block heater. so I am not complaining, as it cost me less than $500.00.

[Rupert]

The power rear vents are a valuable asset and after having the previous Caravan without power we particularly looked for this feature. No more having to stop to open or close them. We find that operating the screen demist setting, cycles the air conditioner and with the rear vents open a comfortable cab interior can be attained without full time air. Albeit with a little more road noise.
I am not a fan of manual shifting automatic transmissions. At least untill now. I found that the lever could be operated without having to take your hand from the stearing wheel and whilst I would not be inclined to do this normally, I found it very useful to use in the mountains with our small trailer, when early shifting to maintain revs, was advantageous. The closer ratios of the six speed were also great when doing this.
One should note that the rear of the van drops a little after being parked for a while (overnight) with the load levelling tow package option. This is quite normal and ride height is quickly regained after a short distance along the road. There is no compressor involved; the shocks transfer fluid to level themselves using suspension travel whilst in motion. I find this arrangement to be a higher quality ride than the previous model without this equipment.