2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

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Minivans, by nature, want to resonate like a drum. The automaker has done an excellent job of minimizing and blocking engine, road and wind noises, while masking all but the worst roadway bumps and jostles.

This is no sports car, let's be clear. Steering is a bit numb, though the new minivans offer good on-center feel and handle surprising well on the tight and twisty backroads we want wandering during our day-long drive. Credit the front McPherson struts with the larger stabilizer bars added for 2008 and, in the rear, a new twist-beam suspension.

With the 4.0-liter V-6, Dodge has modified both suspension and steering to provide a firmer and more aggressive ride. To our mind, it'd be the right tuning for even the base model.

We don't expect many base models to roll out of Dodge showrooms. There's a seemingly endless list of options, including larger engines, MyGig and other "infotainment" systems, the ParkView rear-mounted camera, LED lighting and, well, a lot more than we could jot down during our background briefing. So, while you can get your hands on a Grand Caravan SE for $22,470, and an SXT for $27,535, we wouldn't be surprised to see some passengers adding another $10,000 to the final transaction price. (A fully-loaded Chrysler Town & Country, we were told, will nip $41,380.)

That's a lot of money for a big family, but after spending some time inside the new, fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan, we're absolutely convinced this is a lot of minivan. The 2008 models aren't likely to set in motion the revolution Chrysler kicked off in 1984, but sometimes, what you really want is planned evolution. The new Caravan achieves that in spades, and the rest of the minivan segment will have to struggle to catch up.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Base price: SE: $22,470 (all include $730 destination charge); SXT: $27,535

Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 175 hp/205 lb-ft; 3.8-liter V-6, 197 hp/230 lb-ft; 4.0-liter V-6, 251 hp/259 lb-ft

Transmission: Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive with 3.3-liter V-6; six-speed automatic for 3.8- and 4.0-liter V-6s

Length x width x height: 202.5 x 78.7 x 68.9 in

Wheelbase: 121.2 in

Curb weight: 4321—4514 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 17/24 mpg (with 3.3-liter V-6); 16/23 mpg (with 3.8 liter V-6); 16/23 mpg (4.0-liter V-6)

Major standard features: SE: power windows, doors and mirrors, air conditioning, standard CD stereo with MP3 capability, conversation mirror, 16-inch wheels, center bench seats, removable, rechargeable rear-mounted flashlight. SXT: power-adjustable pedals Stow 'N Go seats, LED lighting package, six-speaker audio with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Safety features: Dual front and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

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