2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan: Minivan with atitude
Wed, Oct 10th 2007
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, other, 2wd |
| msrp | $21,740 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 17mpg/24mpg |
| rating |  |
The enlarged ram’s head badge on the front grille of the new, totally redesigned 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan says it all – this is a minivan with attitude.
With so many new and improved gadgets, it’s hard to know where to start. There are power doors all the way around, with multiple storage compartments both in the floor and throughout the cabin.
The power tailgate has been redesigned to provide a more square entry for dog crates, and there are plenty of tie downs to secure everything properly.
And here’s a handy piece of hardware: Power flip seats in the third row. With the touch of a button, the third row seats rotate into one of three options: normal seating, stowed flat into the floor or flipped back to create a tailgate seating option that’s perfect for watching outdoor competitions in comfort and style.
For good fresh air circulation, the second row windows open up and down like a typical sedan, but unlike most typical minivan windows. The back is also kept cool with lift-up window shades on each window, shielding your pets from the hot summer sunlight. They also provide some privacy and security from outside onlookers.
And of course, the “Stow ‘N Go” seating offers plenty of versatility for cargo and canine capabilities. This system allows you to switch the seating configuration from people hauler to crate carrier in just about 30 seconds. When flat, the rear cargo area has space aplenty, enough to carry several large crates or a couple sheets of plywood. Forget to book a hotel for the championships? The flat floor provides great space for sleeping when there’s no room at the inn.
Oh, and it drives well too, with an automatic six-speed, V6 engine that produces up to 251 horsepower and can tow up to 1,800 pounds.
There’s no question about it, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan meets and exceeds all the requirements of the perfect dogmobile. This is truly a “grand” caravan.
-- Keith Turner
Carguy Comments:The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan comes in . five models, with three distinct seating and storage systems and three powertrains, including a minivan-first six-speed transaxle. The 3.3-liter V-6 flex-fuel-capable engine 175 horsepower, while the 3.8-liter V-6 engine 197 horsepower, and the 4.0-liter V-6 aluminum engine produces 251 horsepower. Fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. With the larger (3.8 and 4.0 liter) engines, and trailer tow package, the towing capacity is 3,600 pounds.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan: The best yet
Barking Lot Banter: Chrysler produced the original minivan decade ago, and ever since the automaker has been a trailblazer in minivan design and innovation. The new model is no exception, with larger cargo area and squared off back, the Grand Caravan is the consummate dogmobile.
Comments
I have had my 2008 now for a year and I still love it! The lady with the husky’s looking for a liner, I bought a liner from Dodge made for the van but it does not have lips, however, it goes in and out like a breeze and if I have to put up a seat I just roll it back. I have been keeping a comforter over the top as well, but it is water/liquid resistant and is doing very well for me. Thanks.
2009-06-16 08:36:18
We have two labs and a husky. The 2008 grand caravan is perfect for all three, and its low profile for access is saving our backs! I removed the middle seat and place a red carpet for them covering the whole area to the front driver and passenger seats.
I would like to find a well made rubber liner with some edges to protect the sides of the panels, etc., that covers the whole area so I can clean it up easily, especially after rainy days walks, or swim in the creeks we find.
If anybody knows where to find one I’d appreciate the information.
2009-05-01 16:53:31
I just found out that the Dodge Caravan comes in a “Cargo-Van” version. There’s no backseats at all with an available mat that’s impervious to spills! For serious dog folks, this might be a good option. I’m checking with Dodge to see if you can still get the rear A/C and windows that roll up and down. Does anyone know about this version first-hand?
2009-03-09 13:48:37
I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan and I LOVE the fact that I can leave the pet porter crate in the back and STILL see out the back window! The crate does not block the window at all. I also love that I got the three zone temp control and can keep the dogs back there warm without melting myself in the front. My 10 year old lab mix can just step right in and I don’t have to lift her at all since it so so much lower than my Jeep Cherokee was. I also love the water proof lining/cover that I bought from Dodge, it is cut and fits perfectly in the back and I threw a blanket over it and when one of the dogs vomitted back there nothing soaked threw, washed the blanket and wiped off the liner, no soaking of the floor board at all!! I alos love being able lower the second row windows, my dogs like to have the air but this way it also seems to keep them in the back instead of trying to be in the front where the windows are usually rolled down. I LOVE this car and have had no problems with it at all!!! Thanks so much.
2008-12-27 23:03:26
Thank you to the person who pointed out the design flaw in the 2008 caravan. I currently fit two 36×23x27 and two 42x??x27 slant back crates in my 2000 caravan. I didn’t comprehend what they were talking about until I tried to put 2 crates into the new 2008, side by side. Now, I may still get the 2008, but I know that I will have to use narrow fit (21W) crates back there. I will have to measure, but it appears that there is 44 inches width across the narrowest portion of the van, about 3/4 of the way up from the floor. I also believe that the rear is straight enough now so that slant back crates are not necessary. I do not own a 2008; I’ve just been shopping around….
2008-12-16 22:39:23
I LOVE this van! I had a malibu before, and well after that, this is a dream. The dogs are ample space to do this, that and the other thing and , crates, grooming table? x-pens? no problem! Luggage? shove her in!
2008-11-20 06:55:24
we got a ten year old Dodge Caravan for $1500 in June specifically to be our “woofer wagon” hauling greyhounds. I am very impressed with the size, comfort, ride, driving, gas milage, and most of all, the ease of getting dogs in and out. Taking it to meet and greets and greyhound gatherings. wish it had stow and go seating, but still, very impressed and plan to eventually trade up to a newer model. The pups like it too!
2008-09-05 20:42:38
I have the Town and Country…same body. I also have 10 Irish Wolfhounds, and while they are not all in the van at the same time, I have taken as many as 4 on a road trip/Specialty weekend, although I usually only take 2-3. I use X pens, not crates, as barriers or compartments….works very well.
2008-09-05 11:30:00
I used this van as a vehicle to transport three Irish Wolfhounds for years and it worked impeccably! The low step-up was a huge factor in my choosing it.
It most certainly is for Irish Wolfhounds!
2008-09-05 10:17:04
i have two black labs and a grand caravan 2005 am thinking of getting a 2008. need room.
2008-06-24 11:15:52
If you use the van strictly for cargo purposes, i.e. you don’t have to convert it intermittently into a people hauler, consider the Grand Caravan Cargo Van. It has 2 chairs in the front and instead of rear seating, just plain cargo space in the rear. The standard option comes with an amazing number of features incl. a flex fuel engine that only a few years ago were all optional except for speed control which is still an optional feature.
One minor draw back: the rear by the lift gate is slightly curved, a more square configuration would give just a tad more space for fitting large side by side minivan crates.
Because the rear seating has been eliminated, these vans sell for considerably less than the passenger version. We just paid for a standard model with cruise control, cash payment and no trade in but several manufacturer’s incentives $ 18,250.00 (Missouri, June 2008)
2008-06-17 22:20:30
Thanks for the review. This van is NOT for my Irish Wolfhounds!
2008-06-15 22:32:07
From dog show exhibitor perspective, the 2008 Grand Caravan/Town & Country poses some limitations in regards to crating for dogs. In previous models, 4 23” wide crates could easily fit in the Chrysler/Dodge mini vans, however in the 2008 models these 23” crates no longer fit. The clearance between the rear trim panels over the wheel well does not allow enough room. Also, the motor for the power lift gate makes it difficult to load a crate into the left rear side. If you need a van that allow for 4 crates for dogs the size of a retriever or larger the new 2008 product isn’t for you.
2008-02-04 06:38:54
This review was very helpful. I especially appreciate the details & photos regarding the cargo area.
2007-12-28 12:00:20
Love this van,but i totally know what you mean about rear trim panel over the wheel wells. I built a wooden stucture(platform )so I could still use my 500’s with no problems!
2009-06-28 18:25:17