The minivan refuses to die, at least at Chrysler.
Ford and General Motors have bailed out, but Chrysler continues to turn out the people mover/cargo hauler created by Lee Iacocca in 1984.
The 5th generation has arrived for 2008 with a new design and 35 new or improved features, including engine and transmission, power folding third-row seats, a place to hide a purse and 13 cup and/or bottle holders.
We tested the Chrysler Town & Country (Transportation, Sept. 23) and now turn to the Dodge Grand Caravan, which comes in base SE and SXT trim. Regular wheelbase and 4-cylinder models are gone, leaving the V-6s and extended-length Grand Caravans that grew two inches overall as well.
We tested the top-of-the-line SXT. The Dodge crosshair grille decorates a new hood; front and rear fascia and taillamps also are new. The roof is a little lower and wider. Hold the jelly bean.
But the biggest change is the availability Swivel ‘N Go seating: Second-row seats turn to face the third row so you can slip a table between the rows for lunch or games.
We swiveled and went in Town & Country and found once the table is in place-a chore to begin with-legroom is at a premium. Great idea in need of better execution.
Our Grand Caravan had Stow ‘N Go, the feature available since 2005 in which second-row seats fold and flip into the floor to expand cargo capacity. The compartments that hide the seats also can conceal toys or computers when the seats are occupied.
Though tried, Stow ‘N Go still is not true, especially considering that to open those compartments wide enough to store the seats, you have to slide front seats as far forward as they’ll go. Wide is one thing the seats are not. They are so thin and stiff they are tough on the back and butt. The legs, however, get their due.
Second-row seats do flip forward quickly to create a generous aisle to the third row, where leg and arm room is tolerable, but the seats are stiff. The headrests in both rows are other tools of torture. When left down, they bulge into your back.
Room for groceries or luggage is generous with the third-row seats up. Need more groceries? Flip the third row into its floor compartment. Pull three straps or press the new power button ($595) to flatten the seat. With second and third rows in the floor, cargo capacity is cavernous.
Nice touches include power sliding doors on driver and passenger sides and power tailgate for easier loading.
The Grand Caravan may seat only seven, but it has 13 cup and bottle holders. You have to figure out which occupant gets just one beverage. There are also power plugs front and rear, umbrella holder along the driver’s floor, two gloveboxes, an optional center console (part of $2,080 preferred package) that can hide purse or computer or slide back 21 inches to serve the second row and YES Essentials stain/odor/static resistant seat fabric.
A 3.3-liter, 175-horsepower V-6 is standard in the base SE, a 3.8-liter, 197-h.p. V-6 with a 6-speed automatic is standard in the SXT. SXT also gets an optional 4-liter, 251-h.p. V-6 with 6-speed. That transmission is new, along with a palm-size gearshift lever in the dash to the right of the wheel.
The test vehicle came with the 3.8-liter, which could use a bit more punch off-the-line and into the passing lane. For quicker reaction to pedal input and power for a cabin full of people and their things, the 4-liter is the choice and it’s is EPA rated the same at 16 m.p.g. city/23 m.p.g. highway-the same as the 3.8.
The stiff seats contribute to firm ride while the size and weight make for the typical minivan lean in corners. Stability control is standard to minimize wandering. The room under the floor to accommodate Stow ‘n Go rules out all-wheel-drive. No space.
The SXT starts at $26,805 with side-curtain air bags, power adjustable pedals, air conditioning, power driver’s seat, power first- and second-row windows and third-row vents, AM/FM radio and CD player and power heated and folding mirrors.
Options include a $1,720 DVD entertainment system with pull-down screens for the second and third rows, Sirius satellite TV for $495 with live Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network (free for one year, $12.95 a month thereafter) and a $2,080 preferred equipment group with MyGig entertainment system that stores movies pictures and music plus MP3 compatibility, as well as such goodies as first and second row heated seats and power liftgate. Remote start is a new option, available only in a package.
As long as Chrysler keeps inventing new goodies for it, the minivan isn’t going anywhere.
Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation. Contact him at transportation@tribune.com.
