Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile cargo and passenger transport
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Uplander, Ford Freestar
Versatility:
Flexible seating configurations (Stow 'n Go), ample cargo space
Convenience:
Available power sliding doors and liftgate, intuitive interior layout
Value Proposition:
Offers competitive pricing and features for its segment
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust system
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tires
Body & Electrical:
Body panels, lighting, HVAC, power accessories, audio system, instrument cluster, safety systems
Interior Features:
Seating, climate control, storage, power sliding doors, power liftgate (if equipped)
Operating Instructions:
Vehicle controls, dashboard indicators, starting and driving, parking, towing, fueling
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, light bulb replacement, basic fluid changes
Safety:
Seat belt operation, child restraint systems, airbag system overview, hazard warning lights
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights explanation, basic diagnostic tips for common issues
Depth Level:
Owner-level; focuses on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting, not complex repair procedures
Overall Length:
199.5 inches
Overall Width:
77.0 inches
Overall Height:
68.9 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 157.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Approximately 140.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approximately 77.1 cubic feet (with Stow 'n Go)
Cargo Volume Behind Third Row:
Approximately 21.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight Est:
4,200 - 4,400 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:
5,750 - 5,850 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Front Seat:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rear Seat:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side curtain airbags for all rows
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seat installation
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional premium audio systems.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Available rear-seat DVD entertainment system with integrated screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard remote keyless entry system
Power Sliding Doors:
Available power-operated sliding doors with remote activation
Power Liftgate:
Available power liftgate
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or 6,000 miles/6 months if using synthetic oil and filter, under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months
Engine Oil Type 3.3L:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meets Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Type 3.8L:
SAE 3.3L 5W-30 (API certified, meets Chrysler MS-6395)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Type I (OAT) or Type II (HOAT) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mixture with distilled water
Common Issues Engine:
Spark plug misfires (coil-on-plug issues), oil leaks from valve covers, potential for head gasket leaks on higher mileage 3.8L engines.
Common Issues Transmission:
Transmission solenoid failure, torque converter issues, rough shifting.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, strut and shock absorber wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Power window motor failures, power sliding door mechanism issues, instrument cluster problems.
Maintenance Schedule Reference
Schedule Detail Level:
Provides detailed schedules for various mileages and time intervals, including checks and replacements.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, including a significant presence in the minivan segment.
Caravan Generation:
This 2008 model is part of the fourth generation (2001-2007) facelift and subsequent refresh, often referred to as the 4.5 generation, carrying over many features from the 2001-2007 models with minor updates.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Production Period Fourth Gen:
2001-2007 (with significant updates for 2008 model year)
Kbb Fair Purchase Price Ranking:
Often recognized for good value and affordability in its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by model year; 2008 generally received average to below-average reliability ratings from some sources.