Chrysler prices 2008 minivans well below outgoing models

While it's hard to argue with the industry minivan leader, the new-for-2008 Chrysler minivans had us scratching our heads a bit. Their styling appears to take a page from the Chevy Venture book of design, which had us wondering if Chrysler could could keep them on top. Well, it looks like the Chrysler Group might have a few tricks up its sleeve to keep the crown, like offering better vehicles with more standard features for a lot less dough. They just announced the U.S. pricing for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country and the new minivan kings appear to be incredible values.
According to the press release, the new vans will start arriving in dealerships in the fall "...with 35 new or improved features," along with the new 4.0L V6, six-speed transaxles, standard all-row side curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all for about two grand less than the outgoing models. The Grand Caravan SE will start at $22,470 and the Grand Caravan SXT at $27,535. Over at Chrysler, the Town & Country will be $23,190 for the LX, $28,430 for the Touring, and $36,400 for the Limited.
Full press release with more details can be found after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]
PRESS RELEASE:
Chrysler Group Lowers Prices, Adds More Content, Performance and Standard Safety Features to the All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan Minivans
- All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SE model offers consumers $2,070 better value than its predecessor at $1,950 lower U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT model offers $2,015 more content at an MSRP that is $970 less than its predecessor
- All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX model offers an MSRP that is $3,585 lower than its predecessor with $400 of additional standard content
- All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring offers $2,395 better value than its predecessor at an $835 lower MSRP than the outgoing model
- All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited provides $2,350 added content at an MSRP $935 lower than its predecessor
- With 35 new or improved features, three distinct seating and storage systems and clever features customers appreciate, the all-new 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans give consumers the comforts of a home away from home at a reasonable price
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 12, 2007 -
Chrysler Group today announced U.S. pricing for the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country arriving in dealerships this fall. With 35 new or improved features, a new 4.0 liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, more standard equipment including standard all-row side curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and an average U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of roughly $2,000 less than outgoing models, the all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans offer customers a "family room on wheels" for just about every lifestyle and price point.
2008 Dodge Minivans
The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is $22,470 (including $730 destination).
"The new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan offers consumers a $3,400 better value than its predecessor," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand Marketing. "We were able to lower the price on Grand Caravan models an average of $1,460 while adding an average of $2,000 in standard content across the lineup, offering consumers a fantastic package of clever features, world-class entertainment options, industry-leading seating and storage options and a minivan-first six-speed transaxle at a price that makes sense."
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
With a U.S. MSRP starting at $22,470 (including $730 destination), the Dodge Grand Caravan SE offers exceptional value for an entry-level minivan. Some of the standard features included are a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 175 hp (131 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque mated to a four-speed transaxle and is a flex-fuel engine, capable of running on E85, a renewable fuel; advanced multistage driver and low risk deployment front passenger air bags; supplemental all-row side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and traction control; four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; brake-park interlock; tire pressure monitoring system; LATCH child seat anchor system; overhead console that includes a rearview interior conversation mirror with sunglass holder; standard front-row center floor console with four removable, dishwasher safe cup holders; power door locks; dual, manual sliding doors; first- and second-row bottle holders; dual glove boxes; third-row rear seatback grocery bag hooks; halogen headlamps with headlamp-off time delay; manual liftgate with single floodlamp; 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim; AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with four speaker sound system; Sentry Key® remote, keyless, illuminated entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer; removable second-row two-passenger bench seat and third-row 60/40 split bench seat that folds into the floor; second-row, in-floor covered storage bins; DoorAlert; FOB Integrated Key (FOBIK); tire pressure monitoring system; 16-inch steel wheels; power front windows with one-touch down and driver side on-touch up and intermittent front and rear wipers.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
With a starting U.S. MSRP of $27,535 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT offers premium amenities with a sporty, grown-up appearance. In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Grand Caravan SE model, some of the standard features the Grand Caravan SXT model adds are a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a minivan-first six-speed automatic transaxle; Stow 'n Go® seating and storage system; second-row power windows and third-row power vents; YES Essentials® anti-static, anti-odor, anti-stain cloth seats and floor mats; power adjustable pedals; three-zone manual temperature control; 115-volt power inverter, power adjustable pedals, single rear, full-length, overhead console system with storage bins; second- and third-row moveable LED lamps; LED halo light ring that emits a soft greenish-blue light; HomeLink Universal Transceiver with programmable, three-function with remote control garage door opener and interior/exterior home lighting or security devices; illuminated vanity mirrors; eight-way power driver seat; manual driver lumbar support; leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; six speaker sound system; speed control with steering wheel-mounted controls and trip computer with temperature and compass display in instrument cluster.
Available features include the Swivel 'n Go™ seat system; 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque; ParkSense® back-up assist system; ParkView® rear back-up camera; heated first- and second-row seats in cloth or leather; AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/HDD MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System with or without navigation and includes UConnect® Handsfree communication system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite video with three channels of family programming that includes Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat; remote start; a premium, removable sliding front center floor console with four cup holders, multiple storage bins and 12-volt power outlet; power sunroof; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
2008 Chrysler Minivans
The starting U.S. MSRP of the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX is $23,190 (including $730 destination).
"Offering consumers cutting edge amenities and value for their dollar was a prime consideration in the development of the new Chrysler Town & Country minivan," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Brand. "The heritage of the original luxury minivan is evident in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, but with an updated style and flair. We've added 35 new or improved features that continue the Chrysler tradition of offering premium amenities without the premium price. In fact, we lowered the price of the Town & Country LX by more than $3,500 and added $400 more content."
2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX
With a starting U.S. MSRP of $23,190 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX offers premium amenities without the premium price. Standard features on the Chrysler Town & Country LX include a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 175 hp (131 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque and is mated to a four-speed transaxle. The 3.3-liter engine is a flex-fuel engine capable of running on E85, a renewable fuel. Some of the other standard features included are an advanced multistage driver air bag and front passenger low risk deployment air bag; supplemental all-row side curtain air bag with added rollover protection; ESP with brake assist and traction control; passenger assist handles located on the A-pillar, B-pillar and headliner above the sliding passenger doors; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; brake-park interlock; LATCH child seat anchor system; analog clock; overhead console that includes a rearview interior conversation mirror with sunglass holder; standard front-row center floor console with four removable, dishwasher safe cup holders; rear window defroster; power door locks; dual manual-sliding doors; sunscreen glass; first- and second-row bottle holders; dual glove boxes; third-row rear seatback grocery bag hooks; halogen quad headlamps with headlamp-off time delay; manual liftgate with single floodlamp; 12-volt power outlets in the instrument panel and rear quarter trim; AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with four speaker sound system; Sentry Key remote, keyless, illuminated entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer; YES Essentials anti-stain, anti-odor, anti-static fabric seats; removable second-row two-passenger bench seat and third-row 60/40 split bench seat that folds into the floor; second-row, in-floor covered storage bins; DoorAlert; power rack and pinion steering; FOBIK; tire pressure monitoring system; 16-inch steel wheels; power front windows with driver-side one-touch down and intermittent front and rear wipers.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring
With a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,430 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring minivan offers customers luxury amenities at a price they can afford. In addition to those offered on the Chrysler Town & Country LX, some of the standard features the Chrysler Town & Country Touring adds include: a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 197 hp (147 kW) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; Stow 'n Go seating and storage system; power sliding driver side and passenger doors; power liftgate; HomeLink Universal Tranceiver; rear, moveable courtesy/reading lamps; door courtesy lamp; removable, rechargeable LED flashlight; fog lamps; illuminated visor vanity; foldaway, power-heated body-color exterior mirrors; power adjustable pedals; 115-volt inverter located on the front of the driver-side C-pillar trim panel; roof rack; eight-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with steering wheel mounted audio controls; six-speaker sound system and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
With a starting U.S. MSRP of $36,400 (including $730 destination), the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited sets the standard for luxury minivans. In addition to the standard equipment included on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model, the Town & Country Limited also includes a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 251 hp (189 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. (350 N•m) of torque and is mated to a new, minivan-first six-speed transaxle; three-zone automatic temperature control; luxury front- and second-row floor mats; High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power, foldaway, heated multifunction chrome mirrors with supplemental side signals and driver-side memory; ParkSense rear park assist system, MyGIG AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Multimedia Entertainment system, ParkView rear back-up camera and SIRIUS satellite radio; remote start system; leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats with suede microfiber accents; security alarm; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and 17-inch chrome-clad wheels.
Available equipment for the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models includes Swivel 'n Go seat system; three-zone automatic temperature control; remote start; foldaway, power-heated chrome mirrors that include supplemental signals and driver-side memory; auto-dimming exterior driver side mirror; Parksense rear park assist system; ParkView rear back-up camera; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite TV with three channels of family programming including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile and Cartoon Network Mobile; heated first- and second-row seats (cloth or leather); second- and third-row retractable sunshades; premium sound system which includes ten speakers with a minivan-first subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier; premium removable front center console that slides rearward 21 inches and offers four cup holders, a 12-volt power outlet and multiple storage areas; premium tire pressure monitoring system with EVIC; integrated child booster seat (late availability); power sunroof; remote start; one-touch power folding third-row seat; sunroof; trailer tow package; single or dual DVD entertainment systems and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Pricing:
Following is U.S. MSRP for the new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan models. (All prices include $730 destination.)
2008 MSRP Outgoing MSRP
Grand Caravan SE: $22,470 $24,420
Grand Caravan SXT: $27,535 $28,505
Chrysler Town & Country Pricing:
Following is U.S. MSRP for the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country models. (All prices
include $730 destination.)
2008 MSRP Outgoing MSRP
Town & Country LX: $23,190 $26,775
Town & Country Touring: $28,430 $29,265
Town & Country Limited: $36,400 $37,335
Dodge Brand
Whether it's cars, trucks or minivans, the Dodge brand offers bold, powerful, capable and street-smart vehicles that are known for affordable performance. With nine new vehicles launching in the last two years, Dodge, the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand, continues its product offensive with the launch of the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. With more than 1.3 million units sold globally in 2006 (1,077,579 units in the U.S.), Dodge is the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand and the number five nameplate in the U.S. auto market with a 7 percent market share.
Chrysler Brand
Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image in recent years. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have jumped more than 250 percent. No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.
Minivan Production
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country models will be built at Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis South Assembly Plant in Fenton, Missouri.
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2007.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Daniel 1:09AM (10/13/2008)
We own this model and I love it. There is plenty of room up front for my legs (I'm 6'2") and the kids have a great time and plenty of personal space in the back. There is also a great amount of cargo space behind them. I have installed the Engel Slide for our MT60F-Combi 12 volt refrigerator. I like the idea of using the slide incase of an accident. It will hold onto the refrigerator/freezer and not let it go flying. We bought our 12 volt portable refrigerator freezer from http://www.12volt-travel.com/12-volt-refrigerators-c-630.html
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TriShield 2:06PM (7/12/2007)
I watched this video on the new Town & Country last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycpoeCXaWZY
Chrysler's new vans look extremely well executed. Hopefully for Chrysler's sake (as well as the American auto industry's) they sell well.
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seoultrain 2:18PM (7/12/2007)
Just watched the video, and I gotta say it isn't hard to make an interior look good when it's computer rendered. Makes all the textures look expensive, and makes all panel gaps disappear as well.
I do like the swivel seat idea though.
bmoredlj 2:06PM (7/12/2007)
Wow, that's a lot of car for the money, even if it does look like the '91 model.
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Amber 1:25PM (8/15/2007)
it really does look like an early 1990s design.
Anyways, with the Sebring fiasco (77% Fleets) Chrysler cant have another miss.
However I think this will miss the mark. The underpowered and archaic 3.3 pushrod 175hp 4speed auto $22,000 will do well but if you had to pay 30 grand for this or any of the competition my bet is on the competition.
Amber 3:16PM (7/12/2007)
it really does look like an early 1990s design.
Anyways, with the Sebring fiasco (77% Fleets) Chrysler cant have another miss.
However I think this will miss the mark. The underpowered and archaic 3.3 pushrod 175hp 4speed auto $22,000 will do well but if you had to pay 30 grand for this or any of the competition my bet is on the competition.
seoultrain 2:17PM (7/12/2007)
This kind of price cutting is the reason why we don't get the Mazda MPV here - a car that is actually good to drive. I still find it hard to believe that the Odyssey hasn't taken the top spot from Chrysler. Would that be due to fleet sales?
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spencer 2:29PM (7/12/2007)
Maybe it's due to the fact that an Odyssey costs almost $10,000 more. Will it be as reliable, probably not, but they both have warranties.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-DODGE-CARAVAN-SXT-8858_W0QQitemZ230149891704QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6193QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Honda-Odyssey-EX-Call-For-Consumer-Incetives_W0QQitemZ200126362392QQihZ010QQcategoryZ6258QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
geo.stewart 2:38PM (7/12/2007)
as one who just recently bought his second Gr Caravan (2006), I drove them all. The MPV did drive better but didnt have the room and cost more than the Gr Caravan. My wife was comfortable with the Gr Caravan and we frequently use all the room the Gr Caravan has to offer. We had no issues for 5.5 yrs with the last one. So when all was said and done, the Odyssey was the only real competitor and we opted with the Gr Caravan for price. I got it for something around 8K less than sticker, plus decent money on the trade-in.
Tyk 2:10PM (7/12/2007)
Odyssey and Sienna are cleaning up at the mid to high-end while the scraps and fleet market are left for Chrysler.
And, retro styling only works for vehicles that people were passionate about.
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Nick 12:45AM (7/13/2007)
Hah. They aren't cleaning up a thing, except for a few auto rags. Everyone knows that Chrysler cleans up the whole market.
rem83 2:22PM (7/12/2007)
Any word on what tow capacity will be with the 4.0L / 6 speed auto?
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Phil L. 3:50PM (7/12/2007)
I'd be surprised if the tow capacity is anything beyond the 3500 pounds that minivans have had for years (well, to Chrysler's credit, they did up it to 3800 on some models).
Meanwhile, braking, suspension, transmissions and engines have all improved dramatically. Artificially low tow capacities have long been a way to increase dealer profit by pushing people unnecessarily to SUVs and trucks. The current gas crunch may finally change this. The reward may very well go to the first minivan optimized - and realistically rated - for reasonalbe, mid-grade towing.
I've been towing a mid-size popup camper with a Ford Windstar - and have been pleased with the combination. Decent mileage, both while towing and not towing. A good compromise all the way around. I look forward to minivans taking towing seriously.
srivendel 2:36PM (7/12/2007)
I agree it's a good value, but with only 178hp, this thing will barely be able to get out of its own way. Fill it up with 7 people and cringe.
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felipe 2:37PM (7/12/2007)
did they finally make ALL ROW AIRBAGS standard??? it says "supplimental" in the SE catagory, not in Base?
they were the LAST to do that, if they finally did this year.
even the KIA makes full curtain bags standard on base models.
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dakota 4:14PM (7/12/2007)
"SE" is the BASE van.
"advanced multistage driver and low risk deployment front passenger air bags; supplemental all-row side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist and traction control; four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; brake-park interlock; tire pressure monitoring system; LATCH child seat anchor system; "
Try reading next time.
felipe 4:25PM (7/12/2007)
i did read. i was under the impression SE was special edition/top model as with many manuf. Glad to see they finally put air bags in for the 3rd row. took long enough.
i owned a 2004 caravan. worst pc of crap van ever made,
rattles, thumping, constant brake work, molding falling off, hope the new ones fair better but somehow i doubt it... from what i've read 2005-2006 were'nt any better.
Dieter 2:50PM (7/12/2007)
Uh, no thanks. At these prices, Kia and Hyundai still have them beat - esp. for reliability, styling and warranty. I'm in the minvan market and Chrysler has just priced themselves off of my list.
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MiniMe 2:51PM (7/12/2007)
Why did they let the design team go? That's not how you develop a turn-around plan.
Good value, but plain ugly. As a Caravan owner (I've gone through 4 generations of Caravans), I am greatly disappointed with the new iteration of the minivan. Honda and Toyota released nice looking minivans lately, and I thought the new model from Chrysler will reverse the Japanese market gains. Looking at it now, I think it is highly unlikely.
Present Sienna and Odyssey are better looking than the "all-new" Chrysler, what would happen when newer generation comes along?
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The Other Bob 3:05PM (7/12/2007)
"Better looking" is in the eye of the beholder. The Toyota is downright freakish looking. The Honda less so.
The funny thing is, I think the designer of the 300 designed theese vans.