click to view more high-res images of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXTNext Monday is Memorial Day, which many think of as the official start of the summer driving season. That means it's time to pack your families and all their associated gear in the
family truckster family sedan and head out to see the relatives. We've already seen
one set of choices for the best vehicle with which to hit the open road, and now Kelley Blue Book has decided to throw its hat in the ring as well. They cover all the bases, so regardless of the size of your clan, you'll be sure to find a recommendation that suits you. Some of their choices, like the Grand Caravan sitting at number five, seem pretty obvious and would likely make for a smooth trip. If smoothness isn't really your thing, perhaps the Bugatti Veyron, number two on KBB's list, would be a better choice. Too fuel thirsty for your pocketbook? Consider the Prius at number nine. Take a look at their full list
here.
[Source:
Kelley Blue Book]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MJL 4:39PM (5/20/2008)
The Prius seems an odd choice, given most of its fuel economy advantages are erased on the highway. Me, I'd have to say a Saab wagon – quiet, comfortable, fast on the highway, economical, and with a refrigerated glovebox!
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allan.home 5:05PM (5/20/2008)
"The Prius seems an odd choice, given most of its fuel economy advantages are erased on the highway."
The Prius and the Civic Hybrid both return highway fuel economy of 45 mpg, which is the best in the biz. That's a pretty strong advantage.
Dan 5:20PM (5/20/2008)
FWIW, in CR testing cruising at a steady 65mph the Civic hybrid got 47 mpg while the standard Civic got 43.
Put the hybrid's low traction tires on the standard car and even that minimal difference would be gone.
Electric assist recharged by the brakes is just dead weight when you aren't braking.
SPG 11:53PM (5/20/2008)
I think I'd take a Saab myself.
I just got back from a weekend at the cabin with two couples and a dog in the car.
I was dreaming of a 9-5 wagon for that trip the entire time.
Richard 4:56PM (5/20/2008)
A mini clubman? Did whoever come up with that list actually have any idea what the title was going to be when they made it?
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Scott K. 4:59PM (5/20/2008)
It seems to be a mix of a handful of different lists, only one of which has anything to do with the title. I can think of a few lists with a Prius and a Veyron and this isn't one of them. One of the dumbest lists I've read in a while. And I like kbb.com. Moving on...
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Dan 5:14PM (5/20/2008)
Sportyness is a dangerous attribute for a road trip car.
Keeping it under 75 for 600 miles of open road in a car like the S5 or even the Malibu with the 3.6 would be pure torture.
Something unwieldy and numb like a Suburban won't tempt you to push it and feed the highway pigs.
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blogged to death 5:17PM (5/20/2008)
Yes a Bugatti Veyron is a comfortable car for road trips. Lots of room for packing things and children.
From personal experience I'd pick an Element as it gets 25mpg - has rear seats that recline, fold down or fold up in the side to make room for a unassembled bike or 130lb husky. It was my favorite road trip vehicle as 2 adults, 1 child and 2 big dogs and bikes and luggage would fit inside. Pretty trick.
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EskimoPie 5:17PM (5/20/2008)
The KBB article says they are listed in alphabetical order, not ranked. Saying one car is #2 or #6 is really meaningless.
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Pips 5:32PM (5/20/2008)
what a dumb list, the best road trip vehicles should include nothing but minivans and large sedans/wagons with most room and comfortable seats. I think these should be a must to consider best road trip vehicles. get rids of all those coupes and convertibles in the list.
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B 6:07PM (5/20/2008)
Yay for Volkswagen corp to make up 1/3 of the list.
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Richard 6:10PM (5/20/2008)
Actually I used to drive a C5 convertible which made a great road-trip car for two people. Big trunk, comfortable, great gas mileage in 6th with the engine just ticking over (around 25mpg at 75-80mph). So it all depends. But yeah, the Veyron is stupid. Besides, how much is it depreciating per mile?
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Richard 7:27PM (5/20/2008)
What an odd list!
Very high end (Veyron)
Low end (Dodge)
But nothing that I would call a great road trip car...which I would consider to be something fun (not numb) to drive - that also holds enough gear for a road trip.
An M5?
An STi?
An S4 Avant?
Perhaps the aforementioned Saab Sportwagon?
But nothing on this list.
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Ian 7:50PM (5/20/2008)
That list is retarded.
IMHO a great roadtrip car is one that:
Holds stuff.
Is quiet on the long haul.
Cruises well.
My old WS6 Trans Am was an awesome rod trip car (for two people. Backseat down with the hatch == awesome. Big ass V8 with 6spd = cruise at 75-80 at 2000 RPM. Drop it down a gear and punch it to pass.
The G8 should be on this list.
My CX9 is also a great tripper.
The Veyron? WTF? Barely enough space for your arm candy's thong and purse.
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MemphisNET 7:51PM (5/20/2008)
Fantasy : Aston Martin DB9
Why? It's a DB9
Realistic : Dodge/Chrysler Minivan
Why? Just way too comfy, and I can bring my friends
Old car : 1984 Buick Electra Park Avenue
why? 6 feet of crumple-zone in front, 5 more out back, seating for 6 AND all their luggage, wire-spoke wheels, pillow top seats, 6speaker concert sound, and its like gliding on a big iron couch.
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Das Boese 8:21PM (5/20/2008)
"As your attorney, I advise you to rent a very fast car with no top."
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icu812ru469 9:35PM (5/20/2008)
With wife and three kids, with one set of parents to lug... only choice is a minivan. To own and to just have along the way, I would take nothing right now over my Odyssey Touring. Nav, DVD, electric tailgate, doors, etc. make it perfect. Fit-n-finish is top rank and the Chrysler T&C doesn't even rank in same league, even though the Odyssey is over four years older.
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Kayne001 10:11PM (5/20/2008)
Out of all of those I believe the Dodge Grand Caravan deserves it's position, maybe the Malibu too.
I'm unsure about the others.
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MajorGeek 10:49PM (5/20/2008)
What Pips said.
I dont get it. Best car for a road trip is a big roomy car. Period. Gas mileage, sports cars, etc should have NO bearing on a road trip vehicle. Great fantasy vehicles to drive, sure, but not for 12 hours. I can see the Tahoe and Malibu types being in there, but I own motorcycles, sports cars as well as a Hummer 2 and a Honda Civic and I would not even hesitate to grab the H2 for a long road trip. Anytime. Its like driving down the road in your Lazy Boy, only more comfortable.
Only way a fugly minivan could be any better would be if it came with a soundproof cage for the nipple nibblers you might have to take with you.
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CarbonBlack 11:16PM (5/20/2008)
why do we even give this list credence?
Based on their choices, I'd argue that they need to stick to automotive prices!
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