2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge gamely provided an Odyssey and a Sienna for comparo drives, and while it wasn't a substitute for a full-on comparison test, the back-to-back seat time was revealing.

The Japanese machines still hold an edge in interior finish-for instance, the dashes in the Honda and the Toyota are large, unbroken expanses of rich-looking material, whereas the Dodge uses harder plastic with an abundance of cut-lines. But in every other way the Dodge felt the equal or superior vehicle. The topline Grand Caravan SXT (pictured here) cruises almost without wind noise, steers with strong feel, deftly balances a compliant ride with good body control, and-thanks to its new engine and six-speed automatic-serves up forward motion like a luxury sedan.

The trump card is price. The outgoing Caravan could be had in more than 11,000 possible configurations. The new one: fewer than 1300. Due in part to that improved manufacturing efficiency, Dodge is able to offer more for less. The new, better-featured Grand Caravan actually stickers below the previous version: $22,470 for the base SE, $27,535 for the highline SXT (the 4.0-liter six and the media systems are additional). With a fully loaded Honda Odyssey Touring nosing $40K, it's a given that even a lavishly contented Grand Caravan will come in for thousands less.Which is to say, stay tuned for a new minivan shootout. The entertainer is here, and the innovator is back.

THE T&C TREATMENT

Think of the new Chrysler Town & Country as the Grand Caravan's uptown sibling. The T&C borrows its elegant front styling from the Chrysler 300 sedan, and its interior offers the warmth of woodgrain trim. The T&C also features a more relaxed ride than the sportier Dodge's. In the hardware department, though, the Dodge and Chrysler are virtual twins. The T&C offers three trim levels: LX ($23,190), Touring ($28,430), and Limited ($36,400, including the 4.0-liter six and six-speed auto, leather seats, and MyGIG).