Compare the Grand Caravan with three cars at the

Since it invented the genre in 1983, Chrysler has been the undisputed sales champions of the minivan. And if the all-new designs of its latest minivan lineup is any indication (we first saw these models January), the recently bought-out Chrysler Group has isn’t willing to give up that title anytime soon. In fact, it’s looking to expand its lead over the rest of the pack.

The fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country offer the same basic chassis layout as last year, and still feature front-wheel drive, automatic transmission and beam rear axle. On the roadways near San Diego, the new vans felt more stable and solid, with lower noise levels. But you can find improvements throughout, from the choice of three V6 engines to second-row captain’s chairs that rotate 180 degrees and third-row seats with power folding options. All that, on top of both 2008 vans riding a full 6 in. wider at the roofline and 2 in. longer than past models, and you’ve got a kind of rec room on wheels.

That Swivel ‘n Go seating is the standout interior feature, with a storable table fitting between the second and third rows so families can play games, eat lunch or just sit and chat—a minivan turned minimotorhome. But there’s a rear-seat entertainment option, too: Three video monitors (one for each row), can handle streaming television, care of SIRIUS, and DVDs.
A novel center console also holds a variety of storage pockets and four cup holders, sliding fore and aft a full 21 in. so you can open a soda bottle in the front seat and slide it to passengers in the back.

Are those amenities important? You bet. On a daylong family road trip with three adults and two young boys aboard, we quickly discovered the difference between entertained kids and bored ones. Without the video screens, the boys acted like boys (i.e. a lot of punching and roughhousing). With the two separate TV screens, the rear of the van was dead silent—an amazing transformation.

Dodge models come in two flavors: Grand Caravan SE and SXT. Chrysler offers the Town & Country in LX, Touring and Limited. The short wheelbase minivan is no longer available, and a workman-class, two-seat Dodge Caravan utility van is the price leader. Prices for the Grand Caravan SE start at $22,470, while the Town & Country LX has a $23,190 base MSRP. —Jim Dunne