Cars.com Faceoff: Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest [3.8]

[T Mac]

While most requests we hear from families involve wanting a car that has all the capabilities of a minivan but isn’t actually a minivan, there are still minivan shoppers out there. Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder and Mike Hanley took on three popular models, including the newly redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan and slightly tweaked Honda Odyssey. Can the Nissan hold its own against such tough competition? Check out the Faceoff to find out.

Click here (http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Story.jsp?referer=&year=New&section=Van&story=cc_familyVan&subject=stories&year=New&aff=mother) to read the entire, multi-page comparison review from Cars.com.

(Note: This is one of the most in-depth reviews with facts and photos to back up opinions. Good read.)

[dparrothead1]

They left out one major consideration.....depreciation and re-sale value!!!!

I think we all know the clear winner in that category.........

[Kscha41]

The base price for the Ody on the comparison site is 40 grand. Around my area you can get a touring model for 40 grand.

[eneka]

The base price for the Ody on the comparison site is 40 grand. Around my area you can get a touring model for 40 grand.

i guess the were reffering to the "base" touring model...

[MTPockets08]

The Ody is definitely the prettiest of the three. As much as I've had good luck with Nissans over the years, I just cant get used to the look of the Quest. They do have an awesome powertrain though & you don't hear of trans issues with the Quest. $41K for a Honda MV is absolute insanity IMO.:D I don't think the mean income in my area is that high.:eek: FWIW, my 2008 LX stickered for ~$27K. I could have bought it for ~$24K, but leased it instead. I could have leased a Chrysler for roughly the same $.

Joel

[chiody]

The Ody is definitely the prettiest of the three. As much as I've had good luck with Nissans over the years, I just cant get used to the look of the Quest. They do have an awesome powertrain though & you don't hear of trans issues with the Quest. $41K for a Honda MV is absolute insanity IMO.:D I don't think the mean income in my area is that high.:eek: FWIW, my 2008 LX stickered for ~$27K. I could have bought it for ~$24K, but leased it instead. I could have leased a Chrysler for roughly the same $.

Joel

Great decision going with your Ody! FWIW we've gone through 4 Chrysler minivans the last 22 years and when we finally obtained the Ody, it brought back fun spirited, great handling/braking back into the driving equation.

I like the LX model for its simplicity yet more than adequate accessories for everyday ease. Give me a strong high reving V6 motor, a excellent chassis, safe braking, AC, power door locks and windows, and I'm in hog heaven.

[MTPockets08]

..it brought back fun spirited, great handling/braking back into the driving equation.

Isn't that the truth? The power & handling does put a :D on your face. I can't get over how quick it actually is. Our Windstar wasn't bad in the power dept., but evasive maneuvers were downright dangerous in the Winny.

Joel