2008 DODGE LINE UP — SUVs and Wagons

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A minivan, two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and one crossover utility vehicle (CUV) carry the ram-horned badge of Dodge. For 2008, Dodge's best-selling Grand Caravan series of minivans comes to market in a new generation of designs featuring clever cabin seat arrangements. The big Durango SUV from Dodge packs a new flex-fuel V8 engine option, while the mid-size Nitro SUV offers off-road capabilities. Dodge's compact-class CUV with multiple cabin convenience options is named Caliber.

Grand Caravan
Dodge's minivans show up with new designs for 2008. The body earns a 2-inch wheelbase stretch and clean sheetmetal lines for an athletic stance, while the stretched cabin offers three different three-row seat arrangements. Select a second-row bench with fold-in-the-floor third-row seat (and power-fold option) and inventive Stow 'n Go with second and third tier seats folding into below-deck stow bins. Also available is the new Swivel 'n Go with second-row buckets rotating to face back-row seats and a fold-up table centered between rows. Three powertrains culminate at the new 4.0-liter V6 worth 240 horsepower with a six-speed automatic shifter.

Durango
Dodge's SUV measures almost as large a full-size wagon, with cabin space for seven on the three banks of seats. It presents rear-wheel, two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction choices. The 2008 Durango scores a new flex-fuel (E85-compatible) 4.7-liter V8 pumping 303 horsepower. The sase plant is a 3.7-liter V6 worth 210 horsepower, while the over-the-top power option is a 330-horsepower, 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with multi-displacement system (MDS) to conserve fuel. New gear available includes a power rear liftgate, remote engine starter, one-touch lane-change signal, express up-and-down windows, heated cloth seats and dual-zone climate controls.

Nitro
This mid-size SUV looks bold, offering seating for five with a flexible seat design and three trims available trims — the entry Nitro SXT, upscale Nitro SLT and sporty Nitro R/T. The stock powertrain is a 3.7-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and a six-speed manual shifter or optional four-speed automatic. The Nitro R/T totes a torque-heavy, 4.0-liter V6 worth 260 horsepower through a five-speed automatic. An electronic stability program (ESP) and curtain-style air bags go into every Nitro, while the 4WD traction choices include part-time or full-time systems. The ParkSense rear park assist (RPA) system is also new for 2008 Nitros.

Caliber
Dodge's five-door CUV rides on car's chassis with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction options and fun-to-drive ride and handling traits. The cabin holds seats for five, along with ample cargo space in the rear and safety features like curtain-style side air bags and the anti-skid ESP device. Three trims build with equipment and engine strength are available including the Caliber SE, SXT and R/T. Three four-cylinder engines for the Caliber expand from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and 2.4 liters — producing 148 horsepower, 158 horsepower and 172 horsepower, respectively.

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