AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Minivan R.I.P.
Long Live the Minivan

At the same time that Ford announced that it's putting the Freestar and the Monterey out of their misery, Daimler Chrysler announced that it will be previewing the DCX 2008 minivans at next week's Detroit Auto Show. Is Chrysler riding in like the cavalry to save the day, or is it cavalierly riding off a cliff? It might depend upon the strength of the new product. GM killed their uncompetitive vans late last year. All of the domestics have been relying heavily on fleet sales, but none so much as Ford.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I will tell you that in late October 2006, I purchased a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. I hope to publish an actual review when I get around to it. Even though the van has performed flawlessly, and I think I got the best vehicle for my money, I have to tell you that my shopping experience had something to do with my decision to sell my DCX stock. More about this in a later post.

From the Psst: Want to see a Minivan Naked file:

Autoblog backed off when DCX protested the posting of leaked minivan pics. There's a guy named Vince Burlapp that would be happy to oblige you if you are really interested in seeing naked pictures of the 2008 Chrysler minivans before next week. I'm not going to link his site. You'll be able to find him. Here's a warning: just ask some people look better with clothes on, some cars do too. There's nothing to see here folks, move along. Note to DCX: after you've taken the Sebring stylist to the woodshed for a whipping, leave the door open. the Town & Country stylist has something coming.