Ready to take a journey?

Dodge sure hopes that you're game for one. Their newest model fresh on the showroom floor is the Dodge Journey, a chiseled, youthful looking crossover model that can come with three rows of seats.

The Journey has one of the nicest interiors I've seen on a Chrysler LLC product, with use of two-toned, attractive and durable materials for seating and door panels, and some really cool storage spaces.

The front passenger seat can flip up to show a large bin that can carry such things as purses, laptops or carryout meals. There's also a dual glove box and small built-in tray in the instrument panel.

There's in-floor storage in the second row, featuring washable removable bins, and a "Chill Zone" beverage storage bin in the glove box. There also are plenty of map pockets and cup holders.

Along with that available third row, you can get a rear DVD video system with CD/MP3 capability, rear temperature controls, and even a MyGig Multimedia infotainment system that combines entertainment, information and communication functions, along with navigation with real time traffic data.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that gets 19/25 miles per gallon or a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices start just under $20,000.

The other big news for this year is the all-new Dodge Grand Caravan minivan.

Prices start at $22,470 for the Dodge Grand Caravan SE, and in most cases, prices are anywhere from $835 to $3,585 less than 2007 models, but include more standard equipment as well.

For instance, on the Grand Caravan, you get the electronic stability program, side curtain air bags, a six-speed automatic transaxle, overhead console, body color mirrors, bright chrome grille and a host of other items as standard equipment on the 2008 model.

None of these were standard last model year. Also new for this year is more differentiation in style between the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country. That's a good thing, because consumers are growing warier of products from the same company that are similar in style but different in price.

The Grand Caravan clearly carries out a more aggressive, sporting appearance, highlighted by the familiar "cross hairs" grille and somewhat different trim and taillight arrangements. The dashboard and some interior materials also differ from what you will see on the Chrysler.

A lot of the features are even more family-friendly than ever on the Grand Caravan.

There's an option package with an entertainment system with voice-activated capability, a navigation system, Sirius satellite radio and Sirius TV with three channels of family programming. It also includes a Jukebox feature for personalized play lists and the ability to rip an MP3 or WMV file directly to the hard drive.

Even better, passengers in the second row can do their own thing while their companions in the third row of seats find something else to entertain them.

Of course, families today also are on the go, and meals around the dinner table are a rarity. So Chrysler has made it possible to move the meal to the minivan with the "Swivel n' Go" option, which will cost around $500.

With this feature, the second-row seats can be swiveled 180 degrees to face the third-row sets, thus creating a conversation area or cove. A table comes with the setup, which can be installed between the seats.

Among other conveniences are dishwasher-safe cup holders -- a godsend to any parent who knows all too well about the dirt, gunk and sticky goo that can accumulate in these things -- and lighting that illuminates door pockets, the overhead console and even the cup holders.

And, wonder of wonders, the hooks for baby seats are clearly visible for easy installation.

Behind the wheel, the minivans feel even more like passenger cars than the already driver-friendly current generation. And you can see clearly in all directions thanks to picture window-size glass.

Handling is stable -- almost energetic -- with well-balanced steering and strong brakes. Safety equipment is generous including all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags with rollover protection, an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist, and driver and passenger seat belts that have automatic locking retractors and height adjustable turning loops.

There's a new 4.0-liter, 251-horsepower V-6 available, mated to a new six-speed automatic transaxle, along with a 3.8-liter, 197-horsepower V-6 with the same transaxle. A third engine is a 175-horsepower, 3.3-liter, flex fuel-capable V-6 with a four-speed transaxle. Fuel mileage ranges between 17/24 and 16/23.