Overview & Reviews

Some vehicles lead their segments; others even revolutionize them. The Dodge Caravan, however, invented an entirely new one: the minivan. Offering an especially useful amount of room in a surprisingly easy-to-drive package, the Caravan quickly became the new synonym for family transportation and spawned competitors from all sides.

The Dodge Caravan has traditionally stayed a step ahead of the herd. It was first to market with the sliding door, then the first with two. It pioneered the integration of safety features like airbags. And for many years, it was also regarded as being the most versatile and pleasant-driving minivan. Given all this, it should come as no surprise that the Caravan, along with its longer relative, the Grand Caravan, became the top-selling minivan year after year.

However, today's minivan scene is much different from the one of the 1980s or '90s. Though other American automakers have essentially given up trying to make competitive minivans, Japanese and Korean automakers have raised the bar considerably in the past few years. As a result, the Caravan fell behind in terms of power, driving refinement, interior design and safety content.

With the introduction of an all-new minivan for the 2008 model year, Dodge officially discontinued the short-wheelbase Caravan, offering only the extended-wheelbase Grand Caravan model.

Most Recent Dodge Caravan

The most recent Dodge Caravan (2001 to 2007) represented the vehicle's fourth generation. Whereas most "minivans" (including its "Grand" brother) extend to the 200-inch mark, this Dodge measured a slightly tidier 189 inches from bow to stern. Combined with a likewise shorter 113-inch wheelbase, the Caravan was among the easiest vans to maneuver and park.

It was also one of the most affordable. The base Caravan SE was the value leader, featuring a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SE had bench seats in the second and third rows, air-conditioning and a CD stereo, but was otherwise sparsely equipped.

The more desirable Caravan SXT (known as Caravan Sport until '04) came with a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6, a four-speed automatic transmission, an optional power-sliding passenger door, dual-zone air-conditioning, second-row bucket seats, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and keyless entry. After 2003, the Caravan also came in a V6-powered Cargo Van version targeted for business use.

As long as the underpowered four-cylinder is avoided, the last Dodge Caravan is quite capable. While lacking the famous "Stow 'n Go" seats of its "Grand" sibling, this Caravan has adequate room for seven adults (and plenty of room for five) or 129 cubic feet of cargo with all rear seats removed. Just note that this conversion takes patience and strength, as the rear bench seats are quite heavy.

It's on the road where this Caravan falls short. We once found it to be the most fun-to-drive minivan, citing its precise steering and substantial feel. However, the latest competition makes its pushrod V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission seem outclassed for both performance and fuel economy. In addition, compared to newer competitors, the Caravan's ride is on the wallowy side and its brakes are a bit weak.

We also took issue with its cheap interior finish, and the fact that an important safety feature like side curtain airbags was an option. Stability control was unavailable altogether. Finally, its reliability record has been spotty, as with all past Caravans.

There was only one substantial change made to this final generation Dodge Caravan after its debut for 2001. In 2005, Dodge eliminated its optional front seat side airbags in favor of optional curtain airbags protecting all three rows. That was an important upgrade, but considering the Caravan wasn't tops in its class to begin with, it's still hard to recommend it except as a budget buy. Those consumers who do decide to buy a used Caravan would be wise to expand their search to include the nearly identical Chrysler-badged versions -- the short-wheelbase base model Town & Country (2004-'07) and the Voyager (2001-'03).

Past Dodge Caravan Models

Newer Dodge Caravans trace their basic design to the third-generation model, which was produced from 1996-2000. (Note that for this generation as well as all previous ones, a near-identical version called the Plymouth Voyager was also sold.) Compared to the most recent model, this Caravan was an inch or two smaller in most dimensions, and the engine roster was much different.

Back then, the 3.3-liter V6 only made 158 hp. The 2.4-liter engine still made 150 but was paired to a lowly three-speed automatic transmission. This generation of Caravan also had access to the Grand Caravan's top-of-the-line 180-hp, 3.8-liter V6. Plus, there was a fourth engine: a Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 with 150 hp.

Initially, the Caravan's trim lines consisted of base, SE, LE and ES models, though Dodge subsequently moved to position the regular-length Caravan as a budget minivan, resulting in the discontinuation of the top-of-the-line ES for '98. The midrange LE lasted until 2000. The base model came with only the four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 at first, then added the choice of the 3.3-liter V6 in 1997, only to lose it again after '99. The SE started with the same three choices, but dropped the four-cylinder after '97 and the 3.0-liter V6 after '98. The upscale LE and ES stuck with the bigger 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6s.

Consumers looking at used Dodge Caravans would be wise to zero in on SE and LE models, as both came with essentials like antilock brakes, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and 15-inch wheels. The LE also provided standard air-conditioning and power windows and locks. (A/C was also standard on '99 and '00 SE models.) The high-line ES added 16-inch alloy wheels and a driver-side sliding door (an item that later became standard on lower-line models). Depending on the trim level, major options included second-row captain's chairs, an upgraded Infinity CD stereo and a self-leveling rear suspension. However, the most important thing for used Caravan shoppers to look at is the engine under the hood: Either the 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 is a must for adequate performance.

The late-'90s Caravan was regarded as the state-of-the-art minivan, setting the standard for spaciousness, comfort and convenience while offering a carlike driving feel. It was first in the class with dual sliding doors, and we found its interior flexible and easy to configure despite the always-heavy removable rear seats. A redesigned version of the Honda Odyssey edged out the Caravan by the end of its run, but it was always competitive.

Our only real hesitation, aside from its never-great reliability, concerns safety, as this van's crash test scores were mediocre all around. Note also that like most minivans of this era, the Caravan had only two airbags. Making partial amends is the availability of traction control starting in 1997 and the switch to depowered airbags in 1998.

The second-generation Dodge Caravan was produced from 1991-'95. Derived from the infamous Chrysler K-platform of the 80s, the Caravan's trim lines were base, SE, LE and ES. Three engines were offered: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 100 hp (paired to a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic), a 3.0-liter V6 with 142 hp (three- or four-speed automatic) or a 3.3-liter V6 with 162 hp (four-speed automatic). All-wheel drive was newly available for this Caravan, as were antilock brakes.

Seating was still comfortable in all rows and the rears were still removable. Note that only the front seats had head restraints. The Caravan's most major update came in 1994 when a second airbag, better side-impact protection and more dashboard revisions were added; all-wheel drive was dropped. For 1995, Caravan lost the stickshift as well.

While we definitely recommend sticking to newer Caravans for better engineering, safety and convenience, this was the only generation in which Dodge offered all-wheel drive on the regular-length Caravan. Just be sure to exercise caution when shopping for models of the early '90s; the four-speed automatic found in most was known for its extremely high failure rate.

User Reviews:

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  Good while it lasted - RIP my friend. - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By wvuprof - December 27 - 8:48 pm

  Bought with 98k miles on it. Comfortable, easy to drive, no extraordinary maintenance or repair costs aside from new tires and regular oil changes for 2 yrs. At 136k miles, the transmission failed. I had it rebuilt, but other things started to go bad afterward (I dont believe these problems were caused by the mechanics during the rebuild). A small oil leak (not sure from where), a radiator hose blew out, washer sprayer quit, small stuff like that. Nickle and dime. A year later, the dashboard electric went out. No wipers, no speedometer, no fuel gauge. Despite the electrical problems and annoying glitches, the motor ran well. It was good while it lasted, but no more Dodges for me thanks.

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  Mechanical Lemon, Regret Buying - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By chrzanow - January 5 - 1:57 pm

  This car is a LEMON. 70,000 miles entire navigation and panel unit failed. 100,000 miles alternator died, transmission aux unit blew out, radiator failed, lots of oil leaks. 120,000 miles another alternator died, retractable doors fail, plastic parts on stow and go seats failed causing seat frame to not stow, cooling system leaking, and now warning lights keep coming on and off (ABS, airbag, etc) for no reason. This car is junk. I will NEVER buy a Dodge product again. I should have learned with my 1998 Caravan. That car’s transmission blew out at 100,000. Now at 150,000 the computer keeps dying and not allowing the car to start.

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  My 1st 98 was better than the 2nd 98 YES I bought a 2nd one for my dogs and this one east money like a pig. - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By pianomann - June 23 - 5:34 am

  I have been pumping $300-500 a month in repairs and replacement parts since Christmas Eve 2010,,,it has 98 800 it us going to get paid off in 1 lump hopefully and it is going to another Charity supporter I have HAD IT with Chrysler and wouldnt take another 1 if it was FREE !!

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  Best Reliability You can ever get - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By sammym1 - June 17 - 4:59 am

  i bought this car from the US and took with me to Russia, it had 90k miles and ive been using it for 3 years, it has been SUPER PERFECT CAR i abuse the car by not changing the oil or the brakes n not warming the engine when its -30 degree and still the car never stopped or had any problems i just change the oil every 8 month and thts it, i never spent any money on it maybe because it has no options other than the CD and Airbags i want to change the car but im afraid that if i bought something else it wont be as reliable as this one

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  2005 minivan - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By David - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. every week a new problem power doors work on twice still sometimes do not open or close. alternator replaced water pump replaced. very bad gas mileage. difficult to get in or out for me i am 6ft 1in. [non-permissible content removed] but i guess all are now. I have 1994 minivan that is still a great vehicle me and my ife prefer to drive it. 23,000 miles so and not near the repairs i have had with the 2005. i will never buy another American car co. cars again.selling the 2005 good riddance. going with Japanese vehicles for now on.

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  Poor Qaulity - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By Ed - July 29 - 6:56 pm

  I have owned 4 new mini-vans, and my current dodge 2007 gr Caravan SXT will be my last Chrysler product ever. As other comments, transmission shifts very hard from 2 to 1. Will need repaired or replaced eventually. Second, several bulletins are out on this van. Wheel bearing(back)rust easily which is a huge safety problem. They also have a chronic ABS sensor and system problem. Like the stow and go. Road noise is terrible! Am in the market for a Honda Odyssey. Will be my first foreign car. Cant deal with the poor quality and poor customer service anymore from Chrysler!

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  Ridiculous location for spare tire - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By dcbpe - May 10 - 12:07 pm

  My wife and I purchased our Caravan in 2008, and have had largely no problems with it. Then I came across the location of the spare tire. Putting the spare under the van under the front seats is the most asinine place Ive ever seen for a spare tire. I was changing the tire in my driveway, on a nice day, and found it to be a most aggravating experience. I can only imagine how a person is supposed to do this while stopped on the side of the road in inclement weather. I am a licensed professional engineer, and I work on my cars. I am no novice. This system was designed by an imbecile, and he/she ought to be fired. I will never again by a car without checking where the spare is.

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  Bad Experience - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Manny - October 11 - 10:43 am

  Bought it used (10K miles). Currently 42K miles. Transmission broke down. Second 4-cylinder Caravan I own, same thing happened to first. Dont buy it! Transmission and 2.4, 4 Cyl engine NOT a good combination.

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  The Worst Vehicle I ever owned - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By TP - July 20 - 4:34 pm

  Bought new and have had nothing but problems - Heres a short list: Power steering twice Two Air Conditioning condensors Check Engine Light twice Heater Coil leak Arm rest fell off after 30,000 miles rear wiper does not work properly Radiator leak This car is 8yrs old but only has 103,000 miles on it. I changed the oil religiously and did not drive it "hard." How can anyone look at the above list and tell me this is acceptable. Next time its a Honda or Toyota.

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  Night mare - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By MA - March 31 - 5:41 am

  This is the worst I could have ever owned. I have tried my best to spread the word to my friends about not to buy Dodge caravan or their products. Bought it used, computer went out, Dealer did not know the problem, so he replaced fuel pump, car wont start again, then they replaced computer, total cost about 1500$, then starter, then key console, then brakes, then power windows died, other than those, tiny problems like brake light, wiper not operating keep cropping up.Interior is cheap, absolutely scary to go out on highway due to reliability. Beware of the computer. It acts weird on my van.