Overview & Reviews

The Dodge Grand Caravan traces its roots back to 1984, when Chrysler introduced American families to a new, extremely space-efficient vehicle: the minivan. The larger, "Grand" version of the Caravan debuted a few years later. It was a huge hit that has remained a strong seller through the years, even as newer rivals outdid it in various ways. Despite innovations like driver-side sliding doors and Stow 'n Go seats, a poor reputation for reliability, a lack of refinement and disappointing execution made it difficult to recommend.

In recent years, however, the Dodge Grand Caravan has been improved significantly. With a strong engine and improved cabin quality highlighting this renaissance, the Grand Caravan is the most competitive that it's been in years. While Toyota and Honda still offer more well-rounded minivans, this Dodge provides several attributes that could make it a good pick for consumers.

Current Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Caravan minivan can seat up to seven passengers and is offered in four trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT and R/T. All of them are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces a very strong 283 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite the horsepower advantage, the Dodge Grand Caravan is still a half-second slower to 60 mph than the top-ranked Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

The AVP represents the entry-level model and feature highlights include full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and an auxiliary audio jack. However, it's the only trim that features a two-person second-row bench seat -- a minivan rarity nowadays -- in place of the upper trims' excellent Stow 'n Go seats that fold into the floor with one tug of a lever.

As you move up through the trim levels, you'll find more standard features like rear air-conditioning, a power-operated liftgate, power sliding doors, leather upholstery, a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system. Electronic features are plentiful as well, including a navigation system, Bluetooth and a rear seat entertainment system that includes rare features like a Blu-Ray player, an HDMI port and two screens. Like other loaded minivans these days, a fully equipped Grand Caravan can seem like a full-fledged luxury car in terms of features.

As far as passenger comfort, the Grand Caravan comes up a bit short relative to its rivals. Taller drivers may run out of legroom, the second-row Stow 'n Go passenger seats are a little less comfortable than the fixed captain's chairs of other vans and the third row's seat cushion is tilted down in an effort to increase rear legroom. There also isn't an option for an eighth passenger. On the plus side, though, those Stow 'n' Go seats are a cinch to transform the Grand Caravan from people carrier to cargo hauler. The second-row seats of most other vans must be physically removed or you end up with less maximum cargo capacity. In this way, at least, the Grand Caravan is hard to beat.

Used Dodge Grand Caravan Models
The current van represents the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan that debuted for 2008. However, it was substantially upgraded for 2011. Originally, there were two main trim levels available (SE and SXT) and three V6 engine choices. A 3.3-liter produced 175 hp, a midrange 3.8-liter made 197 hp and a 4.0-liter unit topped out at 251 hp. None were particularly appealing. The Grand Caravan from 2008-'10 was very disappointing for other reasons as well. The cabin featured subpar materials, uninspired design and haphazard construction. Handling was worse, especially in the first model year, and the ride was generally unsophisticated. Even the styling was less appealing.

Though we don't recommend the Grand Caravan from 2008-'10, potential buyers should nevertheless note that it featured different second-row seating configurations. The second-row bench was standard on the SE for '08, but it gave way to standard Stow 'n Go the following year. There was, however, an optional Swivel 'n Go system that included more comfortable second-row captain's chairs that rotated 180 degrees to face the third row. A removable table essentially created a tiny living room on wheels.

Since it was overhauled and much improved for 2011, changes to the Grand Caravan since have been minimal and mostly limited to trim level and equipment shuffling. Still, 2013 brought easier operation of the Stow 'n Go second-row seating system, as well as the Blu-Ray and HDMI port features for the DVD entertainment system.

Prior to all of this were four older generations of the Dodge Grand Caravan. The first spans 1987-'90; the second, 1991-'95; the third, 1996-2000; and the fourth, 2001-'07.

The fourth-generation Grand Caravan's engine lineup included a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6 and a more powerful 215-hp 3.8-liter V6. The top-of-the-line trim level offered Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating, dual power-sliding doors, a separate rear heating and air-conditioning system, a power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and powered accessories. As you consider trim levels, keep in mind that the naming system for the van's trims changed a few times during this generation.

A variety of stand-alone options were available, including automatic climate control, leather trim, an Infinity sound system, rear DVD entertainment and a navigation system. Early fourth-gen Grand Caravans were available with all-wheel drive, but AWD capability was discontinued in 2005 to make room for the versatile, under-floor Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating system in premium models.

In reviews, we noted that alongside top import-brand competitors, the fourth-gen Dodge Grand Caravan came up lacking. Its engines weren't as powerful or refined, its ride wasn't as smooth or quiet and its handling wasn't as tidy or sure-footed. Inside, the van's controls and displays were dated, and features like stability control, built-in sunshades or a back-up camera simply weren't available. Still, for used-car shoppers who demand maximum flexibility from their minivans, Stow 'n Go might be reason enough to consider a Grand Caravan from this era.

The third-generation Grand Caravan featured a then-rare driver-side sliding door and unique "Easy Out" rollers on the center and rear seats to aid removal. Dodge offered several Grand Caravan trim levels to suit different budgets and desires, and dual front airbags and antilock brakes were standard. For power, the van had a 3.0-liter 150-hp V6 as standard, with a 180-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine available -- the larger V6 now coupled with a more efficient and recommended four-speed automatic transmission. After a one-year hiatus, all-wheel-drive availability returned to the lineup in 1997 on certain models, and in 1999, top-level Grand Caravans received a more driver-oriented Autostick transmission, 17-inch wheels and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Introduced in 1987 as a long-wheelbase complement to the original Caravan, the Dodge Grand Caravan received its first major overhaul in 1991. The second generation (which ran through 1995) included a restyled exterior, freshened interior and the addition of optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. Its dimensions were unchanged, but the corners were rounded off on its breadbox-like silhouette and more glass was added. Safety was enhanced with the availability of antilock brakes and a driver-side airbag in 1991 and integrated child safety seats in 1992. The Grand Caravan's four earliest generations have all exhibited reliability problems, but the first and second generations were especially troublesome, due to issues related to the automatic transmission. For this reason, we'd advise used-car buyers to steer clear of these oldest Dodge minivans.

User Reviews:

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  Not Happy With This One - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stephanie - January 10 - 2:00 pm

  Bought this at 55,000 miles. Not a bad price but a month after purchasing it the air compressor went and an electrical problem got us stuck in Chicago for 4 days. Then the air compressor went 2 more times after that. Also strange noise in the front end which I see many people complained about. Struts were hanging in the bottom when first purchased. Then this year in May the transmission went with the AWD system. Got stuck in Maryland for 2 days and had to go back down and get it after spending $2200 to fix it. Brakes going and muffler so we got rid of this one. This car cost us $15000 when purchased and we have spent $4000 on total repairs of only 2 years.

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  Great family van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By civictd04 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had no engine problems what-so- ever. Only problem has been the wipers sometimes will turn on for no reason, which gets to be annoying. I wish it had fold down seats like the Honda Odessey. The two sliding doors are also extremely convenient and the gas mileage and driveability of this van are great. It drives like a comfortable car. Dim headlights for sure. Great value.

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  Sapmans - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By sapman007 - January 4 - 10:40 pm

  Great van so far. Once you learn to use the stow-n-go seats they are a snap and have been a life saver for a family of 5. Gas mileage is a little weak, but mostly stop and go driving so it is to be expected. Great power (3.8 V6). It gets onto the freeway and you are up to speed with the traffic in no time.

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  Another bad tranny... - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ckwalker - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Stupid me I ignored the warnings about the history of bad transmissions in Crysler minivans. I figured surely they would have fixed this problem by the time I had bought my 98 Grand Caravan. Fat chance. Im currently looking to dump this vehicle with only 68K miles...shopping for a Honda. Never a Crysler product again.

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  very pleased so far - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jeff_clark - December 31 - 6:10 am

  I was very nervous about buying this vehicle, mainly due to dodges reputation for reliability, however, I must say I have yet to find anything wrong with the van since we bought it, and I do have 3/36000 before I need to worry. Our is loaded cept for a sunroof and nav system. Everything is working perfectly.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By haley Argeroudis - December 26 - 7:50 pm

  This car has been one of the worst minivans that we have purchased. Within the first year we have already put more than $1000 of work into it. The interior is very poorly designed. The air vents blow in your face. The automatic hatch works 1/2 of the time. The only good thing about it is the stow n go.

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  Great value.. - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By robfromde - December 16 - 3:00 am

  This model GC reminds me of the older Dodge minivans. It is basic, but with many nice features, and a great power train. It drives more "truck-like", but I like that. The vision outwards is excellent all around, and the drivers seat is high, so you look down at the hood, not that deep sinking position as before. For around $22k, you get a real auto with a real engine and lots of room for people and cargo. It is backed by a 100k mile warrantee.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jsklyar - December 14 - 7:36 pm

  I mainly purchased this vehicle for spacious cargo and also ability to haul 7 people. Car looks nice as well. Of course, generous incentives helped as well. So far, the vehicle is top notch, no complains. Drove on a highway and averaged 26mpg, about 18.5mpg in the city. Though, several things I wish this car would have: daytime running lights (even my old Astro had it), interior lights can only be lit up all at once. Basic engine is somewhat weak but I did not purchase this to win races. Cheesy green light readouts, it is time to join 21st century. No instant mpg, too bad. Seats fold into the floor: excellent idea. Go get one today!

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  Serpentine Belt is a real snake - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pathy - December 12 - 1:03 pm

  I bought used vehicle at 100K miles. Now it is at 150K miles. Drove across Texas several times with family, it never let us down. Recently while driving in town in rain, the serpentine belt came off. A month earlier I had replace the rack. Still I feel uncomfortable of its steering. It is loosing power steering intermittently in slow driving. Trying get rid of it soon

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  Best Van in the Business - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Nick - December 10 - 1:56 pm

  Awesome van, rides great radio is the best in the business, and quite ride. I have been averaging 21 mpgs.