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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  Nice in and out, but... - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Henry - September 21 - 1:06 am

  It is a nice van to drive. Replaced a 96 Villager with 120,000 miles. Much better ride - smoother and better handling. Only problem so far is that Dodge (maybe this was a mistake) installed the base AM/FM CD with a single disc DVD. The end result is that headphones are not supported by the radio.... So, if the kids want to watch a DVD that is the audio that comes over the 6 speakers. Later models in the 05 have corrected this, and it is no longer an option to combine these two from the factory. But, it seems silly to have a DVD player that doesnt have a separate audio source.

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  AC problems - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 09chgrrt - September 20 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased the vehicle used with 9000 miles. As soon as the warranty ran out we had a power steering fluid leak. An after warranty recall was done on the rear evaporator of the AC system and that unit was replaced. The dealer returned the vehicle last spring stating the system to be working. Summer came and the unit would not blow cold air. Now the front receiver dryer needs replacement to the tune of $489.54. If the rear evaporator was flawed then it is safe to say Dodge equipped this vehicle with an inferior quality AC system.

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  Value, Design, Utility - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By fdby - September 20 - 4:15 am

  I just bought a 2012 Grand Caravan SXT with 36k miles. So I cant say much about reliability yet. So far Im impressed with the seating, much improved in 2011 over the previous StownGo. The DOHC variable-valve-timing engine is very nice and powerful (but still uses 87 octane gas), though I cant imagine it will be as trouble-free, tough, and durable as the old OHV 3.3L dinosaur. Handling is very good. The standard suspension is no longer mushy, but feels more like the old Sport option, yet is quite compliant. Power doors all around work well, but seem pointless to me, as does the key-in-fob arrangement. Fitnfinish is so-so. There are some very clever options inside.

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  locks are the problem - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Linda Kohler - September 19 - 6:30 pm

  The biggest problem with the van is that you can lock the doors with the sliding doors in the back still open. Once you push the lock and not have the doors closed, it still locks with the doors in the open position. This should be corrected by Dodge.

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  lots of repairs - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gregdetroy - September 16 - 8:50 pm

  Easy to drive. 3.3L engine is barely enough. Wish I had gotten a bigger engine. Back seat can squeeze 3 slim adults. Middle row seats are marginally comfortable. Noisy and rough-riding in the back of the car. Got mine used at 45k miles, now have 61k. Not surprised I needed new brakes, but I also needed new rear shocks and had to have AC recharged at 59k ($180) and got stranded out of town at 60k for 2 days when the CV gasket (i think that was the name) failed and spilled the transmission fluid out on a friends driveway.

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  The oddessy and Sienna beater - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By carroll jones - September 13 - 5:46 am

  The power is overwhelming for a van i cant believe it the 4.0 makes it a muscle van.The interior is great. i dont have any problems with wind noise but i talked to the dealer when i got my oil change and they said that the problem was getting fixed for 2009s

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  Sues review of Dodge van - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ljohns - September 7 - 10:00 am

  AC problems...replaced with non Dodge Condenser coils, etc...Works perfectly now. All else with van is great.

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  Its Good but Thirsty - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By thosdd - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine piece of work. The only complaint is the LOUSY mpg. I getting 16 to 17 mpg. This is not what the spec. sheet said. Other than that this van is very comfortable.

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  Great Minivan! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BillG123 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that I researched Consumer Reports and based on their recommendation I looked at the Toyota, Honda, and Nissan without giving this vehicle a chance at first. I then decided not to limit my options and tried the Dodge. The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT has a smooth and quiet ride that matches the Toyota and is better by a large margin over the noisy Honda and rattle prone Nissan. A powerful engine that gets excellent gas mileage (Im averaging 21+ MPG). The SXT is also fully loaded with all the options - including dual power sliding doors. As an added bonus we purchased this van at a great price!

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  01 DGC EX - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Masterpaul1 - August 31 - 5:36 pm

  We bought our van used in Sep. 03 with only 37K. It has been very reliable for us with only two non maintainence minor issues. Right after purchase, both front power window regulators and motors had to be replaced. Weve had some suspension work done at around 55K. Both covered under warrenty. So far, we have had to replace a gas cap, battery, and soon both rear cargo door gas lifters from being to weak to lift the cargo door in cold weather by automatic. (Will open manually with no problem). Right now we get about 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This was a good choice for us and am very pleased with our purchase.