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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  SATISFIED USER - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By R. Kurtz - December 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 5TH CHRYSLER MINIVAN: 3 PLYMOUTHS, 1 DODGE, AND NOW A T&C. ALL HAVE BEEN RELIABLE WITH MINIMUM PROBLEMS. DEALER IS ABOVE AVERAGE IN SERVICE AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

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  no title - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By rick stafford - December 24 - 10:00 am

  excellent combination of ride, style and comfort...3rd van weve owned by dodge...great milage as well

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  Best Minivan Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tull22 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  To start the whole process, the dealership was great my sales person was wonderful and most of all my new caravan Ex is unbeliveable. Before I had a ford winstar and the grand caravan just blows it away, from its unique look to is great ride and options that I want on my vehicle. I have put on just over 2000 miles in a month and I get good gas milage. If you are in the market for a minivan you have to atleast give dodge a shot I did and I love it!

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  Very satisfied with our new Dodge GC Crew - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By oregonfamily - December 21 - 7:29 pm

  Our intention to drive what had been a very satisfactory 2002 GC beyond 150K miles ended when it was totaled in a rearend collision. We didnt expect Dodge/Fiat would be on our short list, but it drove much better than a Toyota LE, the 2011 update almost remakes the car (we drove a 2010 rental, and wouldnt have bought that), and we could get a Crew GC equipped exactly as we wanted for $3-9K less than less well-equipped competitors during the May minivan sale. Odysseys had very limited availability and frustrating packaging of options; Sienna LE had vague steering and inexplicably felt "too long" parking (rearview camera was a must); the Quest was tempting in some ways, but weird.

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  Excellent Vehicle For The Price! - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dave N. - December 11 - 9:40 am

  We purchased our 2007 Grand Caravan SXT about a week ago and have been looking for an excuse to drive it ever since. This was our first minivan.I never thought I would be the minivan type but I have to admit I love it. My wife is expecting twins and we needed the extra space. I know the vans from Honda and Toyota get better reviews in many circles, but for the price you cant beat the Grand Caravan. The exterior design is really sharp. We have power side doors and tailgate. What a convenience!. You can open and close all 3 with a touch of a button. The inside is even better. There is a ton of room with all kinds of storage. It handles very well with good pickup. The visability of the road is great!

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  Great Design, Very Poor Quality, This is my last Dodge! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ita47 - December 7 - 2:58 pm

  This has been a love hate relationship. My wife and I love the design and layout of this van. We have the SXT 3.8L with every option except leather. Unfortunately ours has been plagued with problems. We purchased the van as a certified used with only 22,000 miles on it. If I had known everything I know now about these vans I would have kept looking. After reading other reports and through my own experience with this vehicle the 2005 seems to be one of the worst. Avoid this year if possible. This is my last Dodge, never again.

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  If you dont own one maybe you should - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rick - December 7 - 7:43 am

  This is our second Dodge van, the first one a 2003 we tried to save money on and bought the Caravan SXT with no features. Never had any trouble with this van at all and really liked it. Until all the incentives came out and we upgraded for less money to the Grand Caravan. If you have kids, upgrade. You wont be sorry. Convenient hooks for grocery bags all over the place. 3 zone control. I never wanted a minivan, now I wouldnt be without it, kids or no kids. For the money, I dont think you will find a better deal. Started buying Dodge products 4 years ago and I have yet to schedule a service call. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes products are just that good?

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  Title? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mxp - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the third van Ive owned and its OK. I bought it specifically for the AWD option which is great. It works well and has all the room I expect out of a minivan (to haul bikes, kayaks, gear, etc.) and so I have no real issues with it. Its been reliable and has had no major problems. However the seats are VERY uncomfortable, to the point that we do all we can to take any of our other cars, especially on extended trips. The other problem is the headlights are terrible - they put too little light on the road at night.

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  Unhappy With Grand Caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jake - Twin Cities - November 28 - 5:53 pm

  We purchased our Grand Caravan new in 2004. It functions the way we hoped it would, towing a small camper, long road trips and day to day. It has been in the shop for 5 sets of tie rod ends and 5 sets of sway bar links. through in the occassional failed water pump, heater, AC, power locks and windows, and having the motor replaced in both sliding doors. Chrysller arbitration and our local dealer have been little help. We are giving up on Dodge.

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  2/24/2011 - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bs2257 - November 28 - 1:34 pm

  I wanted to buy American. Have always had a Toyota. Bought this van from the Dodge Dealership used with 58k miles. Since Ive had it, (1 1/2 yrs) new brakes, AC hose leaked. Recalls: AC, radiator cap leak, front wheel bearings, door latch could cause fire, Air bags could disengage. Now the transmission needs to be replaced with 64K miles. Cost 4,500-5,500 to replace. Was told by the dealership the transmission has not been a problem on other 2008 vans. Really! No Thanks! Trading it in on a Toyota as soon as possible! I really expected more from Dodge.