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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  Dependable Van many miles to come.... - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Family man - August 4 - 7:16 am

  We purchased this van for vacation & winded up loving it. I drive 2000+ miles a month with my job now and really enjoy the van. Have all the comfort features like leather,dvd, power everything as well. We come from sports cars but like luxury and this van has it all for us. Not the sports car feel but still has power to merge into traffic and get a jump at the stop light if need be w/out any problems. I would buy again & yes, Dodge treats us well. Weve owned 21 vehicles in 12 years and weve had this 1 the longest. Kids really enjoy it as well as they have lots of room. No real problems other then rack & pinion went out. Dealer took car of it. Best mpg 29.8 worst 18, Mobile 1 syn. oil helps.

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  Forget Dodge - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ctogie - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was the very first Dodge I have owned. I thought the Van would be a good choice for my family, boy was I wrong. Nothing but Problems, the transmission out at 24k and then 90k. The air conditioner out at 55k and electrical problems at 45k. The valves made a bad clicking nosie since first week. The service dept says it would go away, never did. after out of warranty they watned to fix it for 3k. I told them where to go. Never,Never,Never again will I buy a dodge, dont you either.

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  hate it!!!! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Brittany - July 30 - 1:42 pm

  I bought this van 6 months ago and its horrible. I had so many problems and they just keep coming. My ac compressor went out so that cost me $400. It always needs breaks. My left tire sensor is going out and now my computer is going out. Its $4000 just for the computer. One of the power sliding doors broke so I cant use it. The wiring to my signal lights are messed up. When I first got it, I had no problems until 2 days after my warrenty was up. Dodge wont work with me on trying to fix it. To them, nothing major is wrong and told me not to worry so much about it. With 4 kids I need a reliable car and this is NOT it. I regret buying this van.

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  Great Value - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DaveMB2 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the minivan for 4 months and have put about 3,000 miles on it. Not the slightest hint of a problem. My wife drives it most of the time around town and she loves it. The power doors/liftgate are indispensable. I get to drive the car on the highway and find it smooth and comfortable. Power is fine for us, but we are not aggressive drivers. Gas mileage is about advertised, we get 25 on road trips, but 18 otherwise. We bought the minivan over a sedan mainly for hauling things and its great for that. Its hauled a bulky NordicTrack treadmill and a ton of building/landscaping supplies from Lowes. Much more practical than a SUV.

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  Good Looking Van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Julie - July 29 - 7:20 am

  If you need a van, I like ours. Weve had this for about 3 years. No problems except power window went out on passenger side. Average mpg 20 plus. Power is good, enough get up and go. I think its the sportiest van around.

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  Never again will I buy a Dodge - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jleh - July 23 - 10:00 am

  At 5 years and 60,174 miles the van broke down. After two weeks and $2200 to repair the cam shaft, valves, head gasket, etc. I drove the van three more weeks before it broke down again with the exact same problem. It appears now that there is something wrong behind the engine block and it will require a new motor. I thought vehicles are suppose to last more than sixty thousand miles and five years. I will never buy another product from Dodge/Chrysler product.

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  90k and out for me, thanks. - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hokietxn - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1997 Grand Caravan SE with 5-year, 100k service. Great ride, good mileage, modest power, seats easy to remove/install, huge cargo capacity. Changed oil every 3k and followed service schedule at dealers for the first five years. Headaches (all after warranty): A/C compressor and dryer died, front rotors replaced, still act "warped". (Dealer) Battery recently shorted and damaged the starter. Phantom wipers, console rattle, "heavy" sliding door. Planning to sell before I loose my first transmission.

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  Just what our family needs.... - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mikesr11 - July 20 - 3:32 pm

  We have owned a windstar, and odyssey in the past, this 2012 grand caravan has them beat. This van has everything we need without breaking the bank. The SXT package is well equipped for our daily needs. The van drives more SUV like, and seems a bit wider than our 04 odyssey. The stow away seats are amazing, and are easily labeled: 1,2,3,4 so anyone who is not familiar with the van can follow the steps to put them into the floor. The stereo has excellent sound quality and is voice activated. The black seats look really nice and modern, and I prefer not having the 8 seats, and keeping the traditional captains chairs in the middle- Its much easier for the kids to get around this way.

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  Better than my Honda - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KB - July 11 - 4:03 am

  Replaced a 2001 Oddysey with only 88,000 miles; needed a new tranny, power door motor, water pump, EGR valve, brake drums (again) Our Grand Caravan drives nicer than the Honda did when it was new. I drive it whenever I can (my wife never wants to part with it). 2,500 miles and not a single problem. The van feels solid and safe, great acceleration; bumps do not intrude into the cabin, yet it handles great. Plastics are not sub-standard; theyre designed to handle "kid-abuse", which they do. If you are the market for a minivan, do not overlook this awesome vehicle.

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  Very good van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By idnpeg - July 9 - 10:00 am

  2002 Grand Caravan Sport. Purchased in Nov 2001, now with 8000+ miles. No problems! Great ride, quiet, smooth, plenty of room. I will admit I feel more secure with the 7/100 warranty they threw in for free. I would have liked to purchase the Honda Odyssey, but I feel very good about the $$$$ I saved. The customer service I got at purchase time was fabulous, and that sealed the deal for me; I worked with the fleet manager. My next door neighbor bought one; and another family friend too. I have heard a rattle or two; under the dash driver side, and back near the rear bench seat; they come and go. But hey, I did not buy a $40,000 luxury car.