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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  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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  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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  Grand Caravan: Latin for Money Pit - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dotweasl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought I was the only person who called it a money pit. I bought it from my SISTER who had maintained the car flawlessly for 6 years. After 2 weeks the AC went out. 4 weeks later it wouldnt go into reverse. A week later it wouldnt shift out of gear at 30mph. Then the AC went out again and now its not shifting gears. RUN AWAY! RUN FAST! DONT LOOK BACK! Did I mention the strangulation sound it makes when the automatic door locks engage? Explain that when youre driving a client to lunch. Thats easy: ITS A MONEY PIT! RUN FAST! My transmission guy said if it werent for the Caravans, he wouldnt have any business. RUN AWAY!

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  Buy something else--- run run - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Shelly - November 22 - 9:13 pm

  I recently got rid of this vehicle after owning it for 7 years, anxiously waiting for the day we could get rid of it for the last 3. The transmission failed at 147,000 miles. The worst part of it was this was the 3rd transmission. We had one replace right after we got it at about 38,000 and another at 87,000... both were covered by extended warranty purchase.

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  Transmission at 21000 - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pags - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We needed a trasmission overhaul at 21000 miles. Unfortunately the 36 month timeclock had expired and we were stuck with the entire bill. Use caution when considering this vehicle.

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  Shameful - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ed A - October 9 - 10:13 pm

  We bought this minivan with only 3000 miles from a dealer. I heard a little voice inside my saying that we should run away. However, my wife liked the car so we made the purchase. Big mistake. The engine and transmission have been good for 80K miles but if you saw the list of other repairs you would be surprised. I am done with Dodge. I have owned many Chrysler products over the years but the quality has declined so much it is no wonder they are going out of business. It is possible that I just have one of the few lemons. However, when I look at the internet it becomes obvious that there are way too many disappointed customers.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By babsinga - October 9 - 4:56 am

  We got this used with 24,000 on it. At 80,000 the transmission went out at 5:45 one morning on the way to work. At 90,000 the AC went out. Also replaced the window motor, 3 sets of rotors, and now it is making suspension noises and power steering pump noises. It is one thing after another. Ive spent $4000 on major repairs in the past 3 years, far less than the dealer would have charged though, because I know a good mechanic. Keep in mind, this is only a 5 year old vehicle that was $28000 to start with. It is not a reliable vehicle, but it drives well and has plenty of room, which is why we got it. Just find a good mechanic and save up some money for repairs. You will need both.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Nancy - September 4 - 10:23 pm

  We bought this van new and within the first year the driver side sliding door mechanism broke and wasnt covered under warranty. Year 2 the air conditioner stopped working and air bag light came on and has perpetually been on since (no one cn figure out whats wrong with it)and year 3 its been in the shop 3 times; brakes replaced, broken water pump and bad EGR valve. Its so disappointing to have such a popular and common vehicle have so many issues.

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  Fun to drive - when working - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pfeiffer - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive this van, especially on long trips. Can get 24mpg at 70mph. Unfortunately the van is in the shop alot, and I may trade it. Biggest problem has been the master brake cylinder. Have had 4 in 36K miles. The dash dials have stopped cold on numerous occasions, and one time some swith broke and the van was stuck in 2nd. Have my own coffee mug at the dealer.