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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  Dodge transmission problems - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodge van dies again - July 13 - 8:33 pm

  Bought this van used with 35K, run as a second car till October 07. replaced tranny in march 07 with 61k. under warranty (rebuilt transmission). Tranny goes down again last week with 102K. Dodge wont warranty this rebuilt tranny more than 36K because it was worked on in March, In may they warranty for 80K. Im looking at $3400 for replacement tranny. The warranty dept. (in India) is telling me tough luck, NYC Chrysler dealer tells me the same( thats where it blew). My sister-in laws T&C is on its 2nd tranny too ( same vintage). Got rust on hood and rear quarter panels, Chrysler wont recover because their not rusted through! Come on Chrysler stand by your products!

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  my grand caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lopez2 - July 7 - 4:37 pm

  we bought my wife 2005 grand caravan during a bad financial situation and pay cash for it, had 123000 miles back then and now 189000, no problem at all, just gas and oil change. sheap design but great on traveling, lots of room for storage. people we had a saturn relay fully loaded and 0 mile when we bought it, that is the worst car we ever had. let the bank have it after warranty expire at 48000 miles and the heck with the credit score, thats how desperate i was. ill buy another grand caravan for the right price again.

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  Needed Space for Family - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Tracy - June 8 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this van for space for family. Though Im happy with the space, I was highly disappointed with several features (or lack of features). Stutters and jumps when traveling slow speeds (like in a parking lot). The climate control is horrible. No way to switch between heat and air-you just have to adjust the temp up and down one degree at a time in three different places. No way to turn on just the fan, cool temp means air conditioning. I paid over $500 for remote start but wasnt told the stinkin thing shuts off in 10 minutes--whats the point of that? Console did not close or lock--9 weeks later still not fixed. Mileage only 15- 16 mpg whether in town or on highway. Dont like anything else except the space. Will never buy a Dodge van again.

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  Dont Buy One ! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Islandhopper1 - May 21 - 4:00 pm

  Bought this vehicle with 18K mi. on it. It was great for about 2 days. Thats when the front brakes went out (Pads worn out- completely gone). I found out the rear brake pads had been replaced right before I bought it and rear rotors seriously grooved. Then the passenger sliding door broke... Van drove pretty well then except for a clunking gear shift sometimes between 2cd and 3rd around 20 mph. No real other problems until one night at 30K mi. when it just didnt start. I tried both keys- nothing. Had it towed to dealer- no codes, no answers....no confidence. Traded in for new Chevy Tahoe. Happy to have it gone.

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  Hate my van! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By M. Sackett - Omaha - March 6 - 1:06 pm

  This van is always in the shop for repair! Its had 7 service visits in 11 months: 1) The ignition key receiver failed, resulting in a tow the 1st month. 2&3) Hard drive on stereo was replaced twice. Chrysler also sent out software upgrade to fix addl problems with system. 4) Tail gate assembly latch was replaced when it locked shut and I couldnt even open it manually. 5) Side sliding doors, which never shut properly electronically, had to be adjusted. 6 & 7) The heater in one of the seats quit working, so had to replace the heating element. In addition, indicator lights are unreliable. Recommendation: Dont buy this vehicle! We spent $30,000, and wish we had our old van (worth $1,000).

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  Lemon - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Suzer - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We had nothing but problems with this vehicle since purchasing it. I have a file about 2 inches thick of service invoices. Fortunately, everything was covered by the warranty (when it ran out, we ditched it). Daimler Chrysler would not admit it was a lemon. The worst part...not having a car. Problems included: Steering column replaced 3 times, steering wheel clock spring replaced 4 times, windshield wiper motor, air conditioner fan motor, both power window motors died, horn malfunctioned, sliding door pad short (which caused doors to lock and unlock while driving at various speeds), ignition cylinder housing locked up twice, and the list goes on.

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  bad car - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By nomoreamericancars - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Anything that can go wrong went wrong with this car. VERY POOR reliability.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kwetten1176 - January 31 - 7:20 am

  We bought our van fully loaded back in March 08. It has everything, 4.0L engine, the works. Overall, its a really nice vehicle. However; we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. As of Jan 10th 09 weve had this vehicle in to have the thermostat replaced 8 times. Its been declared a lemon. The transmission has started leaking fluid, the sliding doors do what they want to. It looses heat from time to time. The remote start works when it wants to. We went to trade this vehicle in for something else and it has depreciated value by $22,000. I almost fainted. We bought the van for $36,000 and I tried to trade it in, and was offered $14,000. Buyers beware.

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  Worst Gas Mileage I Ever Had - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By James - January 1 - 5:14 am

  For the most part I like this car. Its moderately comfortable, reliable, the overall "package" is good, but the gas mileage is absolutely horrible. The sticker said it would get an average of 20 mpg, based on 18 mpg on city streets and 24 mpg on highways. It isnt too bad on highways, getting an average of about 20 to 22 mpg when driving long distance and maintaining a steady speed of about 50 mph. But in stop and go city driving, its awful. Maybe about 8 or 9 mpg at best. Since I dont travel much, do mostly city driving, and the fact the I am retired and dont have tons of money, I cant say I am happy at this point. Dodge says they will fix it, so all I can do is wait and see if they do. Well see how much "Chrysler Cares" actually cares...

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  Sqweak sqweak sqweak - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JIM - December 18 - 12:13 pm

  We have had the van in two times winter and summer for the squeaking sliding doors. This is the fourth Dodge I have bought and will be looking to trade it in asap for an import. Very cheap inside. Rear windows dont open except by going back to do it. Would I recommend this to a friend? No I wpould not even recommend to my enemies.