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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  Piece of Junk - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By nick7 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  We have 114000 miles in our 98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. First of all the 3.0 V6 is very slow. When I drive it, I have trouble keeping up with the flow of traffic. Around the 110000 mile mark we started having all these problems. First of all, we noticed that theres a putt-putt sound when you first start accelerating (acceleration hesitates) after you start the van up. The 4 speed auto shifts were taking forever. We were up at 4000 rpms hitting the gas normally before it shifted. Then the brakes started sweaking. We got some of these problems fixed at the dealer but the putt-putt and longer shifting(slightly improved)were still there.

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  Unreliable piece of Junk - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Unreliable - runaway - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Grand Caravan SXT with 19K and 11 months old. Paid extra for extended warranty, got my moneys worth after replacing the Door motors SEVEN TIMES! Now post warranty, drivers side only opens auto (no manual door motor clutch stuck), passenger side is only manual, door motor shot. Radiator rusted at 80K, now just dies with no notice, no error code while on HWY at 50+ miles an hour. Hey Chrysler, try a curve at 55 with no power steering %^&*! Dealers and my mechanic cant find anything, no error codes. AC controls on dash, lights flicker on/off, poor solder in unit, had to replace. NOT SAFE, get a HONDA 2011 Odyssey like I did. Still have this Caravan for I cant sell it, unsafe!

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  1999 Grand Caravan Sport - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John Walker - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Initially we loved this vehicle. It performed well and was an excellent family hauler and trust me, we have a clan to move! Over the past year we have experienced several problems including the drive belt tensioner, having to replace the front brakes twice in 13,000 miles, needing new front brake rotors, exhaust sensor replacement and speedometer sensor replacement. A little too much to swallow in such a short period of time. Our perception is that the vehicle is falling apart after just a few years of use. We are ready to jump ship and move to a new, different brand vehicle.

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  Stay Away from this Model! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By blackstone114 - April 28 - 9:23 pm

  I just spent $988 to replace all four brakes on a Grand Caravan with just under 18,000 miles. The rear brake shoe was frozen and the front brake pads were 97% worn. This after the dealer told me last week to watch the front brakes, never mentioning the rear. This Canadian assembled from Chinese made parts piece of junk is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Their dealers are even worse. Dont be fooled by the American nameplate. Move on to another brand.

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  This was the best minivan in the 90s? - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CWD - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This minivan was advertised and reviewed as the best minivan of the 90s. Thank goodness the 90s are over. This van has been unreliable. We were a block from home heading to the airport and both the input and output transmission sensors gave out. This was at 4:00 a.m. and we had to catch a plane at 6:00 a.m. We have had to replace all four power window motors, and we have had to replace the drivers window motor 3 times and it just went bad again. This vehicle is totally unreliable, and it is a shame, as the concept is quite good. Unfortunately, the reality is, this vehicle sucks!

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  Rip-Off! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kj - April 20 - 3:06 am

  Since buying this vehicle, we have replaced the tie rods, replaced tires 3 out of 4 years, replaced brake pads almost annually, replaced the brakes, had the motor in the driver side power window fixed, replaced the alternator belt, did the tailgate lift recall, and now we are having to have the fuel injector replaced and the computer system repaired. The rubber on the edges of the doors has been glued twice, the air conditioner leaks on the passenger floor boards, the little cup holders on both passenger seats have also broken. You would think I worked to tear this vehicle up. It gets regular maintenance. I drive on interstates and main roads. Its in the shop for the 4th time this year!

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  This car is garbage! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By unhappy customer - April 1 - 7:30 am

  Bought this car because of its safety record to replace 10 year old Ford. Its been a big disappointment from day one. Ignition and gear shift replaced within 2 months after numerous complaints of both getting stuck. Air conditioning repaired twice in less than 2 years. Power steering hose replaced at 1 month. Knocking coming from drivers side door repaired after 3 complaints. Front brakes replaced at 11,800 miles. Rear brakes replaced at 19,000 miles. Car serviced for numerous rrts. Car going back to the shop tomorrow to check and hopefully repair 2 separate noises that have been complained about already and not repaired. Customer service reps say what is "written" in the manual-gets you nowhere.

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  Dont Buy without a Warranty - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stacey L - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this nice looking, comfortable van mostly due to what we thought was a good rep for Caravans/Chrysler and nice interior design - what a nightmare. Thank God we had extended warranty! Repair/replace tranny 4 times since weve had it. Water pump twice, new a/c, weird brake troubles 4 times, blown head gasket, weird wiring gremlins that we had to bypass to make our headlights even work. A/c switches burning out - I will never buy another Chrysler product after this nightmare. Would have sold, except its paid off and the extended warranty paid most of the engine work - but we laid out $2k plus on other work.

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  unsatisfied - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By unsatisfied - March 19 - 10:23 pm

  I was happy with this van for the first year and after the 3rd year it seemed every thing went wrong .The air bag sensor went on twice after repair, abs sensor went on, my rear window shatter on its own, my automatic doors had to be fixed, front both tie rods loose had to replace, steering/suspension went bad had to replace lots of money went into to this vehicle after the 3rd year I dont even really drive this vehicle that much as you can see not so many miles. I had to take it back in after one week of driving because my engine sensor failed go figure! NOT HAPPY AT ALL. Had to fork out more money.

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  First Year - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LEJ - February 27 - 4:23 pm

  This is a nice looking, but poorly engineered vehicle! The old saying about not buying the first year of a re-designed model is true. The torque converter, A/C compressor, and all 4 brakes were replaced (twice) by 35,000 miles. Theres a reason why the factory warranty for brakes is only 12 months/12000 miles!