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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 1,244.00-
best minivan yet - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By eddie bands - February 17 - 2:46 pmTHE SXT IS EXACTLY THE VEHICLE WE NEEDED WITH 2 SMALL KIDS IT HAS ROOM AND MORE AND THE STORAGE UNDER THE FLOOR KEEPS THE CAR CLEAN. THE 3.8 HAS GREAT PICKUP AND IT HANDLES NICELY.
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Amazing car for its price! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Stuartp222 - January 27 - 10:00 amWe have a SE model and it is the most useful thing on this earth.
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5x Satisfied Chrysler Customer - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Brighton Resident - January 27 - 10:00 amVery satisfied with my 5th new Chrysler product!
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Review - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
By a berg - January 27 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle We never thought we would own a minivan but it is great when traveling with the kids...
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carlos - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
By flames rivers - January 27 - 10:00 amthis van has gos milage and is good for sports moms so the can drive their kids to games as well as their friends
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GREAT VEHICLE!!!!!!! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Marisa - January 21 - 2:00 amWe just had 20 inches of snow and my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport just BLEW threw the snow without sliding at all.... what a great, heavy reliable vehicle... I feel SO safe in this vehicle!!!
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Great Long Term Value - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Doug_H - January 18 - 3:13 pmPurchased used w/17K miles in 2000. Has been a great long term value. Minimal cost to own. ES model has everything available at the time. 3.8 ltr has plenty of power @ 180hp. Hauls 7 comfortably. Great on long trips. Live in TX, van has been to CA and back and Orlando, FL and back plus many trips to surrounding states. Avgs 23 mpg city/hwy. Gotten 29 mpg on hwy, avg 25. As of 5/09, have 229K. Rebuilt Trans. at 190K. New Cat. Converter at 185K. No other major mechanical issues, just stuff that wears out-alternator, water pump, pulleys misc sensors and switches, etc. Would buy again but wife wants something different after 10 yrs. 1999 ES model still best looking w/17in. wheels.
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Build more - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
By George Willis - January 17 - 3:53 pmMy Dodge number 4. This is the best so far. Smooth power, almost all curves where I drive no problems steering is tops. Mileage is a little low at 22 but only 670 miles so far. Should give 24. All other Dodge vans did. Build quality has improved greatly. Cant say enough about stow and go. Can carry full 4x8 sheet plywood inside with hatch closed. Most pickups need tailgate down. Can also haul 10/12 bales of hay. Cruise on interstate is pure joy. 3.8 engine, auto transmission
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Sapmans - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By sapman007 - January 4 - 10:40 pmGreat van so far. Once you learn to use the stow-n-go seats they are a snap and have been a life saver for a family of 5. Gas mileage is a little weak, but mostly stop and go driving so it is to be expected. Great power (3.8 V6). It gets onto the freeway and you are up to speed with the traffic in no time.
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Great Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By dcoogan - December 8 - 7:50 amAlways been a GM person and moved to VW for a few years till famly grew out of the Beetle . The van can tow and carry 7 people with no problems .
