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:

• 

  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.

• 

  New 2017 Grand Caravan surges and hesitates - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jje - February 27 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this 2017 Grand Caravan brand new with only 15 miles, day one I noticed the engine missing while running in park, when at stop with foot on brake it has a surge in the engine, while driving it has a miss in the engine and surges like the transmission is starting to slip. Took to dealer and was told they had to update the computer and was also told to NEVER use E85 even-though it is rated to use it, I told them that I had never used the E85 and was only using premium gas, I was then told that premium gas was as bad as E85 and causes the computer to act up. I was told to only use regular unleaded fuel and in a couple of tanks it should work itself out, well three tanks later is is not as bad as it was but it still acts up almost daily. What a POS, I have always been a Dodge Guy but wish I hadnt bought this one. Only getting 13 mpg in city and 19 or 20 on highway and I only have about 2,100 miles on it (yes that is actually 2,100 miles), I am about to trade it in on a Chevy or Ford...................................................

• 

  Not Complaining - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Paul Bondy - February 25 - 12:10 pm

  I previously owned a 98 Plymouth Voyager Expresso, just like a grand only shorty, had 140,000 km when I bought it used it as a service van with ladder racks loaded with equipment and ran all over N.A. till I quit contracting, ( around 210,00km) just changed the oil, great. converted back to a family vehicle 2 years ago and ran it up to 268,00 km 2 weeks ago, only put tires on it, brake job and one rear window motor used $40. Its been great 2 weeks ago finally blew a water pump $89 new, 2 hrs labor, big deal! 1 serp belt $40 total cost bought used at 5000 tires 400 brakes 400 water pump 89 serp belt 40 window motor 40 Grand total $5969.00 Canadian Great Van! Just Bought 2001 Grand Love it!

• 

  Belt problems - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hahaharry - February 25 - 2:00 am

  5 year owner with 81,000 miles. Youre lucky to get 30k on the brakes. Ive had 4 serpentine and 3 ac belts replaced along with 3 belt tensioners ($220 job). Belt problems every 12 months. The battery goes about a year and a half. I worried about the amount of tranny problems others have had so I made sure I got the dealer to service it ($80)at every 30k and it seems fine. It has started to consume about a qt of oil every 4000 miles. The paint was wearing off in locations that the sliding door rubber stopper would hit when opened. Rust on the sliding door track from the door bearing. The headlight lens has a cloudy film on the outside.

• 

  unacceptable - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lee - February 16 - 11:26 am

  This van has been a problem since birth, the plastic on the second row seats fell off, poor design. The tpms for the tires has needed to be replaced. The fuel milage is not what was promised but close. the vent system is not working properly aswell as there is incrediable heat in the drivers compartment all summer, need to turn on ac just to keep heat out. Headlights needed to be replaced high beam was useless

• 

  Grand Caravan Lemon - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By beast - February 12 - 4:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle new. Worst vehicle I have ever owned in my life. AC gone 6 times, airbag sensors 4 times, tie rods last 35000 miles, stow & go and all interior fittings are poor quality, steering rack gone at 80,000 miles, alternator gone at 35,000 miles, belt tensioner gone at 35,000 miles and the list goes on and on. Do not buy one of these vehicles. No wonder the North American auto industry is in trouble

• 

  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.

• 

  Im happy!! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bern - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Handles well. Peppy and really holds the road.(AWD) Gas mileage is 23-24 highway and 20 around town. I do not have a lead foot nor am I a rabbit starter.Love the electric doors and tailgate. I have carried 3 4x8 plywood with the tailgate closed!! The seats come out fairly easily for me (65 and slightly arthritic). I sold a fully loaded Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer to buy this.It was not even a year old and I took quite a beating on the trade. I couldnt take the 12-14 mpg I was getting. Not sorry a year later. Easy entry too. The only thing I dont like is the very short throw of regular beams at night. The car is lower than any of the trucks I owned previously.

• 

  solid van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Peggy - February 6 - 10:00 am

  We owned an original 1984 minivan, and this Gr. Caravan EX model is light years improved. Lots of thoughtful features.

• 

  Way Too Many Problems - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By durk163 - February 2 - 12:56 am

  We bought a van that the owners wife of the dealership drove with aprox 6,000 miles on it. It has been in the shop for replacement sensor for the door, AC would shut off so they replaced internal thermostat, sensor that would tell us outside temp was replaced, front passenger seat belt unreliable and arm rest fell off and was replaced, 2 tires replaced and the icing on the cake we needed to replace the brakes at 22,000 miles.I was told by the dealer that they have been replacing alot of the breaks on this car. What really is disgusting is that they want you to pay to replace the crappy brakes that they put in. I am sorry to say that I will be buying my first foreign made car in the fall.