Overview & Reviews

Some vehicles lead their segments; others even revolutionize them. The Dodge Caravan, however, invented an entirely new one: the minivan. Offering an especially useful amount of room in a surprisingly easy-to-drive package, the Caravan quickly became the new synonym for family transportation and spawned competitors from all sides.

The Dodge Caravan has traditionally stayed a step ahead of the herd. It was first to market with the sliding door, then the first with two. It pioneered the integration of safety features like airbags. And for many years, it was also regarded as being the most versatile and pleasant-driving minivan. Given all this, it should come as no surprise that the Caravan, along with its longer relative, the Grand Caravan, became the top-selling minivan year after year.

However, today's minivan scene is much different from the one of the 1980s or '90s. Though other American automakers have essentially given up trying to make competitive minivans, Japanese and Korean automakers have raised the bar considerably in the past few years. As a result, the Caravan fell behind in terms of power, driving refinement, interior design and safety content.

With the introduction of an all-new minivan for the 2008 model year, Dodge officially discontinued the short-wheelbase Caravan, offering only the extended-wheelbase Grand Caravan model.

Most Recent Dodge Caravan

The most recent Dodge Caravan (2001 to 2007) represented the vehicle's fourth generation. Whereas most "minivans" (including its "Grand" brother) extend to the 200-inch mark, this Dodge measured a slightly tidier 189 inches from bow to stern. Combined with a likewise shorter 113-inch wheelbase, the Caravan was among the easiest vans to maneuver and park.

It was also one of the most affordable. The base Caravan SE was the value leader, featuring a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SE had bench seats in the second and third rows, air-conditioning and a CD stereo, but was otherwise sparsely equipped.

The more desirable Caravan SXT (known as Caravan Sport until '04) came with a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6, a four-speed automatic transmission, an optional power-sliding passenger door, dual-zone air-conditioning, second-row bucket seats, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and keyless entry. After 2003, the Caravan also came in a V6-powered Cargo Van version targeted for business use.

As long as the underpowered four-cylinder is avoided, the last Dodge Caravan is quite capable. While lacking the famous "Stow 'n Go" seats of its "Grand" sibling, this Caravan has adequate room for seven adults (and plenty of room for five) or 129 cubic feet of cargo with all rear seats removed. Just note that this conversion takes patience and strength, as the rear bench seats are quite heavy.

It's on the road where this Caravan falls short. We once found it to be the most fun-to-drive minivan, citing its precise steering and substantial feel. However, the latest competition makes its pushrod V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission seem outclassed for both performance and fuel economy. In addition, compared to newer competitors, the Caravan's ride is on the wallowy side and its brakes are a bit weak.

We also took issue with its cheap interior finish, and the fact that an important safety feature like side curtain airbags was an option. Stability control was unavailable altogether. Finally, its reliability record has been spotty, as with all past Caravans.

There was only one substantial change made to this final generation Dodge Caravan after its debut for 2001. In 2005, Dodge eliminated its optional front seat side airbags in favor of optional curtain airbags protecting all three rows. That was an important upgrade, but considering the Caravan wasn't tops in its class to begin with, it's still hard to recommend it except as a budget buy. Those consumers who do decide to buy a used Caravan would be wise to expand their search to include the nearly identical Chrysler-badged versions -- the short-wheelbase base model Town & Country (2004-'07) and the Voyager (2001-'03).

Past Dodge Caravan Models

Newer Dodge Caravans trace their basic design to the third-generation model, which was produced from 1996-2000. (Note that for this generation as well as all previous ones, a near-identical version called the Plymouth Voyager was also sold.) Compared to the most recent model, this Caravan was an inch or two smaller in most dimensions, and the engine roster was much different.

Back then, the 3.3-liter V6 only made 158 hp. The 2.4-liter engine still made 150 but was paired to a lowly three-speed automatic transmission. This generation of Caravan also had access to the Grand Caravan's top-of-the-line 180-hp, 3.8-liter V6. Plus, there was a fourth engine: a Mitsubishi-built 3.0-liter V6 with 150 hp.

Initially, the Caravan's trim lines consisted of base, SE, LE and ES models, though Dodge subsequently moved to position the regular-length Caravan as a budget minivan, resulting in the discontinuation of the top-of-the-line ES for '98. The midrange LE lasted until 2000. The base model came with only the four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 at first, then added the choice of the 3.3-liter V6 in 1997, only to lose it again after '99. The SE started with the same three choices, but dropped the four-cylinder after '97 and the 3.0-liter V6 after '98. The upscale LE and ES stuck with the bigger 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6s.

Consumers looking at used Dodge Caravans would be wise to zero in on SE and LE models, as both came with essentials like antilock brakes, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and 15-inch wheels. The LE also provided standard air-conditioning and power windows and locks. (A/C was also standard on '99 and '00 SE models.) The high-line ES added 16-inch alloy wheels and a driver-side sliding door (an item that later became standard on lower-line models). Depending on the trim level, major options included second-row captain's chairs, an upgraded Infinity CD stereo and a self-leveling rear suspension. However, the most important thing for used Caravan shoppers to look at is the engine under the hood: Either the 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 is a must for adequate performance.

The late-'90s Caravan was regarded as the state-of-the-art minivan, setting the standard for spaciousness, comfort and convenience while offering a carlike driving feel. It was first in the class with dual sliding doors, and we found its interior flexible and easy to configure despite the always-heavy removable rear seats. A redesigned version of the Honda Odyssey edged out the Caravan by the end of its run, but it was always competitive.

Our only real hesitation, aside from its never-great reliability, concerns safety, as this van's crash test scores were mediocre all around. Note also that like most minivans of this era, the Caravan had only two airbags. Making partial amends is the availability of traction control starting in 1997 and the switch to depowered airbags in 1998.

The second-generation Dodge Caravan was produced from 1991-'95. Derived from the infamous Chrysler K-platform of the 80s, the Caravan's trim lines were base, SE, LE and ES. Three engines were offered: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 100 hp (paired to a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic), a 3.0-liter V6 with 142 hp (three- or four-speed automatic) or a 3.3-liter V6 with 162 hp (four-speed automatic). All-wheel drive was newly available for this Caravan, as were antilock brakes.

Seating was still comfortable in all rows and the rears were still removable. Note that only the front seats had head restraints. The Caravan's most major update came in 1994 when a second airbag, better side-impact protection and more dashboard revisions were added; all-wheel drive was dropped. For 1995, Caravan lost the stickshift as well.

While we definitely recommend sticking to newer Caravans for better engineering, safety and convenience, this was the only generation in which Dodge offered all-wheel drive on the regular-length Caravan. Just be sure to exercise caution when shopping for models of the early '90s; the four-speed automatic found in most was known for its extremely high failure rate.

User Reviews:

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  Duct tape helps - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By still runs - March 16 - 2:15 pm

  the van i have has been fairly reliable with only some minor repairs. nothing to major has broke yet, still waiting for tranny to go, it does slip now and again. very comfortable seating, love the room inside for my kids and dogs. I bought the 94 over a newer 99 design because i really dont like the ext. style or the poorly laid out interior of these vans. I also love the ext appearance with the right package of skirts and rims the van does look some aggressive. Handling sucks but it is a box on wheels after all. fuel eco. is not bad for my 3.0l about 450 to 500 km tank still. Very good passing on the highways and comfy to drive very long distances. still going after 300,000 km. hope for more!

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  Caravan 3.0 - 1990 Dodge Caravan
  By Mike - March 14 - 12:27 pm

  we have had this for about 2 years and ran it to death. it has at least one bad valve seal and smokes like crazy, but will not quit and we just keep dumpin the oil in it. rides like a Cadillac and actually runs really well. It has lots of power for what it is. it has been run out of oil more than enough times, but it hasnt died yet. doesnt seem to be rusting out very badly at all with our Pa weather and salt on the roads.

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  Great Disappointment - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By stu - March 13 - 11:30 pm

  This is the 5th Chrysler/Dodge minivan that I have owned, and the worst of the bunch. Good design intention, failed execution. Radio does not get local stations, transmission had to be re-programmed, (that would fix tranny problems also in these reviews) drivers door re-aligned twice, overhead console loose, failed cup holder, weatherstripping falling out of driver & passenger window and hitting people in head, failed resistor in blower control. Must say dealer is absolutely great, but manufacturer built a lemon for me and will not own up to it. E-mailed Dodge web-site, called them, and still no satisfaction. It seems like they want to drive their customer to other makes.

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  VLT Transmission problems - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By willie Hodess - February 21 - 11:39 am

  Driving and comfort not an issue, the caravan performs. Its the transmission thats driving me crazy. When slowing down the tranny is trying to downshift 2nd to 1st is a real pain. The clunking or grabbing is a real nuisance. Whats worse is Wellington motors is denying that Chrysler had issues with this tranny and still is selling these vans. Chrysler Canada aside from trying to give me $50 gift certs.keeps telling me their engineers are looking into it. I have been told that the fix would be there early Aug.2007 that was moved out to the end of Sept to the new year and now I havent heard from anyone.

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  transmission - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By Tom Brown - February 10 - 5:28 pm

  I bought a 2007 Dodge Caravan on 07- 02-07. Transmisson was bad the day that I drove it off the lot. Have had it worked on twice by the dealership. Still have the same problem as day one. Chrysler can not fix the problem and like anything else you buy, if it dont work, it should be replaced. I get get mad each time I pull from my drive. Never fails that I get a hard shift. I did not buy the van to have this problem. I would like to know if Chrysler has plans to make repairs in the near future. Vehicle has learned my driving habits by now.

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  America better build a better car - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By m thornton - February 3 - 8:39 am

  Bought used with 30k ,Now has 96k Engine light was on when I bought it , dealer installed new EGR.valve. Front stab. bush went.replace 2 x so far. ign. key lock went south,(no bloody good reason) window lift motors went out 2x replaced. Vac leak cannot be found (driving me crazy.)New water pump, Idle tensioner pulley, the reat wa just routine maint. I cant realy say I love this car with the problems I have had. Stupid stuff. I will buy a Kia next time

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  White Van - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Jamie - January 31 - 5:00 pm

  We have had regular oil changes, not major repairs, interior is still in excellent condition, minimum blemishes on exterior, 4 bucket seats and one bench seat, need to get smaller, fuel efficient vehicle.

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  2000 Dodge Caravan - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Toppie - January 31 - 10:27 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned! I have never had a mechanical issue with the van. Have only had to change the belts once. Didnt even have/need a tune-up for 7 years! I kept the oil changed and had it serviced regularly. Upholstery held up very well! Sadly, the AC just went out -- Im looking for one just like it now with lower miles. It has 185,000 on it.

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  After 1.5 years - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Carlos - January 23 - 11:19 pm

  Reliable and build quality like a Lexus. Well put together, no problems, no leaks, nothing has broken or fallen- off. Never less than 20.5 mpg with my V- 6.

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  Great Van! - 2007 Dodge Caravan
  By commuter - January 4 - 6:20 pm

  We replaced a 1994 Voyager with this 2007 Caravan. The spirit is the same, with a tidy wheelbase and four bucket seats, but the new Caravan is smoother and quite a bit bigger inside. It is getting the same mileage--about 17 mpg in short trips around town and about 24 mpg on the highway--but is noticably better in acceleration despite having the same basic engine as the 94. My wife wanted the short wheelbase minivan for its maneuverability around town and is very happy with it. I find it a pleasant car when I drive it, particularly cruising down the highway. A piece of weatherstripping needed to be replaced on the front door, otherwise it has been perfect so far.