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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  Very Nice Minivan! - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Raul at Miami - September 14 - 1:27 pm

  The SXT Caravan its a very nice to own minivan, has lot of interior room, smooth ride, nimble handling. DVD, trip computer, a plus!!! Excellent for the family. The exterior is quite modern also. On the other hand, 14 real MPG in city and 24 in highway is not enough. Not even closer to EPA advice.

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  A Bargin for the Price - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Hpedigo - August 30 - 6:30 pm

  This has been a rock solid piece of machinery. Reliable and very dependable. Now has 39,000 miles and only failure has been the CD player which was warrantied.

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  Terrrific vehicle - versatile & reliable - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Michael - August 27 - 11:33 pm

  We have driven our SWB Caravan Sport over 75,000 miles in 2.5 years. It has been virtually trouble free. The only exception was a sliding door issue that was covered by warrantee. It has met our every need from a local people hauler to a vacation and camping marvel. Terrific handling, very good fuel economy (consistently over 21 mpg combined), and great looks. My engineer daughter loves to drive it. We are passing it on to our son who now has two small kids, but replacing it with a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country Touring model. We are sold on this car.

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  Grand Caravan - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By Daniel Brown - August 24 - 4:37 pm

  I have been less than pleased witht the performance of this vehicle. Steering is loose and out of control when traveling on curvy roads. Dodge still uses rocker switches for windows, children have been killed using these things. They have put them on a vertical surface which increases safety, however it also decreases ergonomics. Airconditioner and radio controls are too low and force the driver to look down, nearly to the floorboard. The power sliding doors are also in need of improvement. Setting these things aside, the van drives well on straight roads and the stow and go seating is a good idea, however the seats are uncomfortable.

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  A great car for the money - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By TracyC273 - August 20 - 1:46 pm

  I just got my van and it is great. It drives so well. I did have a 96 windstar and this tops the cake. The only thing is the gas mileage is not so great. And I did not like the fact that I was told by the dealer that I could not program my key to open the other slider /lift gate. But overall it is a great minivan. Mine came with the DVD which my kids love and the radio is good w/ 6 speakers

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  Glad I bought it - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By InnAtVt33 - August 18 - 9:24 pm

  I bought my 1998 Caravan SE a little over a year ago and have had no problems at all. The first thing I did when I got it was to have the tranny flushed. With Dodge, my mechanic recommends every 20,000 miles. Lots of cargo space with the seats removed. I do wish the gas mileage was better. This is my 3rd van but the first with 4 doors and I love it. It may be almost 8 years old, but it still feels new when you get in. The interior has held up very well. I have thought about going back to a car but dont think I can. SUVs feel too truck like for me. My van gives a very comfortable ride. With less than 50,000 miles on it I think its a keeper.

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  My first and last Chrysler - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By No More DCX! - August 16 - 11:05 pm

  I got this home from the dealer less than two weeks ago. Ive been back twice due to suspension mishaps from the factory.

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  The #1 Minivan In america - 2006 Dodge Caravan
  By baron - August 6 - 3:15 pm

  The Dodge Caravan is a reliable minivan. Its the best selling in America. Every time it comes out with an idea, its copied by another company like stow,n,go.The Honda Oddesey may be a good vehicle but it dosent sell like a Caravan does. Dodge invented the minivan, so why does Honda or Toyota think they can make a better minivan. Whenever the fifth generation of Caravan comes out its gonna get the whole public. They dont know what dodge has up its sleeves.

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  A Great Deal For the Money - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Robert - August 5 - 11:09 pm

  I test drove a new 1997 Caravan, was unimpressed for $23K, and bought a used 1994. This time I drove a much nicer, fancier 2005 Caravan and for $20K took it home. Thank you employee pricing! No stow and go on my short model, but no big deal. The six speaker package puts out some excellent sound. Seats are comfortable, yet dont weigh much. Superb handling, solid acceleration, great brakes (unlike my Quest). Ill reserve mileage judgement until its broken in. I wasnt looking for a DVD but to put a cherry on the top of this deal it had one. But then came the single downer, although the manual doesnt say so, the "basic" DVD system has no headphone capability! Be sure you can live with this.

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  Bad news SXT - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Mike - July 30 - 12:47 am

  The air bag light and warning bell came on and stayed on. It was fixed. That lasted 3 days and it went out again. The dealer replaced a wiring harness that was bad. The rear tailgate could only be opened with the key, so the dealer replaced the power lock unit. The passenger side window wouldnt go down, teh dealer replaced regulator to the power window. If I have this many problems with a new car,what happens when the warranty is up? This vehicle with 4 adults and a 2 yr old on a trip of over 500 miles got at one point 27 mpg and averaged about 22 mpg on the trip. That was in the mountains of KY, TN and NC. The DVD unit is a good babysitter. Sirius satellite radio is good too. Rides good, but Im afraid of reliablity.