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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  NOT USER FRIENDLY - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Jim and Bonnie Baird - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  Have had constant trouble with both sets of brakes. Suspension leaves alot to be desired. Tranny lasted over 100,000 miles. Had it rebuilt. Cruise control problem early on. Tried to change sparkplugs at 100,000 miles. Couldnt get to the one in the rear on pass. side. Dont have a creeper or a lift and am not a contor- tionist. Had to pay an independent $23 to do it! Old models had fuel filter under the pass. door panel. On my 99 you must drop the fuel tank to reach it. Another $50 for labor! Looked at the new base models. Cheaper interiors, lack of features. Have had a Chrysler mini-van since their first model year. Bye-bye Dodge Caravan, Hello Toyota Sienna!

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  Switched from Intrepid - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Jenny - April 12 - 8:53 pm

  We travel a lot, so we wanted more room but comparable gas mileage. We traded in our 2001 Intrepid SE toward this, and so far it seems to have been a good move. It drives like a car, and I get much less road fatigue when we drive to Chicago (2.5 hrs. away).

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  Great Value...Carvan SXT.. - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By tiger850 - April 10 - 10:24 pm

  The Dodge SXT is quiet, smooth, reliable. It drives straight, confident handling, very easy to modulate brakes. So far after 2K, gas mileage has been 16-17 ish around town so below the 19- 26 rating for the 3.3L. Love the features for prices.

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  Problems! - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Piewicket - April 9 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased from dealer used and they replaced the computer before we bought it. Should have stopped there. A complete lemon. 50k tortioner for serpentine broke (not covered under extened warranty). after throwing and wearing out many serpentine belts, 70k transmission froze up 6 mo before warranty expired. Cost us $100 for deductible on bumper2bumper warranty, and now just replaced rear seal at over $500. My 1967 Beetle has less problems than this one.

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  Nice family van - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By 98 dodge - March 31 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car new. I sold it on Jan. 23 2005, for a fully loaded 2005 Toyota Sequoia. During that time I had the van I put almost 124,000 miles on it, it had never let me down. I had the mid-level SE trim w/ the 3.3 ltr. flex-fuel engine. The van had a nice interior for a Dodge, and it was pretty sturdy until we were about to sell it, the paneling was falling off. The paint was not faded or rusting, it looked like new.

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  Not bad for the money... - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By LakeOzark - March 31 - 2:09 am

  For what you can buy these things for it is the best "people mover" on the market. We traded the wifes 2000 Chevy Tahoe, and at first I thought we made a BIG mistake - but then I realized my payment went from 700/month to 320 and realized things were not so bad. If you take into account the class of vehicle you are buying it is a STEAL. I payed $18000 out the door and got a very comfortable, very safe, very roomy new vehicle that get good gas mileage. The fit and finish is fair at best, but once again I can not expect the quality of a $40K vehicle. So far I am very happy with it and for a growing family it proves very useful. One recommendation - buy the GRAND not the short one we bought

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  Bad Choice - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Mike R. - March 26 - 3:27 pm

  About the only good things about this vehicle are the wheels and stereo, which I purchased separately. Too many things to mention that have gone wrong, but Ill try. Transmission, W.S. wipers, suspension, belt tensioner, air bag module, air conditioning and 3 recalls. No more Chrysler products for me.

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  Paid "idiot" dues buying a 2nd Caravan - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By jeff meier - March 25 - 2:29 pm

  Ive owned used cars for 40 years....no car has been anywhere near the nightmare of Dodge Caravans. Bought a new one in 93...disaster...liked the dealer and heard quality had improved on Caravans, so I bet on Dodge one more time. WHAT AN IDIOT! 3 water pumps, headgaskets blew, air conditioner leaks, starter, alternator belts, struts and stabilizers replaced at 50,000 miles....was undriveable, flimsy speakers that sound like blackboard scratching and dealer service manager says....no warranty...they still "work". I should have spent the extra $ on a Honda or Toyota.....will next time.

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  Its really a 3.8 V-6 - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Ken - March 8 - 4:58 am

  So far, I am very happy with my Dodge GC. It is very quiet, very nice stereo and love the convience and flexibility of the Stown Go seats.With one middle seat stowed, I have plenty of room to stow a lot of stuff in the bin that the other seat is not stowed. Plus it makes it very easy to get kids in and out of the back seats and leaves room for the dog to lay down. The front seats fit like a glove and I like the eight way power drivers seat plus the lockable storage bin under passengers seat. I also like the above console, with outside temp.,compass and mpg used. I havent had one bit of trouble with it yet.

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  Check for blowby and trans problems - 1993 Dodge Caravan
  By cgijobs - March 7 - 7:52 pm

  At 70,000 miles it started leaking oil was told the problem was blowby, which can only be fixed by replacing engine (I have been told by more than one mechanic that this is fairly common for Caravans like mine). Ive been able to live with the oil leak, but now at 133,000 miles the transmission is going out. Talking with other caravan owners, transmission problems are very common. Before buying an older Caravan I would make sure to have a mechanic check out the transmission carefully.