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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  STX is a SMART BUY - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By Lisa/Matt NJ - March 1 - 6:14 pm

  Have had van for 10 months, aside from taking it back to dealer for a cracked vacuum line and a leak where the oil filter mounts to the engine the van has been trouble free. This is our second Sport model and we love it. Rides great and is the perfect size for our 2 kid family. Love rear split seats. Love price and styling. Would buy it again.

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By kathleen monahan - February 19 - 10:18 am

  This is a perfect car for people who have trouble getting in and out of cars. One can slide in and out. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride enjoyable.

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  I am impressed - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By VanMan - February 9 - 7:33 pm

  Traded my full size Dodge cargo van for this "mini cargo". Build quality is FAR superior to the full size van. More durable paint, heavier sheet metal, better suspension, easier to get in and out of, better ride and handling, double the gas mileage, and hauls 1500 pounds of music equipment without as much squat on the suspension as the full size van. Only thing lost was the ability to haul a full sheet of plywood. It really needs electric locks and windows since the manual locks and windows are awkward to deal with side doors arent keyed and must be unlocked from the inside. Really bad blind spot when merging on interstate even with blindspot mirrors. Fuel savings make the payments!

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  Navy Jim - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Jim - February 2 - 9:39 pm

  Great van for the price. Its the third caravan Ive owned since 1995. Great bargain for a tight budget, lots of room, fun to drive, and has good insurance rates. Have gotten really good fuel mileage. Its easy to maintain, Good looking and drives like a dream. Ive really enjoyed it since I bought it.

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  SXT? - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By JSlezak - February 1 - 10:27 pm

  We purchased our Caravan late in the 03 model year (there were already 04s on the lot) and paid about $19000 brand new. Our van is labeled as an SXT even though it is actually an SE with some extras. An end of year model change-up? I am really happy with the van and over the past year it has held up well. Only one small problem, the drivers side power window has failed on two occasions. It seems to happen during cold weather and once the vehicle is warm it is fine again. We looked at Toyota and Honda but both were much more expensive and didnt offer the same features without purchasing big packages. For the price you cant beat Dodge. A very good family oriented vehicle.

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  Best in the Market - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Al - January 15 - 5:12 pm

  The most quiet, comfortable of the minivans, excellent brakes and power, and best of all, stow and go seating. it is the best

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  Mistake to buy Dodge - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Amanda - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  Traded 04 Accord EX in for 05 Caravan. Biggest mistake of my life. The Caravan has been in the service department five times for severe steering wheel shaking over 55 mph. They did balancing 2 times, alignment, and replaced one of the tires. Not covered under Lemon Law, because it is still road worthy according to Dodge. Once you go import, dont look back!

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  caravan se - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By irvinbf - January 4 - 1:58 am

  Best Van for the $ fun to drive and has lots of room. Good mpg even with my 2.4 even has lots of power for a 2.4

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  Fingers Crossed - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By DMG - January 3 - 11:36 pm

  We just puschase a Dodge Caravan STX so far had a small problem with the overhead storage area but dealer handled. Have had alot of road noise was back a dealer today they informed me this was not road noise but a rear wheel bearing. Part ordered today. Im six foot tall and cant seem to find a comfortable position but wife has only let me drive it 4 or 5 times. Wondering if we should have kept our 2000 Intrepid. I Think everything will workout? only time will tell.

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  Never again buying a Dodge product - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Myron Bennett - December 30 - 7:04 pm

  The Caravan was very nice for the first 18 months, or so, but after that,there has been non-stop transmission oil leaks. The trans oil lines have been replaced 3 times, and a shift solenoid have been replaced 2 times. The van had to go back to another dealer again yesterday, for still another leak, and this time I had, again, pay for new clamps to stop the leaks. What is said about bad transmissions on Chrysler vans is completely right. The van also for the past year has a sometimes jerk downshifting from 2nd to first. Also the resale value on these things are terrible.