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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  3rd Chrysler Minivan in 3 years - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Steve - December 23 - 11:20 pm

  I am addicted to these vans. You just cant beat the value of these things. They are $10,000 less than Toyota and Honda. I cant see spending all that additional money for the cache of driving a Honda or Toyota.

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  GREAT BUY - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By JIMMY - December 20 - 12:06 am

  THE DODGE IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY,WE JUST GOT RID OF OUR 2002 HONDA ODDY,AND NEVER AGAIN WILL WE BUY HONDA.THIS VAN IS THE BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY.

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  1995 Dodge Caravan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Dodge - December 19 - 4:38 pm

  I bought the Caravan used & I am very impressed with the look the ride the comfort on long trips. I have moved twice since I purchased the van. It has been a pleasant purchase. I keep telling my friends that if they want a vehicle that wont nickel and dime them to death, get hold of a Dodge Caravan and dont worry about it. I also tell them a little TLC and it will be a member of the family forever!

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  Average price, average van - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By EC - December 15 - 10:02 pm

  This is our second Dodge minivan and is a great improvement over the 91 model we owned. At 56,000 miles have had no major problems. Brake pads and front rotors seem to wear quickly, and belt tensioner failed at 50,000. Transmission makes buzzing noise when shifting, but have heard this on other Chrysler vehicles. Just hope the tranny stays together! Great for long trips and plenty of room...fairly quiet, too. 3.0 Mitsu engine has been reliable, but could use more power on long hills at highway speed. So far for the money, this has been a good vehicle.

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  Bought for temporary/ kept love it - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Jackie lee - December 4 - 5:04 pm

  Bought 6 yes ago with 105000. Miles now has 230800. Very dependable regular maintenance ..replaced air co dition compressor for $700 2 yrs ago. Luv this van taught gkids to drive in it..like style cant find anything I like better even like old body style. Go to mountains every yr in it..4cyl no problem climbing those mountains in north Carolina.. Would recommend to anyone

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  Lemon with no value - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By huskerlew - November 28 - 11:32 pm

  At 65,000 miles, head gasket blew. Trade in value is very minimal. Reliability and resale are two most important items and this lemon fails in both categories. One would have to ask themselves why they would even consider a 2005 model. When I purchased, my expectations were to exceed 100K without a major repair. Looks like I was led astray.

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  so-so - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By ssb - November 1 - 2:00 am

  transmissions (2) a/C (2) axel (1) other moderate repairs also needs new gaskets and seals 138,000

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  Dodge Has Abandoned Quality - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By MyMinivanSucks - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The Dodge Caravan is the worst built van I have owned. The doors dont work as advertised, the clock spring (controls the Air Bags) is broken, and the air conditioned is leaking. And, to top it off, the are calling everything "wearable parts" in order to keep from covering it under warrantee!!!! Avoid Chrystler and their products like the plague until they get their products from falling apart after leaving the lot!

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  high maintenance - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By Blowngasket - October 24 - 2:00 am

  While it is a practical vehicle, there are some design flaws that have proven costly. Ive had multiple blown head gaskets (costly repair) that apparently are the result of incompatible metals used in the pistons and the cylinders. There were numerous other repairs, but the heag gasket is the back breaker. I would not recommend this vehicle or any Dodge van from the 1990s.

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  Drivers door panel - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Maryland Jack - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Traded1991 Dodge Caravan for 2005. Everything great but they changed the door panel trim on the drivers side so that the panel holding the window buttons protrudes about 2-3" into where your leg should be resting.This panel has a rather sharp angle to it. Drive about 2 to 5 miles and you will find that your leg gets sore. Very poor design as there was no reason to change. Friends tried pillows, pads etc. Nothing seems to hold or work.