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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  I love my new van!!! - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By our3sons - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. I have had others in the past, but the comfort and space in this one, far surpasses any other out there. The kids love the fact that they have their own reading lamps for road trips, and its really alot of fun to drive. I felt I was too young to drive a mini-van, with the stigma that sometimes comes along with them. But this is a luxury car with room for a family.

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  Compitition Has Caught Up - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By moogle - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We had a 99 Grand Caravan and the extended wheelbase was so much nicer than our 2005 with a short wheelbase and quad seating. The suspension sags a lot when loaded down too. The price was real nice at 19,490 although we feel we could have done evev better elsewhere. For the price I feel that it is a good van.

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  Dont buy a Dodge Grand Caravan - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By scolby - July 14 - 2:00 am

  34000 mile the sway bar bushings had to be replaced. Took 4 trips to the dealer before they got it right. At 41000 miles the transmission went out. Lucky for me I bought an extended warranty. At 44000 miles the blinkers decided to quit working. Not fixed yet. I will never buy another Dodge for as long as I live. Cant believe that a transmission would die with only 41000 miles on it. I should have learned from the last one which went out at 78000 miles.

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  Best Minivan - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By uprice - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ver Powerful 4cyl engine. Best value for the money. Great Gas mileage. Over 34MPG

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  Great MiniVan - 1993 Dodge Caravan
  By GreytHounds - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most reliable and versatile vehicle we have ever owned.

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  Never should have left the plant - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Bubba in SF - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the worse vehicle I have ever owned.At 38000 mi.the valve cover gaskets went. At 78000, the front seals went. At 93000 m. the head gaskets, rear seals and water pump went. The tranny went at 97000. My vehicle before this was an 88 Jeep Cherokee that had over heating problems. I would never consider a Chrysler product ever again. We had to buy a Camry while we wait for a tranny so we can sell this lemon.

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  Owned for 4 years - awesome vehicle! - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By familyoffive - July 11 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Grand Caravan in June 2000 when our third child was born. I have not had one complaint since day one! The only thing I had to have adjusted was front brakes at one point, and that was due to all of the in town driving we do, not due to poor brakes. It is the most comfortable vehicle, and plenty of room for all. I love my Dodge Grand Caravan!!!

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  A lemon of all lemons - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By thedoctor - July 8 - 2:00 am

  now up to 85,000 miles used for a sales vehicle. Three Power Steering Pumps..#3 now needs replacing. Front end rack completely worn out and needs replacement. Dealer refused to replace PS pump even though it has been a problem since new. Front end problems surfaced after 30k...never fully diagnosed...has gotten worse as the mileage increases. Weird wind/noise problem on widshield at speeds around 60. Anyone over 6ft tall cannot sit on passenger front side with storage compartment under seat. Small changes in road surface causes loud knocking sounds in front end. Power door locks replaced twice.

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  Bad Luck - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By kraker - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Had grand caravan for 2 yrs now. I should have learned from last caravan. At dealership for transmission problems twice, front end constantly pulls to left, numerous times airbag light illuminates intermittent, while turning steering system makes surging sound and steering wheel vibrates (thats after recall fix), Due to alignment problem had to purchase new tires after one year. Dealership insists there is no problem with front end. In process of getting rid of and buying foreign, no more Chrysler products for me.

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  Dodge Caravan - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By Annaq - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had a Caravan 4 cyl. for 2 1/2 years. At this point major mechanical problems. Ranging from front end work, transmission, computer cluster in gear selector and the sending unit in the gas tank. Before the 2 1/2 year mark, had no problems before then.