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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  Do not Buy - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By dnacam - May 12 - 2:00 am

  day we brought it home the AC broke, took it back and they "fixed it" when passing an eighteen wheeler on the interstate it didnt switch gears and slowed down with the pedal all the way to the floor a pick up truck was approaching and almost rear ended me. When we took it in for this problem they said "oh, the computer was just off and had to be reset, Its common with these vans". Hope I dont have to pass anyone for the rest of my life while owning this van. Now to get rid of it I am upside down and I will NEVER buy another DODGE and I will pay 3 times as much for a toyota to keep from putting my family in another one of their vehicles.

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  POOR - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By DECOY - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Well I thiught that this would be a good buy it was for a friend of the family, but I have had nothing but problems

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  Just keeps on rolling - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By jrpurcel - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this van for the past two years and it just keeps on rolling. The transmission is as smooth as new and the engine cranks everytime. The air blows cold and it is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. I bought it with 113000 miles on it and at 140000 it is just ticking along. I said I was going to drive it until the wheels fell off. They may never do that.

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  DISAPOINTED - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By ROBERT BROWN - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Im not that happy with this van. i traded in my wifes windstar with 64000 miles on it with nothing but oil chages done. at two years old it rode better,drove better,and to be honest as much as i hate to admit the ford was a better van.

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  Never buying a Dodge again! - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By scrapretreat - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Puchased the vehicle with 65K mi with excellent maintanence records. At 85K mi while 500 mi from home the crank shaft snapped! Stranded in Rolla Mo. for a week we spent our $5,000 vacation fund on a new engine. Thinking our troubles were over we were surprised when at 92K mi the transmission fell out 70 miles from home. Needles to say we will NEVER purchase a Chrysler product again. Weve also repaired the windshield, driver power window twice, alternator twice, emission sensor valve and the front end will not stay in line. The windshield wipers are the noisiest Ive ever experienced.

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  Runs & runs - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Tugg53 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for 6 years with no problems for over 150,00km. I have it serviced regularly and I dont abuse it or drive it hard. I several times done 8.2 or better litres/100km app 26-27mpg US. It is a 5 passenger 4cylinder auto trans. I can cruise comfortably at 110km/hr. The only time there is any shortage of power is on mountain roads when I shift down she goes. Been a great vehicle so far.

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  the BEST - 2005 Dodge Caravan
  By po - May 1 - 2:00 am

  its the Best u can get

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By prizepig - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very good van. Our brakes are sqeaking, but no other problems. I like the smaller version over the grand.

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  dont buy this van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By spw - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Van has been nothing but trouble since we purchased it. Has been to Dodge service no fewer than 12 times. Steering wheel made popping sounds, check engine light came on for no reason 2X (once while at Disney World) had to have brakes replaced at 30K miles, etc., etc. I am scared to keep this vehicle for much longer but I am still "upside down" in it so will have to endure it. Will NEVER buy another Dodge. Will spend extra to get a reliable Toyota.

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  Unreliable - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By FamilyOf5 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very dissappointed with the build quality and reliability. At barely 60,000 miles it feels like a 100,000 mile vehicle.