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 Caravan - 2004 Dodge Caravan
  By kak2961 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one single problem with my van. It handles well, accelerates well, in the city and on the highway. The interior is comfortable, the climate controls easy and responsive.

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  Great Van - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By rdot2112 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van new in Jan. 1998 and it has been fantastic. Looks good, drives great! Other then gas and routine maintenance, Ive never had to put a dime in to it.

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  Electrical! - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By cjc - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Multiple problems with electrical systems, which adds up to a large amount of money. Constantly had transmission problems. I would not recommend this vehicle. They do not hold their value at all, and with my experience with Dodge products, they are not reliable. I will never buy another Dodge or Chrysler product. In my case, three times is not a charm.

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  CARAVAN RATING - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By MICHELE STASKEL - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I OWN THE CARAVAN FOR ABOUT 2 AND 1/2 MONTHS. SO FAR SO GOOD. WE ORIGINALLY WERE TO PURCHASE AN SUV, BUT REALIZED IT WOULD NOT FIT OUR NEEDS HAVING TWO KIDS AND TAKING FRIENDS WOULD NOT BE AS EASY. WE FEEL IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND THE EXTRA SPACE OVER A CAR IS GREAT. VERY HAPPY WITH OUR PURCHASE.

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  300K and still going ... - 1991 Dodge Caravan
  By Min - September 13 - 2:00 am

  i bought mine new in 1991 ... 3.0 V6. many problems (replaced tranny twice, engine gasket, radiator twice, a/c never seemed to work). however it is nearing 300K but is still going. great shape although paint is in bad shape.

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  base model c van - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By bkj - September 6 - 2:00 am

  basic caravan very good no problems

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  Not as good as 2001 Model - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By JOE Q - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a new 2003 and traded in a 2001. Both were SE vans. The 2003 seems to be of lower quality and some of the nice features of the 2001 were removed/no availible in the 2003 model. For instance, 2001 van had external key locks on the back sliders whereas 2003 does not. 2001 SE had a locking drawer under the passenger side seat, 2003 does not. Seats in the 2003 van do not seem as well made and the 2003 van seems more noisy than the 2001. Seems dodge chose to cut corners on the 2003 model to keep the price low. I cant help but wonder what other corners were cut in the building of this van.

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  Love this Van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By CMCNamara - September 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th dodge caravan. They just keep getting better. This van is an excellent family van. Plenty of room. Very accomodating when buying something large. No problem getting it home.

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  Great Van For The Price - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By tiger - August 28 - 2:00 am

  We have had our caravan for 5 months and so far it is great. It rides and drives great and the fuel economy has been good. (19-26mpg)

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  I dont see what the problem is.. - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By MDozer - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car seems to get such a range of emotions from their owners. Me for one have only had 1 problem since this van was bought, and the previous owner said they had not problems at all except replacing the tranny at like 90k. About 2 months ago the Air conditioning went out completely, I will admit that we have had a few small issues with the a/c. Other than that the car is great everything is placed well on the inside, the dash is easy to read, and contrary to other reviews NOTHING falls off, yeah theres a lot of plastic but its all attached very strong. Overall the performance is average, the 3.0V6 is a little slow