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:
Showing 411 through 420 of 577.00-
A good value - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By Mr.Blue - August 25 - 2:00 am2003 SXT. Great value for the $$. My last one (1984 Voyager) went 184,000 trouble free miles.
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Walker Review - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By ACW03 - August 24 - 2:00 amOver All very good.
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Buyer beware - 1996 Dodge Caravan
By Robert Dennington - August 23 - 2:00 amThe car has been trouble from the beginning. Chryler couldnt fix the problems while it was under warranty and now since it is out of warranty the problems keep growing.
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GREAT TO DRIVE - 1999 Dodge Caravan
By DRIVE ME ALL OVER - August 23 - 2:00 amGREAT I PURCHASED THIS SPORT MINI NEW . MY FAMILY & I HAVE LOVE TO DRIVE THIS VAN FROM DAY ONE . WE HAVE BEEN TO ORLANDO FLORIDA IN IT 3 TIMES AND PLANNING TO GO AGAIN . FOR THE 4TH TIME NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT . WE ARE A FAMILY OF 6 WE ALSO HAVE A M BENZ BUT LOVE TO DRIVE OUR WHITE SPORT MINI VAN FULLY LOADED WE WILL BUY AND OTHER DODGE MINI SOMEDAY . THINKING OF SELL THE M- BENZ TO BUY AN OTHER DODGE MINI. BUT I WILL NEVER BUY FROM OASIS DODGE. OLDBRIGE NEW JERSEY THERE SALES DEPT IS VERY BAD . SALES PEOLPE ARE VERY RUDE.
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Dodge Sport Grand Caravan - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By RADM1 - August 21 - 2:00 amI am very happy with this vehicle. I have the large engine and it handles hills, mountains etc very well. The interior allows for very comfortable long and short trips. One minor problem is the difficulty in removing and returning chairs to their position in the van. The chairs & bench seat are very heavy and require two to remove them with out damage or injury. Other wise I just love this van and would buy another. Plaza Dodge in Holiday,Florida are the best. Tried to deal with AutoWay Doge first what a mess!
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the economy way to go ! - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By williams infante - August 17 - 2:00 amI was looking for an inexpensive minivan but also reliable and comfortable. When I test drove the Dodge Caravan, from that moment I knew that a better minivan for the price I will not find.
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FAMILY VAN - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By LAWRENCE - August 16 - 2:00 amThere are two 98 Caravan SEs in the family. Air conditioners have went out on both at around 98,000 miles. Cost is over $900. to have one fixed. Other than that, Caravans are reliable. 4 cyls re low speed on take-off whereas the 6 cyls are great. The iterior and exterior hold up vey well in wear. Van is grat on a long trip - with air conditioning.
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Love Affair with my Van - 2003 Dodge Caravan
By musha - August 13 - 2:00 amI just love my caravan...Love to drive it and everything else about it...I can not say enough good things about the Dodge Caravan....I will never go back to a car again...
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done with dodge - 1998 Dodge Caravan
By nlpa - August 7 - 2:00 amPurchesed this vehicle because the deal was good. It was OK for the first 40k miles. The exhaust did not leave a month after the warranty expired. The main computer was replaced for ~$1,000 at 40k miles. The head gusket got broken at 45k miles causing damage to cylinders. The trade-in value at 45k miles was a couple hundred $$. Ended up donating this junk to charity. will never think Dodge again
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Our "Golden" Caravan Sport - 2002 Dodge Caravan
By Nutmeg - August 5 - 2:00 amThis is our fifth Caravan, it fits our lifestyle. We show dogs and it is the perfect van, I cam fit two crates side by side in the rear (48in). it is easy for the dogs (Golden Retrievers) to get in and out, if it is bad weather the liftgate can be left up and the dogs are protected. It also is roomy and comfortable for us and we can really pack a lot in it. We also have a roof rack and have our kayaks on that.
