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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  after 10 years - 1993 Dodge Caravan
  By anonymous - July 22 - 2:00 am

  1 owner, leaking oil, new shocks, new transmission, new front brake rotors and calipers, new windshield, been stolen once, failed aircare twice this year after 10 years of abuse. the air conditioner doesnt without making a loud screeching noise. engine makes a ticking noice when idling. automatic transmission shifter feels uneasy.

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  GET THE 4 CYLINDER!!! - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By LP - July 20 - 2:00 am

  this is a very reliable van with cold a/c and even though its not very quick, it is very reliable. 150,000 miles and the 2.5 liter 4 cyl. engine runs like a top. Ive heard the 6 cyl. is plagued with problems!

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  Great Family Van - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By mto - July 18 - 2:00 am

  2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 42,000 miles Purchased from a CarMax dealership in Spring of 2002. No major problems, Just oil changes and brake pads since purchased. Rate of depreciation seems high. I owe more than its worth, but then Im not planning on selling it...

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  Done with Dodge/Chrysler - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By done with dodge - July 17 - 2:00 am

  At around 22K the trouble started. Front brakes went out, front disk rotor?s were pitted (I believe because of poor quality from supplier),at around 39K, BRAKES WENT BAD AGAIN! Same issue bad disk brakes had to replace new rotors and brakes again. We also had problems with valve cover gaskets, which caused a major oil leak. TIGHTING UP bolts on covers DOES NOTHING! As they end up loosing up every 10 to 12 thousand miles or so. Transmission just went out yesterday at 58K miles. As luck would have it, at the start of a vacation trip, THANK?S DODGE!!!!!!!!!! Good bye Dodge, hello Honda or Toyota.

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  2000 G.C. SE - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By FLORESJOE - July 16 - 2:00 am

  IM BEEN PLEASED FOR 2-1/2 YAERS, WITH THIS VAN.TRANSMISSSION HOSE AND THE BATTERY,THE ONLY THING THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT.STILL HAVE ORIGINAL TIRES (G.Y.REGATTA 2) GREAT TIRES

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  Disappointed - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Disappointed in SD - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Within 2 years things just started to go wrong: wind noise in the drivers side, which after many attempts it is still not fixed. The wipers go on without anyone touching anything (like there is a ghost). Same thing with the cruise control. The latest is a gas leakeage in the a/c system that will cost $1,200 to fix. Its been one problem after the other. I will never again purchase a Dodge product. To add insult to injury even though I had tried to get the wind noise repaired at the dealer many times during the warranty period and they were not able to fix it, once the warranty expired Dodge pretty much said it was out of their hands!

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  Dodge Caravan - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Brandon Defenbuagh - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Van less than a year. Has been in the shop 3 times. Fuel injector, Spark plug and wire, and transmission pump have been replaced. Overall I would say not to buy one. Go with a honda or Toyota.

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  I am done with Chrysler - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By expressrun - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The worst thing about fixing problems with this car is that they dont stay fixed. Replace a sensor and 30,000 miles later is goes bad again. Fix a leak and there will be spots in the driveway again in a short time. Are they putting the same garbage parts to repair it that it came with? Or is the dealer service bad? The biggest mistake you can make is to buy a used Chrysler minivan. It will be a head ache that will not go away. The only reason to buy a new one is the price. You can get a well equipped one for around $20,000. A Toyota or Honda will start at $25,000 and go up from there. BITE THE BULLET and spend the extra money .

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  Just give up on staying cool and its ok. - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By looseacl - June 19 - 2:00 am

  this was the second mini-van of three owned. Why do I do this to myself???? OK, the car is VERY functional--roomy, not bad handling (next vehicle is AWD), always got us where we were going. BUT! beware of A/C problems!!! I have put over $600 into AC repairs every single year! 3 major parts, each costs $600 and they go out in rotation. Taken it to dealers, AC shops, specialists ... same story every year ... and--the next version... the 2001 AWD, just blew its first compressor. stop the insanity

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  Best value for $15,000 - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By mikey - June 19 - 2:00 am

  We have put almost 50,000 miles on this vehicle with no problems besides regular oil changes and maintanence and the change of the front brake pads and 4 tires. The minivan is comfortable and drives fine. We have the no frills model, with only essential options like ac and tape deck.