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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  Never Ever Again - 1999 Dodge Caravan
  By Blane - June 10 - 2:00 am

  80,000 miles and pray it makes it 20,000 more without gouging me to bad. Repairs include: relay switch, three sets of brake pads, one set of rotors, new tires at 22,000, head gasget, broken oil cap, broken trunk release, and new battery. Please put me out of the Dodge Misery. Marylanders, never go to Don Whites.

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  my blue lemon - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By mike &jess - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I leased this van because of its affordability. I have three children , all under the age of five. The van has been in the shop six times for the same problem, the emergency brake will not disengage, and causes the rear brakes to lock up. I need to use the emergency brake because my driveway is on a steep incline. I was only given a rental vehicle one time, they cant seem to fix the problem. Chrysler even came out with a procedure for this specific problem and it did not work!!! Im currently looking ino the lemon law. Anyone have a similar problem???

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  Dont buy - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Never Chysler - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Last car, Dodge Colt. Had it for 10 years. Thought the Caravan would be the same. Mistake! Came with defective window seals dumping water on the passenger side floor when it rained 1st 1000 miles-oil leak and shift indicator broke stranding me 100s of miles from home. Belts dont last. Ive lost track of the number of times Ive replaced them. One broke without warning. Ive had oil leaks, antifreeze leaks, squishy brakes and occasional stalls. At 85,000 miles the windshield wipers turn on intermittently, the belts are squeaking, the brakes need to be replaced again, the horn is broken, and the airbag has been recalled. Im not bothering to repair it

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  Poor - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By thekimreys - June 6 - 2:00 am

  We are very dissapointed with our minivan. It is only a year old and we have already had it in the shop for three major repairs!!!!

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  Caravan Sxt a great package at low price - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Stephen Semenza - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my first minivan a Dodge Caravan SXT. The Sxt has 16in aluminum wheels,Upgraded Seating ans=d the 6cylinder enigine. The Caravan has plenty of room handles great and the Kids Love it. A great value as compared to some of the competitors

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  95 Dodge caravan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Bill Adams - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Great van... very reliable, good fuel economy... 3.0 engine has been great. Trans. had a few problems early on however was taken care of by dealership. Van has only been back once to the dealer.. Changed oil every 3,000 and does not burn oil between changes. Exterior is in like new condition.. the champagne color is OK.. not particularly my first choice however in view of whats available.. its fine. Liked it enough to buy another. have owned 3 so far.

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  Could be better re:tranny/materials - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By Space1999! - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Our Caravan has been very reliable outside of that much-too-common transmission failure. Fortunately ours only required new seals and internal parts and we "convinced" Chrysler to pick up 1/2 the $2000 cost. It is a real shame that Chrysler didnt resolve this problem MUCH earlier as it seems to be a problem right up to 2001 models. It must be noted that many other companies have tranny problems in their mini-vans including Honda, Ford and that Toyota has severe engine sludging and failure issues. Fortunately our paint, air conditioning and most features have been very good and had minimal problems.

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  good car - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By no1chubs - May 27 - 2:00 am

  it is a great car at affordable price

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  Mistake! - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By VTmom - May 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 96 Caravan new. It was a great van UNTIL it hit 50,000 miles and the warranty expired. Then everything that can go wrong with a vehicle has gone wrong. I am afraid to drive it because it is so unreliable. After having it die on my 3 times (once when I was over 8 months pregnant), I refuse to drive this thing. Daimler chrysler could not care less. The warranty has expired so we are on our own. We have now put so much money into the van we cant afford to get rid of it. We cant stop kicking ourselves for keeping it though. We will NEVER own another Dodge vehicle.

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  Alright - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By AJFedde - April 27 - 2:00 am

  There is no easy way to lock the back/trunk door. So if you are getting something out of the back, you have to close that door and either pull your keys out to lock it or go to one of the side doors and hit the lock button. My Explorer had a button to use to lock before closing in next to the cargo area.I wished it came standard with remote entry/locking. I looked for one. (I had ordered mine in). The same goes for finding one with a CD player. Drive it is pretty smooth. I have the V6. I wish these vans had tow hitches to at least be able to pull a uhaul or jetski. I would like to see more standard features.