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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  Best vehicle Ive Owned - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By etta - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable comfortable on long distance trips w/great mileage superb family taxi, too.

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  look elsewhere - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By 1cjkn - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I use this vehicle as service rep.and carry lot of tools. Seats are uncomfortable after 15 minutes, at highway speeds it wanders, hard to keep in lane.poor air-conditioner, poor heat.No storage space, to keep things from floating around. Sun visors are the poorest ever in a car.Brakes worn out at 25000 miles, engine spark knocks, wheels were warped on first rotation

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  I plan to quit this trade name! - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By King, P - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I have spent too much money on this van, I now need to pay $2400 for a new transmission that I have complained about for a year!

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  Terrible car - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By memememememememe - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Terrible car. 3 transmissions, 17 serpetine belts, air compressor, water pump, alternator........you name it, it has broke numerous times. Granted this car is a work vehicle and has 116,000 and bought it brand new.

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  STAY AWAY - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By dodge NO MORE - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my third minivan, I can only say that Im the jack--- that continued to buy these vans. the first van: replaced tranny, two air conditioners, two evaportor cores, and finally a blown rod=$25.00 from junk yard to haul away (at 114,000 miles) The 2nd one a 93, air compressor and tranny b 4 55000 miles (sold it) The 3rd, well alot worse than the first!!!

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  Good All Around Vehical - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Vanagon - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have put 40,000 on the van. I bought the caravan rather tha the grand caravan because I wanted the better milage and less weight for power. It certainly isnt sexy but is handy as hell. From plywood and bricks to kids and trips it is an excellent vehical for a family and home owner.

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  Best regular lenght minivan - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By Ozzie - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I needed a short wheelbase minivan that would have excellent both excellent ride and handling. Test drove the Mazda MPV,but it rode like our Escape mini SUV, noisy and uncomfortable. After test driving the Caravan, it surprised me with its ride , handling, low noise and agility for its size. being the widest minivan helps too, in being able to fit so items that otherwise would not fit in other minivans in its class. The biggest surprise is that it is more economical than our V6 4WD Escape. Checked the Edmunds longterm grand caravan before deciding to buy this van, thanks Edmunds for your longterm test.

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  never another dodge - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By jools - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van new. It has 60k miles now. It has had persistant electrical problems, brake problems, stalling problems, air conditioning problems, and now two valves are cracked (I dont know what these are but they cost 255.00 each to replace. And the water pump is cracked and needs replaced (so Im told) Its trade in value stinks too.

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  Great Car - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By MCSE - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 96 Dodge Caravan for going on 8 years and have had no problems with with that required it to be in the shop. Changed tires, brakes, and did normal maintenance and it has been the most reliable vehicle Ive owned.

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  Great All Around Useful Vehical - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By EllementDave - January 19 - 2:00 am

  The van has been great for all around use. From hauling bricks and lumber for home projects to carrying kids for the little league team. Mini-Vans get no respect, but for all around use this Van would be hard to beat. 26k on road during family trips with loads of room. The caravan handles better than the bigger grand caravan and unless you need the added room it seems to perform better all around. The 6 gives it enough power.