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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  Decent - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By chatty70 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Since this was my first American make,I was sceptical. It turned out great. I have the 2.4L engine that pumps out 150 HP. Thats the same as the 3.0L engine. I travel from East to West and vice- versa on I-70 without any problems. Cant understand why u ppl need gas guzzlers!!

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  Great Car - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Netman - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have owned. 80,000 miles and have not replaced anything except tires and brakes. Great car.

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  dont get this - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By nikkihamby - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have just a regular caravan. Last year at 50,000 miles it started leaking oil, ended up 1500.00 later and after taking it back and forth with the dealer over 5 times it has started to leak oil again. On top of that had to replace cam shaft pulley pin when the engine made a horrible noise--that is broke again as well. I am a woman who doesnt drive cars to death but this car has been a nightmare. The dealer was even worse to deal with. I am fixing to trade it in and take a loss. Dont ever get this if you can possibly!!!

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  First Impressions - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By dennisrd - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had van only 10 days but I am very impressed!Ive recently owned a used Lexus LS and a new 93 Town and Country van and Chrysler finally got it right! Fit and finish almost as good as the Lexus and this thing is quiet.Interior is well designed. Handles like a small car,outstanding brakes and reasonable pickup.This thing was 8 grand less than my 93 van and twice the car.Now the question is how well it holds up but it looks really good at this point.

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  Very Pleased - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By dhiggin02 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used. We had one minor problem with the rear wiper but it was fixed under warranty. Otherwise all is good. Like the built in child seats in the middle bench seat. Very useful when small children are riding in your van. like the overhead console, dual zone climate controls.

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  best vehicle ever - 1993 Dodge Caravan
  By Ahhhhhh - December 3 - 2:00 am

  this is a great van

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  Shiney Lemons - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Lindsay Hoffman - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van because we needed reliable transportation to take our kids to the doctor. Its been in the shop at least 6 times for warranty repairs (ac leaking, ac fan broke, rotors needed turning, catalytic converter, muffler, lower control arms, Im sure Im forgetting something). Some of the stuff is finally fixed after several returns and some of it is not fixed yet after several returns. Weve never been given a rental even though theyve had it over night, so I am forced to bum a ride from a friend or sit in the dealership for hours with two children.

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  MAYBE ITS A BAD APPLE... - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Bieque110 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  4 months after purchase the brake pads were all worn out. Replaced the same with OEM parts from Dodge and they are about to go out again. 6 months. Squeaking sound coming out of the two front wheels. Took it to a Dodge dealership for repairs and. ("That is a normal thing") The squeaking sound that is. 6 months. The Serpentine Belt and the Belt Tensioner snapped in the middle of the highway. 7 months. One of the Wheel Covers (OEM) flew God knows where. In order to purchase that one Wheel Cover I have to pay $94.50 for it. Ridiculous! 11 months. The starter is saying goodbye. You can easily lose a good $3,000 a year in value on this vehicle.

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  clarkfrtzmachine - 2003 Dodge Caravan
  By clarkfrtz - November 12 - 2:00 am

  overall vehicle is reliable, and very dependable, is very child friendly and has good set up inside for children to ride in the back or for adults toenter the rear seat.

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  What a lemon! - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By AlohaDave - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought the 95 Caravan, I researched it via Consumer Reports and found that the Caravans were improving into the mid-90s. That being the case and the Caravans being significantly cheaper than comperable Japanese vans, I bought it. This was the first American-built vehicle I had purchased in many years. From the moment I took it home, it began to rattle, tho mechanically, it worked pretty good for about 4 years. Then I had problems with the breaks, the AC, and the transmission went out at 45K miles. Based on this experience, I wont buy another Chrysler vehicle (nor an American one) for a long time, maybe never.