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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  The Original Minivan - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By dthomas - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Used this C/V as work vehicle, drove hard in northern winters. Unit held up impressively well considering I was hauling maximum gross weight and pushed it to the service limits. Yes, the transmission failed at 98,000 but after o-haul no other significant problems aside from the routine maintenance of tires, brakes, shocks, sensors. V6 is an excellent engine. Had more problems with my 2000 than with this unit. Wouls consider another used van for winter and hard driving conditions.

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  Some Design Problems - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Dan O. - November 3 - 2:00 am

  The front strut bearings went at 95 000 miles to the tune of $1000. Now the spare tire assembly has corroded so badly it needs replacing at $300. I can smell oil in the heating air and yes the wipes do come on without requesting. Chrysler is not a fun company do deal with, good thing the product is so affordable.

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  Redesigned Lemon - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By pensionman - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Experience has been awful. After one year 1997, the engine was replaced. Later in 1997 the transmission was replaced. In 2001 the transmission was replaced again. The second transmission had only 60,000 miles on it. This vehicle has had numerous repairs including electrical problems. The slider door power lock just broke, breather elements etc... Total repairs since 1996 have exceeded $20,000. Every yeat the car costs approx 800-1000 in repairs.

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  Good mini van but........ - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Justflow - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I like so much this van, and I always use this van for travel around Texas, until I sold it, after suddenly this car losses power and stalls while Im driving, and the dealer said the problem cause the tranmission pump is broken because the weather of summer, and they cost me $2025. I have a warranty gold protection until 75000 mil the highest that Chrysler can give, but my car broken in 75500 mil, and the Chrysler doesnt want to responsible for it. I love this car but for living in Texas, its better say Good Bye for my van!!!

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  Okie Dokie no Smokie - 1991 Dodge Caravan
  By Chasjaz - October 15 - 2:00 am

  134K miles and its been pretty much bullet proof. 3.0 L engine leaks oil like crazy (doesnt burn it) but just keep it topped off. Wife loves to drive it. Decent gas mileage, plenty of power.

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  Well Designed, Poorly Made - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Paregoricforthemind - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Van has been a pleasure to drive. It is very roomy, well laid out and the right size for four young kids. I especially like the quad seating and second sliding door, but it is a pain to keep repaired. It infuriates me to take it into the dealer and have the desk guy knowing my problems (and the cost to fix them) before I even describe them. Electrical system is poor and I refuse to pay them to fix the damn wipers which switch on for a few wipes every hour or so. I keep it as a reminder of all the other problems so I remember to buy the Toyota Sienna next time.

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  Bad Tranny - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By Walnut Willie - October 10 - 2:00 am

  These Vans are "OK" but thats about all you can say for them. The tranny failed at 85000 and I understand this is common with all Caravans. 3.3 engine has used oil from the start too. Recently went shopping for a new van but Dodge has them priced too high considering the reliability. So we test drove a Honda Odyssey and fell in love with it. Bought it on the spot . We love this thing , it is a luxury van. Made in USA too and you cant say that about Dodge anymore. If your shopping for a minivan try an Odyssey.

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  The Truckster - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By kenzen - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is our first minivan and Ill never be without one in the family. It has the 3.0 V6 and not a problem in 2 years. The transmission shifts a little hard, but no problems with it. It has plenty of power and room although the roof rack could be a bit stronger. Without seats it holds a lot, but getting the seats in and out is no small task they weigh a ton.

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  Unreliable minivan - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Greg - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The minivan has great design interior and exterior, but very bad reliability. Every month we need to fix something, begining with minor electrical problems to major transmission problem.

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  Unreliable minivan - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By GREG - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The minivan has great design interior and exterior, but very bad reliability. Every month we need to fix something, begining with minor electrical problems to major transmission problem.