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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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Dodge Caravan
  By FMTracker - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used from neglectful owners with 60k miles. Replaced oil in engine and tranny and since have added another 131k miles without a problem. Always a good habit to replace fluids at recommended intervals. Fun to drive, comfortable and cruises like a dream. Large cargo space and plenty of power. No engine or tranny problems in spite of abuse by original owner. A

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  Buying New Vs. Buying Used - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By carwoman - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I went looking at used vans.A Chevy Ven 99, Olds Silo 02 but with 30k and a Nissan Quest 01 with 24k.Prices were 12k,17k,18k We went to a Dodge dealership and found the ec (extra cheap) marker 18k ad for 16k and bought for 15.5k. We were worried about the engine but with a 4cyl 4 it should be fine. We had a dodge before the only problem was the trans went at 96k but with the warranty we are safe at least to 70k and it was a sensible choice. I had read they are discontinuing this model so it might be a good bet if you can catch one a dealership that they need to move. Call around and

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  Good van so far - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By weldon - September 6 - 2:00 am

  At 60000 miles I cant complain too much.The 3.0 L engine gets 28-30 mpg highway & the 2 sliding doors are great if you have kids.You can also remove or switch around the two back seats.Some things not so great are : Plastic parts inside that have broken, & the wipers that make a swipe on their own. ( dealership said it is the wiper switch ).The headlights are not the brightest either.Still a good buy for the money I think.

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  Good vehicle so far... - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Mitchell lee - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Rides real nice and smooth and very quiet. Plenty of models and colors to choose from and many price catagories for every budget. Our caravan sport has all the basic features(power doors,windows,cd player etc., and removable 2nd and 3rd level seats. Nice interior size with very comfortable cloth seats. Front bucket seats are very well contured. Somewhat cheap plastic interior with no console between front seats(cargo net provided). You do get adjustable cup holders and the back seat has hooks for groceries. Very practical! Rear climate control apparently only available in grand caravan and T&C models. A major disappointment!

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  Why Cant They Build It RIGHT????? - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By LionelMan - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Well, Ive owned three of these: 86, 92, and 98 and now Im done with Chrysler. The AC systems are junk, the electronics are flaky, and they make more wind noise than a pickup truck! The 3.0L is underpowered and isnt safe to drive in heavy traffic. Im buying a Honda Odessey next.

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  Solid vehicle for the $$$$ - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By mitchell lee - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We just bought this caravan sport and we are very happpy with it. A solid well rounded van with a very quiet comfortable ride. The 3.3 6cyl is exceptable but we wish we had paid a little more for the grand caravan which comes with the 3.8 liter engine and 30 more horsepower. The worst feature is the lack of dual climate control.

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  No Way! - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Pitts - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the caravan new in 1996 and we will NEVER buy another Dodge again. From the start we had problems with the transmission (twice rebuilt), constant brake problems, AC (twice), radiator problems and so many other smaller brake downs - I cant name them all. We even had an extended warranty, but after so many times in the shop, its our time lost and loss of confidence in this vehicle that was suppose to be dependable that we will choose to never buy Dodge again.

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  TIME FOR A CHANGE - 1993 Dodge Caravan
  By NEWVANTIME - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Now at 108K miles. New transmission at 70K ($2500) The trans was never right on this car, but dealer ignored complaints and kept "resetting the computer" til it blew out after warranty. major engine work needed by 75K. A clunky car since day one. Recall notices in the mail about every month-I stopped paying attention a few years ago. Off to the Honda dealer soon for a 2003 Odyssey...

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  Not that bad - 2000 Dodge Caravan
  By Roadblock - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall ride and comfort is ok. Battery went after a year, starter a year later. 3.0 l engine gets about the same mpg as 5.9 l in my Ram 1500. For the price, compared to other minis, not a bad deal.

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  Caravan redefines poor quality - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Krysler Krap - August 5 - 2:00 am

  What a piece of junk. The body work is simply awful. The sheet metal is too thin. The hinge that holds the front door broke free from the body of the vehicle. The Air Conditioner keeps breaking.