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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  Exellent Family Van - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Happy Customer - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Superb comfort,responsive engine,luxurious ride.Last but not least Exellent value with current rebates.

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  Best Driving of the Vans - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By lanshahan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  After reading all the hype about the Honda and getting a chance to drive a 01 and 02 Honda I cant see what the hype is about. Yes the magic seat is a neat feature and the upgraded motor and tranny are class leading but the Dodge offers a better balanced suspension, steering with more feel, a quieter interior (the Honda is noisy), better seats, built in child seats (just as much as a plus as Hondas magic seat), surprisingly tight build quality, smooth motor and tranny, all for thousands less in real world money.

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  Caravan A Lemon? - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Cartman - April 10 - 2:00 am

  AC went out $700 to fix. Steering wheel electronics went out $400 to fix Blown headgasket $700 to fix. Im selling this van soon.

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  Reliable except for transmission!!!! - 1995 Dodge Caravan
  By joeye - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I am not exactly sure what model I have. Its a unique combination of the 3.O, 6 cylinder engine with the very terrible, 3 speed auto transmission. Other than the 4 tansmission rebuilds including one replacement factory reman., the van has been extremely reliable. The engine has been wonderful, I get 23 mpg average, and other than the $4,000 I have spent on the tranny, and an occasional problem with the throttle control sensor, I love this vehicle. I have 143,000 miles on it, use it for camping with seats removed, and would continue to drive it indefinately if I was sure that the last rebuild would last beyond the 6,000 mile warranty!

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  "Good Van" - 1992 Dodge Caravan
  By jacturn - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Although I am the third owner of this van, I am truly satisfied with the performance etc that I have received over the 3 years I have had it. Prior to my being the owner, my mother drove this van for seven years without any major problems.

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  Very solid vault - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By Kestrel - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Have owned other Caravans and the 2001 model is a nice leap up in quiet solidity. Ive towed a small pop up to Florida with great results. No real problems besides the pop-up throwing off the cruise control (it couldnt compensate for some reason). With 14000 on the odometer, I am still very happy. I got the cheapie Grand SE. You get all the room, the 3.3, but miss out on the power sliders and tailgate. I paid 20 even so I was willing to make the trade off. Would have liked to option to the 3.8 but of course that is only available on EX and ES.

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  Dependable - 1997 Dodge Caravan
  By Dan O. - March 29 - 2:00 am

  After 150 000 km (90 000 miles) this has been a great vehicle with minimal and only routine maintenance. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone for the money.

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  A Big Improvement - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By Ozero - March 17 - 10:46 pm

  Just traded a Ford Windstar for this Caravan. What a big improvement!Quieter smoother engine & transmission. Better mileage. Handles like a car with a feel of quality. Overall quietness and comfort are big pluses to my wife and I. This short wheelbase Sport model is so easy to get around in city congestion.

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  smooth ride - 2002 Dodge Caravan
  By goatmeal - March 17 - 5:52 pm

  A very good riding van. Easy to drive and a very good sound system for the base model.

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  Total reliability - 2001 Dodge Caravan
  By bettyg - March 17 - 1:04 am

  We are retirees and wanted the room that is offered in the front of the minivan. We had a T & C LX which we traded in on this caravan sport. We did not want he extra length. We tumble the rear seats and have plenty of storage. Just last weekend we had luggage for 4 and after arriving at our destination and unloading luggage, we flipped the seats up and took two more people with us. That was the first time I had ridden in the rear seat. I was surprised at how comfortble it was! The person sitting beside me was equally impressed. This van is very versatile. We have had NO PROBLEMS with it. It has 10,200 miles and only oil and filter changed Not even one minor problem!