Overview & Reviews

The Dodge Grand Caravan traces its roots back to 1984, when Chrysler introduced American families to a new, extremely space-efficient vehicle: the minivan. The larger, "Grand" version of the Caravan debuted a few years later. It was a huge hit that has remained a strong seller through the years, even as newer rivals outdid it in various ways. Despite innovations like driver-side sliding doors and Stow 'n Go seats, a poor reputation for reliability, a lack of refinement and disappointing execution made it difficult to recommend.

In recent years, however, the Dodge Grand Caravan has been improved significantly. With a strong engine and improved cabin quality highlighting this renaissance, the Grand Caravan is the most competitive that it's been in years. While Toyota and Honda still offer more well-rounded minivans, this Dodge provides several attributes that could make it a good pick for consumers.

Current Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Caravan minivan can seat up to seven passengers and is offered in four trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT and R/T. All of them are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces a very strong 283 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite the horsepower advantage, the Dodge Grand Caravan is still a half-second slower to 60 mph than the top-ranked Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

The AVP represents the entry-level model and feature highlights include full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and an auxiliary audio jack. However, it's the only trim that features a two-person second-row bench seat -- a minivan rarity nowadays -- in place of the upper trims' excellent Stow 'n Go seats that fold into the floor with one tug of a lever.

As you move up through the trim levels, you'll find more standard features like rear air-conditioning, a power-operated liftgate, power sliding doors, leather upholstery, a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system. Electronic features are plentiful as well, including a navigation system, Bluetooth and a rear seat entertainment system that includes rare features like a Blu-Ray player, an HDMI port and two screens. Like other loaded minivans these days, a fully equipped Grand Caravan can seem like a full-fledged luxury car in terms of features.

As far as passenger comfort, the Grand Caravan comes up a bit short relative to its rivals. Taller drivers may run out of legroom, the second-row Stow 'n Go passenger seats are a little less comfortable than the fixed captain's chairs of other vans and the third row's seat cushion is tilted down in an effort to increase rear legroom. There also isn't an option for an eighth passenger. On the plus side, though, those Stow 'n' Go seats are a cinch to transform the Grand Caravan from people carrier to cargo hauler. The second-row seats of most other vans must be physically removed or you end up with less maximum cargo capacity. In this way, at least, the Grand Caravan is hard to beat.

Used Dodge Grand Caravan Models
The current van represents the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan that debuted for 2008. However, it was substantially upgraded for 2011. Originally, there were two main trim levels available (SE and SXT) and three V6 engine choices. A 3.3-liter produced 175 hp, a midrange 3.8-liter made 197 hp and a 4.0-liter unit topped out at 251 hp. None were particularly appealing. The Grand Caravan from 2008-'10 was very disappointing for other reasons as well. The cabin featured subpar materials, uninspired design and haphazard construction. Handling was worse, especially in the first model year, and the ride was generally unsophisticated. Even the styling was less appealing.

Though we don't recommend the Grand Caravan from 2008-'10, potential buyers should nevertheless note that it featured different second-row seating configurations. The second-row bench was standard on the SE for '08, but it gave way to standard Stow 'n Go the following year. There was, however, an optional Swivel 'n Go system that included more comfortable second-row captain's chairs that rotated 180 degrees to face the third row. A removable table essentially created a tiny living room on wheels.

Since it was overhauled and much improved for 2011, changes to the Grand Caravan since have been minimal and mostly limited to trim level and equipment shuffling. Still, 2013 brought easier operation of the Stow 'n Go second-row seating system, as well as the Blu-Ray and HDMI port features for the DVD entertainment system.

Prior to all of this were four older generations of the Dodge Grand Caravan. The first spans 1987-'90; the second, 1991-'95; the third, 1996-2000; and the fourth, 2001-'07.

The fourth-generation Grand Caravan's engine lineup included a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6 and a more powerful 215-hp 3.8-liter V6. The top-of-the-line trim level offered Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating, dual power-sliding doors, a separate rear heating and air-conditioning system, a power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and powered accessories. As you consider trim levels, keep in mind that the naming system for the van's trims changed a few times during this generation.

A variety of stand-alone options were available, including automatic climate control, leather trim, an Infinity sound system, rear DVD entertainment and a navigation system. Early fourth-gen Grand Caravans were available with all-wheel drive, but AWD capability was discontinued in 2005 to make room for the versatile, under-floor Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating system in premium models.

In reviews, we noted that alongside top import-brand competitors, the fourth-gen Dodge Grand Caravan came up lacking. Its engines weren't as powerful or refined, its ride wasn't as smooth or quiet and its handling wasn't as tidy or sure-footed. Inside, the van's controls and displays were dated, and features like stability control, built-in sunshades or a back-up camera simply weren't available. Still, for used-car shoppers who demand maximum flexibility from their minivans, Stow 'n Go might be reason enough to consider a Grand Caravan from this era.

The third-generation Grand Caravan featured a then-rare driver-side sliding door and unique "Easy Out" rollers on the center and rear seats to aid removal. Dodge offered several Grand Caravan trim levels to suit different budgets and desires, and dual front airbags and antilock brakes were standard. For power, the van had a 3.0-liter 150-hp V6 as standard, with a 180-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine available -- the larger V6 now coupled with a more efficient and recommended four-speed automatic transmission. After a one-year hiatus, all-wheel-drive availability returned to the lineup in 1997 on certain models, and in 1999, top-level Grand Caravans received a more driver-oriented Autostick transmission, 17-inch wheels and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Introduced in 1987 as a long-wheelbase complement to the original Caravan, the Dodge Grand Caravan received its first major overhaul in 1991. The second generation (which ran through 1995) included a restyled exterior, freshened interior and the addition of optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. Its dimensions were unchanged, but the corners were rounded off on its breadbox-like silhouette and more glass was added. Safety was enhanced with the availability of antilock brakes and a driver-side airbag in 1991 and integrated child safety seats in 1992. The Grand Caravan's four earliest generations have all exhibited reliability problems, but the first and second generations were especially troublesome, due to issues related to the automatic transmission. For this reason, we'd advise used-car buyers to steer clear of these oldest Dodge minivans.

User Reviews:

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  Worst Car Ever - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By No more Dodges - October 27 - 9:13 pm

  We bought this because Dodge was supposed to be the leader in mini- vans, but what a costly embarrassment this thing is. We replaced a transmission at 73,000 , the radio at 19,000 , one window motor and after that was fixed the other one went out. The worst part is that I could have bought a Ford with 0.0 percent and I made the mistake of buying this piece of Chrysler junk. If you buy a U.S. car stick with a Ford!

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  Worst Van ever - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kialover15 - August 18 - 7:10 pm

  Back in July of 2006, we bought a Dodge Grand Caravan, dumb move, it was terrible, we hated it! The ride was rough, seats were uncomfortable, visibility was awful, and we only got an average of about 13 mpg! Not good enough with these soaring gas prices. So after 13 months, we traded it in for a Kia Rondo, much much better.

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  What a Lemon! On to Toyota! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Andrew561 - August 6 - 5:16 am

  We bought this second hand 1997 Grand Caravan LE AWD with 30k klms on it. Now it has 84,000 km on it and its literally falling apart. Rusting, brakes, transmission, phantom wipers, electrical, underbody rust etc....its simply pathetic the problems this relatively new car has. Already this year, weve dropped approx $3,000 into it, figuring its the cost, but a pattern was starting to develop where this thing was simply not reliable. Then the van starting mysteriously not starting or just going "click" and turning of!Then, the gears starting malfunctioning, put the van in Reverse and it goes forward! Drove it to Toyota the other day and traded it in...bubye

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  New 2017 Grand Caravan surges and hesitates - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jje - February 27 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this 2017 Grand Caravan brand new with only 15 miles, day one I noticed the engine missing while running in park, when at stop with foot on brake it has a surge in the engine, while driving it has a miss in the engine and surges like the transmission is starting to slip. Took to dealer and was told they had to update the computer and was also told to NEVER use E85 even-though it is rated to use it, I told them that I had never used the E85 and was only using premium gas, I was then told that premium gas was as bad as E85 and causes the computer to act up. I was told to only use regular unleaded fuel and in a couple of tanks it should work itself out, well three tanks later is is not as bad as it was but it still acts up almost daily. What a POS, I have always been a Dodge Guy but wish I hadnt bought this one. Only getting 13 mpg in city and 19 or 20 on highway and I only have about 2,100 miles on it (yes that is actually 2,100 miles), I am about to trade it in on a Chevy or Ford...................................................

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  The worst care ever built - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By chuckf - March 10 - 10:00 am

  50,000 miles and already on its 4th transmission. "5-Star" dealer ruined engine by crossthreading the engine mount bolts during the 1st transmission replacement and refuses to pay. Terrible brakes. Unreliable. Terrible service. Dont by anything from Chrysler and dont buy anything from Tobin Chrysler Dodge in Clinton, NY.

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  NeedsQuality - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BadQuality - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble ever since the day I purchased it. I will NEVER buy a Daimler Chrysler product again. There is NO quality in them, and they treat customers like trash! Gosh! Peice of JUNK!!!

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  I want to like it, but... - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodgeball2 - October 15 - 11:26 pm

  I love the concept of this vehicle, with stow n go and dvd player, etc. But unfortunately I have had many serious problems with this car failing on me. Repeated jump starts, etc. Not to mention the car turning off while driving - and in serious situations like expressway driving. Maybe this one is a dud, but I would be happy to leave a better rating once I have a more reliable car and a safe one for myself and two toddlers.

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  Dumb blond Lady gets shafted - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mary jo Fletcher - December 2 - 5:46 pm

  I bought new Van from Wilson Motors in Corvallis, Oregon. What a mistake, they took my dependable Toyota Sienna in trade and gave me a $1000 for a car valued at $4-5000. The new Dodge Caravan didnt have enough heat to keep ice off the windshield, I took it in and was told that it met the standards! Im in Oregon not Alaska. I went in three times to say the cruise control wasnt working and they said they couldnt repair it unless it broke right in front of them! Very rude and probably overworked repair people. The stress factor at the service desk was palpable. I spoke with the manager (a very nice man) who told them to take it in overnight, and guess what the cruise control didnt work and they had to replace it. I was so used to the ordinary features of my Toyota Sienna that I bought used and never had a break down or problem that I didnt realize that you had to remember to turn the lights on and off in this lemon. Also that the gas tank didnt lock from the inside and that when you used a regular store bought gas cap with a lock that it ruins something that costs $185 to get the light off your dash. Also that the back seats are like cardboard. Its the biggest financial mistake Ive ever made, I wonder how the salesmen feel conning those of us who are not professional car buyers.

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  2007 Special Edition - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Disappointed - August 8 - 2:40 pm

  The van would have been a great addition to any family, provided Chrysler really addressed quality and concern to owners. Instead they just made a junk and expected customers to support their cause. No wonder the company is going thru pains for what it did to people. Simply put, 2007 Grand Caravan, is another pain to owners.

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  DO NOT BUY PIECE OF JUNK - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By flanza - July 27 - 11:30 am

  From day one this van is nothing but junk junk junk ..Do not buy...At 55,000 miles water pump transmission went..Nothing but junk