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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  Dont waste your money on a Dodge - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jonlynn - May 31 - 7:40 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to buying my minivan. Somehow this thing came up good. I shoudve trusted my instinct and walked away from the dealer. No wonder Chrysler is going under. Like everyone else: 16k- new brakes and again at 31k! I finally did not go to a dealer and found a great mechanic who said Dodge is notorious for it. Chrysler does not stand behind its product. It has been in for TSBs about 5 times. No good when we tote kids. I sunk a lot of money into this thing and I wish it would sink into mud and never be seen again. The only good thing: sto and go is great, it is pretty comfortable, gas mileage not too bad. If I werent so much into debt in it, I would trade it in!

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  The woest purchase ever - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By salyalma - April 27 - 6:20 pm

  Not even 50K Miles on it and already expend $1500 in cooling and heating repairs, first AC pipes blow, then radiator and radiator cap ($400) ,the intake manifols gasket $350 and now the water pum ($350) I wont recommend this vehicle to nobody, the interior plastic panels and seat handles broke, bumper clamps loose this vehiclke really sucks

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  I thought we were in the 21st century - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jb36 - February 1 - 9:22 pm

  Im forced to drive this thing quite often due to my work. I think its despicable. Interior feels cheap, especially the seat fabric, steering feels barely connected at highway speed, theres very small but constant pitch motion in the rear when theres no load in the back. Brake, like steering is over-servoed, and transmission. Its not a very smooth shift to begin with, but it gets worse and worse as you drive on for a long time, like over 4hrs. Its big sure, and pretty useful, but its not very clever either. People buy this not because its cheap - its not THAT cheap. People buy this I think just because they havent really tried anything else. Its a throw away.

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  01 Grand Caravan Sport- no fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ken V - January 29 - 10:00 am

  After leasing a 98 Grand Caravan and loving it, I made the huge mistake of leasing this 01 without a test drive. This is an AWFUL vehicle- wallows on roads, no pickup, especially with the air on- and oh, by the way, the cars been back at the dealer three times for AC problems and still isnt fixed. The beast gets hot inside with no air! Average mileage less the 15 mpg. If you have an older Grand Caravan, keep it!

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  Very disappointed! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By soccermom - January 21 - 2:33 am

  Has had steering problems a couple times already with a terrible grinding noise. Cheaply made interior, covers break easily. Was told that middle and back seats were interchangeable when buying van, but they arent. Found this out only after lugging out heavy the back seat. No stow-n-go with this van makes it even more of a hassle. Terrible pick up, feels like a truck, cant afford to put gas in it. This van burns gas horribly. I went 30 city miles and it burned a half tank of gas! If I didnt owe so much in this piece of junk Id be trading it in. Im actively still trying to trade it in somewhere. Buyer beware! Dont buy a Grand Caravan!

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  Get Serious Dodge - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By art3 - January 12 - 11:07 pm

  As an owner of 4 Caravans since 1985 I was seeking to replace my present Caravan with a 2014 "Grand Caravan." Much to my chagrin Dodge has a base seat in all but the SXT which has no height adjustment. This is not Grand at all as th tall driver does not have legroom. This I see has been noted by other consumer reviews. You can get a power seat that has decent adjustments, but your going to have to pony up serious dollars to get the SXT model. I contacted the Dodge Customer Assistance Center and this is their response,Dear Art: Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center with your product improvement suggestion, however Dodge only works thru consumer forums. Thanks Dodge

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  Nothing but a headache - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TAYLERSDAD - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We Wont make this mistake again!The AC compresser went out 100 miles after warrenty, but it was extened. WE still trying to get our money back. but dodge wont pay.many problems with extended warrenty they did not transfer it from orginal owner, yet somehow this is our fault.horriable customer service the automatic window motors went on both doors the ignition had to replace the auto door in back doesnt work and numerous electrical problems (been in at least 4 times for repair)that have never been repaired. Cheep parts.NOT worth the money or your time

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  Not Too Happy about Dodge - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Not Too Happy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I am a sucker 3 times over. Several nagging problems. It started with the power steering. It started getting really loud and whining and I took it to Dodge and they said there was an issue with some hoses that needed to be replaced. Later it came out as a recall. The back power liftgate is quirky. Sometimes it opens and sometimes it does not. The drivers seat squeaks horribly when you go around turns or your body shifts in the seat. The brakes were done at 27000 miles and I have had to take it back 3 other times. What a ripoff!

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  Worst car I have ever oned - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By fred01 - July 25 - 3:40 am

  With less than 70k on it I have replaced the auto sliding doors three times and the transmission twice. It is a terrible van. If you have the ac on it guzzles gas like a college student hitting the beer bong. Spend the extra money and get a Honda.

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  30,000 miles and problems not covered!!! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By neverdodge1 - July 6 - 2:50 pm

  My friends warned me about Chrysler products, but I ignored them. BOY, I was wrong, at 30,000 miles steering was vibrating intensely when cold accompanied by a loud whine. The dealer and Dodge online said tough luck, you bought a lemon and this is the power steering reservoir clogged, a cheap fix. Before considering buying a Chrysler product, you have to ask yourself what kind of car manufacturer screws up power steering. One that ENGINEERS their products to FAIL. I never owned a vehicle with a power steering problem except for the 2 Caravans I bought. I not own this one when the trans fails, and it will, like the other Caravan I owned. I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT.