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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Caravan 1996 - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
By PWC - August 23 - 10:00 amEvery problem that could be experienced has been experienced. Chrysler would not correct a sinlge defect post 36,000 miles no matter the severitiy (transmission, etc.)
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Buyer beware! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By LemonGirl - August 23 - 10:00 amI have had troubles with this van from day one. First, air conditioning wouldnt work. Even vent would blow HOT air. Cost to fix (after 3 mechanics to find the problem) $1500. Then there was the fuel line problem ($500). Now the service engine light is constantly on (transmission?). Have I mentioned the problems with the computer system? (Phantom wiper, other air conditioning problems, Cruise control, horn). Oh, and to top it off, the CD player wont work half the time. I have heard that Dodge has improved their minivans...lets hope so. DO NOT BUY A 1997...unless you like living on the edge of insanity as I have for the last two years!
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Stunning Deal - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
By salgeek - August 14 - 2:00 pmThis is my 3rd. Chryco Minivan. Utility and Value punctuate my ownership experiences. For $12,300 I purchased a year old Dodge Grand Caravan SE with stow and go seating with only 10,747 miles. The vehicle is Chrysler Certified so the power train is warranted for 8 yr/80K miles and I have a bumper to bumper warranty for 39 months/39K miles. "Certified" also includes roadside assistance till 8 yr/80K. AND the dealer threw in free lifetime oil changes. WOW! With a little luck the transmission will make it 100K miles and she wont rust out till its 9th year in service. Maybe even the AC/Heater core will make it 5+ years. If I can get 30K between brake jobs Ill be happy!
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So Disappointed... - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By CivicSi2k - August 11 - 6:33 amFor few years I asked myself when was Dodge going to change the minivan style 01-07, finally did in 08. So disappointed by Dodge by the design, power response, and gas mileage. As owner of 97 Grand Caravan Sport, I can say my 97 handles and get better gas mileage than the 08 model. The Stow-N- Go a plus. Having a handicap child with a wheel chair lots of room is a must. The 08 models lacks space. With my 97, I can place the wheelchair standing up without a problem. With the 08, I had to take it apart.
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Love our van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By dodge owner - August 11 - 2:00 amWeve had our van since new. Mostly reliable, and very comfortable. We have the 3.8 engine-had to have the block replaced at 6000 miles, dealer claims certain oil passages were not bored through on original. No problems since with the engine. Only minor problems since. Front wipers turn on for no reason sometimes. Difficult to converse on freeways because of interior noise. Luggage rack on roof contributes to this problem. But we love the space inside, hauls our kids and gear comfortably. My wife drives it in downtown Detroit, very rough roads, and no interior shakes,rattles, etc. Would buy another. Exterior paint still looks great after 5.5 years.
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An Excellent Decision - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Jerry Cahill - August 10 - 8:36 pmSecond Dodge vehicle Ive purchased. I love the new Dodge Grand Caravan! The entertainment system is unsurpassed, with the MyGig System and the rear dual overhead DVD screens. The exterior styling is more masculine than the competition. 2nd and 3rd rows both still fold underneath, a great feature. Limited lifetime warranty on the powertrain for the original owner is priceless. Was about $3,000 to $4,000 less expensive than the Odyssey and Sienna for a comparably equipped vehicle, but those two cant touch the entertainment system. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. Thus far, we love the Caravan!
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DONT BUY!!!!!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By AAWWWW - August 4 - 8:00 pmPlease take my word for it, DO NOT BUY A DODGE CARAVAN, OR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN! We had nothing but trouble since day one. Electrical, transmission, motor, and steering linkage problems!!! Thank God for warranties. The transmission started shifting extremely hard, the motor started running very rough (the dealership even had trouble figuring out what the problem was), electric windows stopped working, electric door locks stopped working, and they had to replace the steering linkage. It only had 35,000 miles on it, and it was a 2005. We sold this junk, and bought a Chevy Suburban. Ill gladly pay a little extra for gas, and have something reliable for a change.!!!
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98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Sport - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Indiana Bob - August 2 - 1:00 amBought in Sept of 99 after birth of twins, with 22k on it. Now it has 120k. Trans went out at 36K and 38K (covered under waranty). Went through instrument panel controllor and 2 engine computers (@$400 and $600); which is very unusal (I am spoiled by having driven Subaru for 30 years with excelent reliability). Have replaced muffer and starter which is normal; heater hoses went out last week ($600). Build quality is and interior materials less than asian cars. Will most likely not buy Dodge again.
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Bad Apple - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Daniel Ryan - August 1 - 12:20 pmPurchased the Grand Caravan in 1998. Liked the way it looked and there were not many alternatives like today. Over the years, had numerous problems with the vehicle. Most annoying was the vehicle would shred the belts about every 12 months. Dealers would say they fixed the problem. About 12 months later, the belts would shred again. Too many other problems to list. Finally, after deciding the transmission was about to go and having the belts shred for the third time in three years, traded for a Toyota. This was my second Dodge product. I should have learned from my experience with the first (Intrepid). I will not be fooled again. I will never, ever purchase a Dodge again.
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buying another dodge grand caravan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
By d.baker - July 28 - 4:36 amwe have 5 kids and bought this 2000 dodge van used in 2002 w/ 34,000 miles. 6 years and a total of 163,000 miles later we are buying another used 2007 dodge van. we have not have had any thing major go wrong with the old van, just a tranny sensor that was recalled anyway. Still has good pickup and the cassette doesnt work anymore. going to keep the old van as it still runs good and trade in value isnt worth squat.
