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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  Decent van for a low price - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kretara - July 26 - 11:53 am

  We bought our 2007 Grand Caravan SXT used without 23,000 miles on it. We had been shopping for a minivan for a few months. We wanted a Honda/Toyota, but for the price of a 4 year old Honda/Toyota we were able to few months old Grand Caravan. We are very happy with the van. Tons of cargo space, the kids fit in perfectly and the wife likes driving it. The build quality is lacking, but you cant not expect all that much from an American car company anyway. Some interior parts feel very cheap. The transmission thunks and jumps at low speeds. Gas mileage is 16 city (very hilly) and 27 highway. Not too bad for a truck.

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  fun - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By marylola - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my dodge grandcaravan se. My only regret is that i didnt buy it sooner. I think dodge did a great job and i got what i wanted.

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  What a piece of junk!!! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Unhappy owner - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My model is the Sport. In the 4 yrs that Ive had this vehicle, Ive had to replace the brakes (at 25,000 mi), replace battery TWO times, replace defective (Michelin)(tires caused steering wheel to shake & vibrate)-I was told by dealer there was a recall and to take them to a Michelin dealer who told me that theyd replace the tires but I had to pay a good amount for the replacement tires, van has developed oil leak that will cost $1,000 to repair, transmission needed repairing-- these are only a few of the problems Ive had with it -- NEVER AGAIN!!!! No more Chrysler products for me.

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  Ready for our 4th boy with the SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By James H. - July 20 - 12:33 pm

  Have only had for 2 weeks but it looks like Dodge got it right. The stow & go is brilliant. Traded a 2001 Ford Windstar LX basically stripped. My SXT is loaded for the same price. Its great not to have to buy an aftermarket cd player and have the windows tinted. Both are standard w/3 zone climate control, 2 power sliders and power liftgate (only extra item $400). Its much quieter than the earlier Caravans. Having to move the seats all the way forward is a minor inconvenience to use the stow & go. It sure beats lugging them into the garage. Dodge reliability is always a concern but they can have their foreign minivans for $5k more. I dont want to pay $550/mo for a minivan.

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  Gas Mileage Deceptive - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TexasDodge - July 20 - 3:53 am

  Unfortunately, we bought this vehicle because it was to get 19-25/26 mpg. Despite cross country trips, clean air filter, proper tire pressure, calm driving etc, we cant get over 15 mpg. Do not buy this vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle is fine.

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  Top Mini-van? - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Shawn Frankenhauser - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Anniversary Edition should come complete with ALL the toys. Isnt that why its a special edition. Lacking is the enhanced overhead features like optional horn beep to lock doors,daytime light on/off etc.,load leveling feature, I think the ES has all these other bells/whistles that would make the SXT Anniversary Edition a true Special Edt.

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  never again - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hgmuc - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the second dodge ive owned and i should have learned the first time. THANK GOD i got the warranty when i bought this car used - Ive had to replace the transmision at 70,000 and have most of the valve gaskets replaced in the engine - there is still oil leaking into the air filter I think the fuel injectors are crapping out now as well-

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  2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jsr - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, quiet ride. Good visibility. Excellent sound system with six speakers. Easy to drive. Test drove Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, also. The Grand Caravan is definitely competitive; I was pleasantly surprised. Decided against the Sienna due to smaller space; the Odyssey due to budget. I would have bought the Odyssey at MSRP, but no offers.

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  Utility out the wazoo - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bill S. - July 16 - 12:03 am

  This van does everything we need it to do. Haul kids, groceries, vacation, camping gear, plus dozens of other things. When we bought it my wife and I said we would probably never be without one again. I still stand by that statement. The comfort and utility of this vehicle is unmatched by even the most expensive autos on the market. And its MADE IN AMERICA! Isnt that a refreshing idea!

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  the best van ever - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodge awd - July 11 - 10:00 am

  dodge built the first minivan, and have continued to improve them and i believe has perfected it throught the years, reading the other ones on here, these always a bad apple in a batch, and maybe you got one, but over all they are the best looking, most advanced, and just the best van hands down.