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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  Got to love it - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Vobis132 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  It has a smooth ride and excellent performance (weve only had it a few weeks and have already put several hundred miles on it). It gets better mileage than you would expect for a vehicle this size. Finding what you need to find under the hood is easy with the convenient yellow labeling of owner manageable items, such as oil dipstick, air filter, etc. The built in 6 disk DVD changer and flip down TV are great with the kids, and the push button remote key that opens the sliding side doors and the rear gate is awesome. This van has everything you could ask for and more.

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  Love This Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By beebell - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just love this van!!! Have only had it 2 weeks but it is the best....so far!!! All the fold down seats are the best selling feature. As an older driver this was such a great selling point. Taking the rear out was a chore. Still learning about all the bells and whistles but so far we would suggest that everyone buy this van. The price is right, the comfort is great and the convenience is awesome!!!

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  LOVING IT!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By t-bird - June 26 - 10:00 am

  just purchased and the main selling point to me was the price. got everything I wanted except for the entertainment system (but will be buying that soon) and saved over $8K on a comparable Honda Odyssey. Inside is spacious and with 2 small children, it really helps. i would reccommend this car to anybody!!!!!!!

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  4th minivan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hemi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  By far the best we have owned. Chrysler finaly hit the home run with the stow and go seating. We liked our Pontiac Montana but the intake manifold gaskets started leaking radiator fluid into the engine at 62,000 miles and so it was time to consider another van or very costly repairs and we returned to Dodge for the third time. S0, the SXT looks like we are in for some fun from everything from the seating to the power liftgate and the 3.8 engine. Go for it!

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  A great family car - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Nick H - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family car. We had it for about a week and I cant believe how perfect it fits into our lifestyle. With all the storage and room inside we can fit our kids and there toys as well as go grocery shopping and still have enough room for anything else. Definitely suggest getting the SXT model with the DVD player because the kids have never been so quiet on a trip. It also feels like your driving a luxury sedan its so smooth to drive and the outside noise is virtually eliminated. Great family car.

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  Rollover - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pat - June 20 - 11:10 pm

  I recently had a horrible accident in this van and miraculously survived! I swerved to avoid an animal on Interstate 70 in Utah and when I tried to correct, it didnt happen. I was traveling at 75-77 MPH on cruise and the wheels caught the concrete and I was accross the freeway and hit a large light pole, then rolled 3-5 times as I was told and somehow came out with only a broken clavicle, severely sprained back and lots of cuts and bruises. The recovery is slow, but the air bags and seat belts must have saved me...or a guardian angel? Whatever it was, Im sure something helped me survive. I would buy another of these vans ASAP. Insurance said this was an excellant rated van for this crash.

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  In 2005, the ONLY Minivan to consider! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Coachleif - June 12 - 11:13 am

  Just ended 6000 miles through the western mountains and desert carrying 4 Adults, 3 kids, and a rooftop carrier with 110# of camping stuff. Total load 1250#. 1 tank @ 17 mpg in San Fransisco, all others range from 19 to 25.2 mpg. Thats real world driving at 75 - 85 mph with the A/C on the whole time. Friends with Honda and Toyota minivans cant touch this mileage under similar conditions! Im very happy as gas was $3.50/gal in Needles! Perfect design. 1st 4 seats provide absolute comfort for adults up to 6 1" 250#! In mountain driving, 8 consecutive switchbacks in Silverton-Ouray region were a dream. With this load, it accelerated up 8% grades easily to 75mph. It has a great feel, not Honda harsh. Has the best price, features, economy, and handling in its class! Very solidly built. Great fit and finish and material use. Buy it!

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  Love my van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By vallie_girl - June 4 - 5:36 pm

  This van drives much like a car. It has a fluidity in movement with an excellent turn radius. Problems have all been minor. We had a plastic piece come off one of the windows, had to replace brakes both front and back. But overall an amazing deal.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Andy Stebbing - May 12 - 2:50 am

  Our 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan gets 24 mpg, is flex fuel, 3.8 v 6 for power, 16 inch tires for snow, mud while hunting, dvd for the kids.

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  Very surprised new minivan owner - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tweetybird - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride & fun to drive. I thought that I would never own a minivan. But, having two kids I knew that I needed a minivan. After shopping for a while we bought it and I wish I would have gotten one a long time ago! Affordable.