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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  Awesome Van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stacy - December 21 - 11:00 pm

  Weve had our van for six months now and I still love it! We had an 02 Odyssey before this one and I would definitely recommend the Dodge over the Honda. I think it is very easy to drive. I feel like I sit up in it and that I have a good view of my surroundings. Stow n go seating is great! I have two young children and their stuff is no longer rolling around on the floor of the van!

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  Very reliable car - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By chuckdi - December 20 - 5:56 am

  The only problem I had was the air conditioning. Went out at about 150000 miles. However, I never had any other mechanical problems. It has 232,000 miles and is still going strong.

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  Not too pleased - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By trencher - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car used at 45,000 miles. In three years, weve had numerous major repairs including one where the engine had to be totally disassembled. The transmission needed to be replaced at a hefty expense. The radio has been replaced FOUR times in three years. Weve also had trouble with the ABS light, cruise control has failed, wipers go on and off spontaneously ... the list goes on. This is the least reliable vehicle weve ever owned, and we cant wait to get rid of it.

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  My opinion - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Robert W. Rusch Sr. - December 15 - 8:16 am

  For a long time I had a whistling noise at high speeds. It took me a long time to find out what it was. But I did find it. Other than that I really enjoy the vehicle. Moreso than any other vehicle I owned.

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  Love It! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jenni - December 7 - 5:03 am

  I love this van! Ive had it almost two weeks and I already got 550 miles on it. At this time Im getting about 19- 20 mpg with the driving I do. I traded in my 04 Durango :( because it was killing me in gas 14mpg. I would have really loved to have gotten a Caliber, but I have one child, two large dogs, and hope to have another child in the near future so this is really the smallest thing I could get. Im really surprised at how much I really like this thing. Its easy to load and unload everyone. And when traveling my hubby drives 9 outta 10 times so if I need to get in the back I can climb right back without having to pull over. Lots of praise on this van so far. I hope it stays that way.

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  I miss my van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By preacher_man_d - December 6 - 10:52 am

  If I hadn’t been hit two different times in one week and the insurance totaled it out, I would still be driving this van. I bought the van used in 2002. Yes, it had all the problems associated with Dodge vans – I replaced the transmission, the carpet under the passenger side stayed wet in the summer, etc. Many of the problems I was able to repair myself just by watching Youtube. Anyway, before I started driving with a “target” on my van, which caused me to be hit twice by two different people in one week (not my fault), I had just turned 234,000 miles! I will miss it.

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  The Best - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By IMackid4 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This van is the bst in the world. The power sliding doors and the rear hatch is so cool. Pepole look at the van when ever I open the gate or close it. It comes in handy when pepoles hands are full.

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  We LOVE it!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mrs. Evans - December 3 - 1:00 pm

  This was our very first new vehicle, and boy are we delighted! Did lots of research before buying to decide between minivans; the quality for the price (Sienna and Odyssey didnt seem worth the extra $5-6 thousand for comparable models) and Stow n Go really won us over. Couldnt be happier with the interior roominess, comfy handling, intuitively placed controls, comfy seats, fabulous storage options and (we think) nice exterior styling. The gas mileage could be better, but isnt too bad once you get cruising; averages out OK. Has pretty responsive get-up-and- go for such a big vehicle (feels big compared to the Accord we used to drive!) All in all we couldnt be more pleased.

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  NO MAS! - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jedi651 - November 29 - 11:41 pm

  We tried to love it, but just couldnt deal with the dealer (white Bear lake, Mn) who guessed on every repaired needed. Long story short, we bought the van used. clean carfax. great the first week. second week was a disaster. van would die 3-5 times daily was exiting the hwy. while operating at 30mph the van would become very sluggish, then die when coming to a stop. replaced spark plugs, MAP sensor, throttle body didnt change a thing. brought in to the dealer to figure it out. diagnosed that the WIN module was faulty and needed to be replaced.(not part of the recall) asked why its sluggish, dealer didnt know. finally just gave up and traded it in for a Honda. People be advised, stay away!

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  5000 miles: Going great so far - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By oregonfamily - November 28 - 7:49 am

  This car was a surprise replacement for a satisfactory but accident-totaled 2002 GC: it matched Toyota and Nissan on apparent quality and features for about $3K less. A comparable Honda was even more expensive. After 5000 miles including a 2700-mile Oregon/Bay-Area/LA/Vegas and back vacation with six people, we remain very satisfied. The Crew trim level has all the features needed for a long road trip. Weve also used it for the usual local commute/kids hauling/cargo hauling expected of a minivan. No problems, no complaints. Its been a great driver. 18-20.5 mpg local, 21-24.5 mpg on long trips, and the engine isnt broken in yet. It is just a very competent minivan.