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:

• 

  Stay Away - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By No Way dont do it - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont do it. Listen to me. I drove this van for 75,000 miles. I Will Not buy a Dodge again. Had the deductable warranty but it doesnt pay for loss time taking it to the dealer, towing, or looking stupid by asking for a lift to pick-up the van again. I went through a transmition every 12,000- 20,000 miles. They put a brand new one in every time. I could not take it out of town in fear I would get stuck. I bought this van brand new. Even ordered it with the 3.8l engine, trans cool and block heater. I never towed anything heaver than a bike carrier. Stay away, stay away!!

• 

  3 years of no trouble - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By RJX - October 16 - 3:20 pm

  The most comfortable seats of any vehicle I have driven. I drive the vehicle for work and typically 4-5 drives 1-way. Great comfort for long trips. Passing on a 2 lane highway is never a problem, the engine has plenty of power. Stow and go seats are great when you want to haul things, nice flat and low floor allowing for drywall or plywood for home projects. This 2013 is my third Grand Caravan, and by far the best. I drive 35k miles a year in all kinds of weather and always feel safe even on snow packed roads. It is a shame they are discontinuing the DGC after 2017, now that they have it perfected.

• 

  Review - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Minivan - October 7 - 4:13 pm

  Please dont buy this minivan I bought mine used a few weeks ago and already the transmission is gone. It has poor gas mil. It shakes and rattles at a slow speed. I must admit the price is what lured me in.

• 

  Stay Away - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Disgruntled - October 6 - 7:40 am

  The worst vehicle I have ever owned. Been to the Dodge service department 18 times in the past 18 months. 40,000 miles and on 4th set of front brake rotors. Dealer cannot figure our why brakes wear out so quickly and told us that the brake parts are made softer so they dont squeal. Whatever! Have motorized side and rear doors. All motors have been replaced at least once. I purchased the largest extended warranty and already used it 3 times in 4000 miles. Cant wait to get rid of this one and will never purchase another Chrysler product again. I was hoping the merger with Mercedes would increase quality, but thats not the case. Dodge has great looking cars, but cant overcome poor build quality.

• 

  A good value - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 04quadcab - October 6 - 3:32 am

  2013 Grand Caravan SXT; currently with about 10,000 miles on it. I really wouldnt consider any minivan that didnt have some version of Stow&Go. I have the second row seats folded down almost as much as I have them up, and I wouldnt like having to remove the seat to free up that space, since you then have to leave it at home and cant haul passengers in that area. Other likes: Great power, good gas mileage-I get 27 at 70-75 mph (town mileage is not great, tho). Quiet, smooth ride. Much less expensive to buy than Honda or Toyota. Dislikes: 6 spd tranny is OK, but not as smooth or predictable as could be. Drivers seat needs more rearward travel; legroom is limited.

• 

  Wonderful Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Satisfied Customer - October 4 - 11:30 pm

  The van is solid. Very comfortable to ride in for extended periods of time. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is a fun vehicle to drive. There is nothing in here that I am not satisfied with.

• 

  Unimpressive - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CDubya - October 1 - 4:13 pm

  Havent even had this van long and many problems have happened. Electrical has been a problem from the start. Power flickers off and on when it gets wet out, including the wipers stopping while driving down the highway in the rain. The dealer has worked on it twice, but it happened agian last night. A/C compressor also went out yesterday and guess what? The engine wont run if you dont get it fixed which costs $1000.

• 

  ANNIVERSARY EDITION - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ANGELA - September 28 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS AWESOME TO LOOK AT. HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES I WANTED IN THE LIMITED CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. MY KIDS ARE THRILLED WITH THE DVD AND 6 DISC CHANGER. A BEAUTIFUL CAR WITH NICE RIMS TO MATCH. A GOOD PRICE ON THIS CAR.

• 

  The bigger engine makes a difference - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dwolf - September 27 - 12:00 am

  I highly suggest getting the 3.8L engine. It has soooo much more torque

• 

  Sharp looking, fun to drive - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By "just judy" - September 25 - 3:38 am

  The R/T is very cool... we just bought this minivan so dont rely on the ratings we gave for reliability... that remains to be seen. It is comfortable except getting in and out I have had to make peace with (for me) a non-intuitive way of entry and exit or I hit my leg on the lower door frame, or my head on the upper... could be me being uncoordinated! It is a very sharp (masculine.. which appeals to both of us - me female .. my other half male) and while minivans are not reputed to be fun to drive this one has a sport/road trip suspension that makes if very responsive... so far we like it a lot.