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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Horrible product - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
By rosaliny2 - January 23 - 6:29 pmI purchased this van with about 25,000 miles on it in 2012. Within the first month there was a clunking when shifting out of park or from reverse to drive. It was loose motor mounts. Less than a month after it started clunking again. This time it actually broke the motor mount and the new part took a week to come in. This happened every 2 months. 10 months into ownership, the rear calibers stuck. 1 week after the brakes were replaced and calipers cleaned ($400) 1 caliper stuck again. New calipers from a dealership were already sticking and my mechanic had to replace them before he even got them on. I ended up putting $1500 into a new rear brake system with less than 50,000 miles on the van.
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Enormously disappointed in 2012 Dodge Caravan - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
By dogleg1 - December 6 - 11:20 pmI bought a new caravan about a month ago. Previously I have owned four Dodge Caravans and liked them. This one has power to burn but the overall quality and design features are very poor in my experience. The accelerator pedal is hard to control and evidently cant be adjusted. The ride is hard and you feel every little bump in the road. The seats are hard too ,I would call them cheap, cheap. When the front seats are pushed back the support frame sticks out and you hit your legs on it. It doesnt come with fender splash guards and the tires throw dirt on the car. I put them on the first few days I had it. The motor and road noise is very bad. Poor sound proofing. More to be said later.
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would not buy a dodge again - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By tracietam - October 18 - 9:30 amI have had a lot of problems with this car. The emergency brake fell off and damaged the rotors, the sliding doors broke two times, and the gas gauge was not accurate and needed to be replaced. I have had it three years and have decided to trade it in and get something more reliable like a toyota sienna.
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BEWARE OF THE DODGE CARAVAN - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
By tickpilot - September 11 - 10:00 amI bought this van brand new from a dealer, hoping to have a reliable vehicle for a few years, but boy was I suprised! I have had nothing but trouble from this van including, but not limited to: 1. The head gasket needed to be replaced 2. The master cylinder has been replaced 3 times 3. The front and rear brakes, including calipers, wheel bearings, rotors, pads, shoes have been replaced multiple times 4. The transmission has needed major work, and multiple sensors needed to be replaced as well. 5. The main computer module needed to be replaced. 6. Last week, the engine blew.(65K miles)
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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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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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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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What a piece of junk!!! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Unhappy owner - July 22 - 2:00 amMy 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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Poor Investment - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By hategovmotos - June 3 - 7:45 pmBought 2008 Caravan so we wouldnt have a reliable vehicle. Since then, weve had to replace brake pads at about 55,000 miles. It needs new rear rotors and the sliding doors have bad rattles. Today we were told by the our local Dodge dealership that it might need work done on the drive train or possibly a transmission rebuild ($2,600). Going to cost us $250 just to get into the transmission to find the problem. I use to be a Dodge fan, but not any more. Only good thing that company has going is the Cummins engine in the pick-ups--the engine that Dodge (GM) doesnt manufacture. Plan to get it fixed; get it sold; then buy anything, but a Dodge! Would not recommend this POS to anyone!
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a nightmare - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By pcarrs - May 8 - 6:45 ami would not recommend this car to anyone i have owned this vehicle for 3 years i have over 200,000 miles on it i run it as a taxi and am familiar with all the problems others have written about it. brakes are the worst they designed them too small i have to replace pads every 3 months somtimes sooner if the calipers stick replaced calipers, and rotors. replaced heater hoses several times the plastic tee cracks which leads to leaks. radiator cracked. ac compressor hoses burst. motor mounts need constant replaceing. this car is a money pit. you can purchase a hummer for the price you spend on this van and the fuel economy is the same!!!!!!!
