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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  Do not purchase!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bestmommy - November 28 - 3:46 am

  I was expecting our 4th child, so we need a van. By 38,000 miles we had put $2100 worth of work into our van. Some was "normal wear": brakes and 4 new tires. I have never had to put brakes and tires on a car before 50,000 miles. Usually closer to 75,000 for brakes. The front axle broke, the water pump cracked, the check engine light and the oil light repeatedly come on. It drinks oil like crazy. I have to replace about 3-4 quarts between oil changes (which we do every 3,000 miles). There are lots of "small" plastic items that have broken off inside of the van. I will not own a Dodge again.

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  My $.02 - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Greg - November 12 - 4:10 pm

  This van has the potential to be awesome! It drives great, handles well, and hauls all the kidd-os with room to spare for all the extras. The integrated child seats are the best! Heres where my enthusiasm ends... The first transmission was replaced at 35K miles.Other failed items include the idler pulley on the serpentine fanbelt, front brake replacment at 45K, Front wheelbearing failure at 50K, Power steering pump failure at 50K, second transmission shifting hard into 1st on deceleration at 50K. Several recalls have been issued on this van. Dodge not covering much of anything on the extended warranty... So much for a certified used vehicle

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  Poor Quality! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Caravan Lemon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmission of my 2000 Grand Caravan broke down at 75K KM. 2K to fix it. Chrysler should be shame of its quality.

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  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!!

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  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.

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  Brake Issue - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TMN - September 22 - 6:33 pm

  I bought this car because of our expanding family; I regret it! I have had the van in the shop 3 times going on 4 for pulsating brakes. The rotors on this vehicle are terrible in the front and rear! The fronts have been replaced and the rear ones cut down. I bought this vehicle for the dependability and safety. Its not dependable if it has been in the shop going on 4 times in 6 months. I would not buy another dodge caravan or reccomend it to family or friends if asked.

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  5th and Last Grand Caravan - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By swgplain - August 21 - 5:33 pm

  Weve owned 4 caravans before this and it seems that every model is worse then the before it. We bought it used with only 26,000 miles on it. Should have gotten the extended warranty. AT 38000 miles the turn indicator switch went out. Shortly there after the drivers side power lock and window control switch went out. Then the rear heater control switch went out. At 50000 miles the ABS sensors went out. We seriously considered the Honda Odyssey because of similar styling but at an average of 4 grand more and 20,000 miles more we opted to give the Americans one more chance. Now we have 92,000 miles and it needs a water pump and a power steering pump.

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  Great van, AWFUL maintenance - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By zucchini - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Had molded brake lines go ($500), starter ($200), AC died 2x, various other failures, broken parts inside, flaky electronics (ask about the wiper problem)... STAY AWAY unless you have a 100% warranty and rental coverage.

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  We Got Stranded! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By branaska - July 9 - 3:56 pm

  While returning to our home from an out-of-town gathering we stopped about 50 miles from home for refreshments. When we got back in the car the headlights failed to work. Using the flashers only we managed to find a motel for the night. The next day we returned home to find a dealer that did absolutely nothing to help us out. Im very disappointed in both the vehicle and the dealership. By the way, the vehicle has less than 5000 miles on it.

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  Think before you buy - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By FSS - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This was my first American made vehicle and I will not buy one again. The electronic equipment has many defects like faulty interior lights, wipers go on and off for no reason, engine light goes on and off and it is today and the dealer dont know why. The biggest issue is the transmissiom. The dealer has replaced 2 so far. If you are thinking about buying one, please get an extended warranty because you will need it.