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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  Good Value - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dan GRANDERSON - September 21 - 12:09 pm

  No such thing as the perfect vehicle, however the 2013 Grand Caravan offers reliability, pracitcality and value in a moderately priced mini van. Have operated this van with absolutely no problems for over 68,000 miles.

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  Bought Used I doubt Ill buy another - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By YesAwaken - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Good looking van. Dodge will probably never make anything close to this style.

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  173,000 miles and counting! - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By amy47 - August 30 - 10:02 pm

  I love this van. No major problems other than replacing a few water pumps and the starter once and the A/C; otherwise, just routine maintenance. I have had absolutely no reliability problems until I hit 170,000 miles. Now I have occasional electrical problems that wont allow the car to start about once a month. So far the mechanic cant find the problem, but were working on it. I want to see how far she goes! She may not be the flashiest or the most powerful minivan out there, but she has my admiration for her longevity and relatively problem-free service.

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  Baby Hauler - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Muthu Periakaruppan - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the perfect vehicle for our family. (Three kids under 6) With relatives we often haul 7-8 people around. It is smooth and quiet. However we seem to constantly have small things going wrong, 4 brake jobs at 50k, tensioner&serpentine belt, rear calipers and now no heat (we live in arctic Minnesota). Has anyone else had problems with the thermostat or radiator?

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  Shafted again - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By upset - August 27 - 1:33 am

  In July of 2004 I wrote a review with concerns whether Dodge had cured its tranny problems and I was experiencing tranny shudder and slipping into a false neutral. This was at 29,000 miles. At 35,000 I had the fluid changed and then at 44,000 they had to do a major rebuild on the tranny and replace the torque converter, now 14,000 miles later the same problem is here again. Do I attribute this to a lousy transmission that was to be upgraded and now reliable for 2003 or a mechanic that doesnt know what hes doing. They will have to rebuild it again now at 58,000 miles and one wonders if itll be another rebuild just before the warranty expires or do I dump it! Unfortunately, Adios Dodge

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  Love the Stow n Go, Hate the seat design - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By egapch - August 21 - 8:56 pm

  What I hate about this minivan is the design of the driver and passenger seats and the inability to adjust the shoulder strap down another inch or so to prevent the strap from rubbing a sore spot on my neck, I am 5 4" tall. I think these two things should be a priority. The main reason I bought a DGC was for the Stow n Go seating, and I was impressed that the second row of seats would adjust back to provide more leg room. I will not buy another American car unless I can find one in which the seats are comfortable and the seatbelts adjust to fit me.

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  Good Looking Van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Julie - July 29 - 7:20 am

  If you need a van, I like ours. Weve had this for about 3 years. No problems except power window went out on passenger side. Average mpg 20 plus. Power is good, enough get up and go. I think its the sportiest van around.

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  90k and out for me, thanks. - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hokietxn - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1997 Grand Caravan SE with 5-year, 100k service. Great ride, good mileage, modest power, seats easy to remove/install, huge cargo capacity. Changed oil every 3k and followed service schedule at dealers for the first five years. Headaches (all after warranty): A/C compressor and dryer died, front rotors replaced, still act "warped". (Dealer) Battery recently shorted and damaged the starter. Phantom wipers, console rattle, "heavy" sliding door. Planning to sell before I loose my first transmission.

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  Very good van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By idnpeg - July 9 - 10:00 am

  2002 Grand Caravan Sport. Purchased in Nov 2001, now with 8000+ miles. No problems! Great ride, quiet, smooth, plenty of room. I will admit I feel more secure with the 7/100 warranty they threw in for free. I would have liked to purchase the Honda Odyssey, but I feel very good about the $$$$ I saved. The customer service I got at purchase time was fabulous, and that sealed the deal for me; I worked with the fleet manager. My next door neighbor bought one; and another family friend too. I have heard a rattle or two; under the dash driver side, and back near the rear bench seat; they come and go. But hey, I did not buy a $40,000 luxury car.

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  My Grand Caravan is crappy - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mchivers - June 30 - 6:50 pm

  Many, many, many little problems. Automatic doors not working, burnt out taillight, automatic doorlocks not working, stuck headrest, brakes had to be replaced at 17,000 miles, random noises, AC blower not working, driver side electric window not working. We had a 96 before, drove the wheels off of it and had no problems. Someone at the factory must have been drunk when this lemon rolled out the door.