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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  Chryslers core design quality is slipping... - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By buddhanature - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  35,000 miles, Owned for 2 years from new. Dealer sales-lady lied about UConnect and rebate for multi-vehicle purchase. Wouldnt reimburse us either. Drove to Florida from Michigan twice. Cruise control problem - didnt use. Transmission hard shift when first taking off. Used to own 94 Voyager minivan, 03 Intrepid and 98 Sebring convertible. This vehicle has more design problems than the older ones I owned. Had transmission reprogrammed - still bad (even had 3 Chrysler quality engineers ride with me and they said this is normal operation for this vehicle.),wind shear problem, heater blower motor has only low speeds. Original tires only lasted 25,000 miles before no traction in snow.

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  Grand Caravan - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By R Aukstuolis - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Generally this has been a very good people hauler. Problems encountered in 9 years were: transmission sensors, when brakes needed new pads also had to replace front rotors. Rust is an issue. Passenger door, rear wheel wells and body attachment points for front suspension towers were rusted. I thought they built this with galvanized steel?

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  I would pass on this one. - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Marilyn Walter - March 20 - 12:20 pm

  Brakes are horrible. Needed front pads at 16,000, never in my life and then back pads at 18,000. Now the car wont start. Had issues with the plastic key. A couple of times car is on, yet no radio, AC, lights etc. nothing is working then you have to fiddle with the key and it works. The shifter is funky too, have issues with that, sometimes you have to press all the way down on the brakes to get it to shift into park. I would not buy another Caravan. I should have gotten the VW minivan like I wanted but was talked into this when I returned a Jeep Liberty. oh well.

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  love it - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By donny190 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car i ahve two grand children and i live with them. We have two dogsa and i hated that hard to get out secong and third row seat. now i can take the dogs to the doctors with ease. I love the stow and go feature it is the greatest. I like the way it handels and how much storage space u have on the inside. i looked at the odyseey and freestar and the quest the quest was winning because of the second row fold away system but when i saw the comercial i went to the dealer and loved it. on christmas eve this will come in handy for looking at christmas lites altogether in something smaller then my daughters suburban.

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  Kids Love the Rear Seat Video! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By boblor3 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Dodge continues their excellence with the 2005 Grand Caravan. Its a joy to drive this vehicle. The kids love the rear seat video . . . they have never been so quiet on trips, short or long! The automatic side doors and rear hatch are way cool! We like the Butane Blue we got (almost got Inferno Red), but the other available colors are a bit blaw.

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  Junky as Junk can be - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cajunman - March 6 - 8:33 pm

  Bought this van and had 14,000 miles. 3,000 miles later changed front brake pads and resurfaced rotors. Next at 35,000 miles changed front brakes and was told cannot resurface rotors anymore so if shaking appears need new rotors. Told by repairman all "08 having brake trouble. Terrible windshield whistling noise that no one seems to be able to find. Complained to dealer and was told too many people just venting so the brake issue is not a problem. Sliding doors needed fixing three times. Interior storage rattles too much and keeps opening. Bottom line is Dodge needs to fix everyones brakes. Making money off people no actually ripping people off is what it is.

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  Hate my van! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By M. Sackett - Omaha - March 6 - 1:06 pm

  This van is always in the shop for repair! Its had 7 service visits in 11 months: 1) The ignition key receiver failed, resulting in a tow the 1st month. 2&3) Hard drive on stereo was replaced twice. Chrysler also sent out software upgrade to fix addl problems with system. 4) Tail gate assembly latch was replaced when it locked shut and I couldnt even open it manually. 5) Side sliding doors, which never shut properly electronically, had to be adjusted. 6 & 7) The heater in one of the seats quit working, so had to replace the heating element. In addition, indicator lights are unreliable. Recommendation: Dont buy this vehicle! We spent $30,000, and wish we had our old van (worth $1,000).

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  Brand New - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stanhan - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this van yesterday and am really impressed with it. After driving imports it surprised me how much thought was put into the interior features of the car. It has a lot to offer for the money. They try to make use of every bit of the car for storage and convenience items. The car has so many features it is sometimes unintuitive to control things on the instrument panel. Im sure that has a lot to do with the fact that I just bought it. From what I can tell I got a screaming good deal and I highly recommend my dealer. They were extremely nice and low pressure but provided me an "EBay" price over the phone. The car was delivered to my door.

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  After 6 years we are satisfied - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By george - March 2 - 8:03 pm

  We purchased this van new with a tow package since it included the transmission cooler (fearing the infamous failures). So far we have done regular maintenance. About $2500 worth over 6 years and completed 2 recalls. The only out of warranty repairs have been the serpentine belt pulley ($100) and a transmission speed sensor at 40K miles($150). Much better then our Volvo 850 wagon which needed a timing belt and water pump new window switches, and radio at 17K miles. This car has travelled from California to Maryland and from Florida to Canada on our vacations without any problems. I hope it lasts another 5 years.

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  Found a Great One - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By weasal - March 2 - 2:00 am

  3.8 dual heat/air, Calif. vehicle. Traction Control, bought it private party, excellent condition, it was very well maintained. Had tranny flushed just because of the horror stories and will be bypassing radiator by adding separate tranny cooler. When they flushed it, the dealership said it was pretty clogged and had to remove lines to unclog them. Great vehicle. 20 mpg