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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  Nothing But Trouble - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kwetten1176 - January 31 - 7:20 am

  We bought our van fully loaded back in March 08. It has everything, 4.0L engine, the works. Overall, its a really nice vehicle. However; we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. As of Jan 10th 09 weve had this vehicle in to have the thermostat replaced 8 times. Its been declared a lemon. The transmission has started leaking fluid, the sliding doors do what they want to. It looses heat from time to time. The remote start works when it wants to. We went to trade this vehicle in for something else and it has depreciated value by $22,000. I almost fainted. We bought the van for $36,000 and I tried to trade it in, and was offered $14,000. Buyers beware.

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  Good but not Great. - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By teresphere - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I do mostly interstate driving ~17K/yr. I currently have 65K miles right now. I have replaced the brake pads once 5 months ago. I have not had any problems with any sensor or belt tensioner. I did get a recall letter about a possible fuel O ring that might be a problem in the engine compartment. There are some electrical problems..windshield wipers can be fickle. The transmission has had a rough time getting in gear at first at very cold temps (10 to -20F. I bought this car brand new..and i had a small transmission leak..a poor seal. I fixed it myself. I also seem to be losing some oil more recently.

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  Love my caravan (special edition) - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jarlin17 - January 18 - 2:19 am

  bought with 91k miles.This van was a great deal from an even greater dealership. The car fax was great, the warranty is great.Only thing I would change about the seating:the front seats should move back a littler further for taller people.The engine purrs like a kitten,the van handles excellent.The check engine light did come on once but it just needed a new gas cap, which dealer replaced.mileage is typical for most vans.advice: make sure you buy any used van from a reputable dealer.I have been in an accident in an 05 caravan going 65mph. no one was hurt, and minimal damage to van.

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  great vehicle - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jomare - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle now has 330000km and is still going strong (original engine, original transmission

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  Big surprise from Dodge. - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jorgeramirerez - January 13 - 2:53 pm

  After years of swearing I would never buy a Dodge, countless positive reviews suggested it was time to take a look. I did, and liked it, and so I grabbed one. Excellent so far, with no complaints. No quality issues so far, and mileage has been as expected for this much power and acceleration.

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  Maintenance is critical - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chazman - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  Drives great and has great versatility for hauling the whole family around. Gas mileage is decent and has good power. 116K miles so far. Changed front strut towers (squeeking and thumping), front engine bearing seal (oil leak). Still have the original transmission (knock on wood). Im careful about maintenance and it seems to have paid off so far. We just took a five thousand mile, three week road trip to the Grand Canyon and the car performed fabulously. Current problem is the dashboard indications go dead intermittently. Car still runs fine, but no speed indication, tachometer, etc. My mechanic says its the "body module computer" and its likely going to cost $700 to replace it

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  LOVE IT! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hotwire71 - January 2 - 1:13 pm

  This is my second Dodge Gr. Caravan. I bought my 2001 in June of 2003 with 67,000 miles. I now have over 210,000 miles on it. Other than a CV Boot gone bad in 2004, I have had little in the way of maintenance. Ive had the A/C looked at, but no one can find the leak, so I have it charged every Spring and have had no problems getting through the summer. In the 7 years Ive owned the vehicle, Ive replaced the break pads twice, so about every 75,000 miles. The front blower resistor/transistor or whatever it is called, went bad a couple weeks ago. In fact thats how I came to find this site. The part $13.99 and its definitely a DIY job, took me less than 10 minutes. I LOVE MY VAN!

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  Worst Gas Mileage I Ever Had - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By James - January 1 - 5:14 am

  For the most part I like this car. Its moderately comfortable, reliable, the overall "package" is good, but the gas mileage is absolutely horrible. The sticker said it would get an average of 20 mpg, based on 18 mpg on city streets and 24 mpg on highways. It isnt too bad on highways, getting an average of about 20 to 22 mpg when driving long distance and maintaining a steady speed of about 50 mph. But in stop and go city driving, its awful. Maybe about 8 or 9 mpg at best. Since I dont travel much, do mostly city driving, and the fact the I am retired and dont have tons of money, I cant say I am happy at this point. Dodge says they will fix it, so all I can do is wait and see if they do. Well see how much "Chrysler Cares" actually cares...

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  Surprise - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mr. Mom - December 25 - 8:30 pm

  We traded in our GMC Envoy for a Grand Caravan, and we were surprised! The room in this van is ridiculous! All of the seats recline, and the stow and go feature provides mega room for diaper bags and groceries! I think that this is the best van for the money! We looked at the Honda Odyssey, and the Grand Caravan was the better vehicle! I think that SUV drivers with kids will be happy when they try this van!

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  I should not have bought a dodge - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodgesucks3 - December 24 - 8:45 am

  Bought used with 36,000 miles. It now has 44,000 . Both auto doors went out about a week apart. Lift gate will not stay open. Power driver seat stopped working. Breaks are way under sized for the weight of the vehicle and need to be replaced. I get a slight shutter and wine when turning. It was hard to start in the cold weather. I do like the stow n go seats but they are a but of a chore to stow them. The value for it has dropped so much that I cant even trade it in. No one wants it including me!