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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  So Far, So Good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DT - October 1 - 1:40 am

  Like many others you have read about, has a minor tranmission leak. Very flexible interior design, comfortable, fun to drive. Great sound system. Have gone on long drives with 5 passengers, 2 kayaks, 4 bikes. Nice choice for families or for general people or other hauling. Have concerns about mechanical/reliablity issue 6 years on, but no major problems yet. On balance, it has been a very good family vehicle for us.

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  Bought It Used, Feels Like New - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Florida Dude - September 27 - 3:36 pm

  Got it as from a dealer who bought it at a fleet auction. Former rental. Changed oil, and thats it. Had it for about 10,000 miles now with no problems whatsoever. The Stow N Go space versatility is tremendous, with nothing really comparable in the market. ALL THE SEATS FOLD FLAT INTO THE FLOOR. I had a 1995 Caravan and I almost killed myself moving those seats in and out for when I needed to carry stuff. I swore Id never buy another minivan until all the seats folded into the floor. Abacadabra!

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  Its been a good van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John - September 23 - 4:33 am

  Bought this van in late summer 2006; it had 99,000 miles on it when I got it. (Ive been buying high-mileage cars for about 10 years, with minimal problems.) This is a very comfortable van; noticeably more comfortable than our 99 SE. Problems since purchasing: new AC compressor - worked fine when I bought it, conked out a month later; new regulators for both front windows; I replaced the power steering reservoir to eliminate the cold weather noise thats characteristic of this vintage Chrysler van; had some seals replaced to eliminate engine leaks. The only one of those repairs that I was surprised at was the AC compressor. After all, a lot of wear happens in 99,000 miles.

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  Cruising in a Caravan - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By J.D. - September 21 - 2:56 pm

  Ample features like heated seats, CD/cassette options w/steering wheel controls and power tailgate boost its appeal. The 17" shiny chrome wheels add a sporty flair. Transmission is a little jerky at times from 1st to 2nd gear. Fuel evaporator hoses have been causing check engine light to come on. Replaced 2 hoses in less than a year. Comfortable ride and plenty of power.

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  The Best Vehicle for Families - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By iamheumann - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  A great buy for families. Our children have grown up and we no longer would need a van, but it was the best when we purchased it in 1997. Interior room and features were great. I still like its exterior style and shape. Engine quality could have been better...too many repairs and problems over the years. "Old Blue" is almost retired, but we now rent newer model Grand Caravans when we take long trips and still enjoy the experience.

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  Has been Great - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cobalt - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Have had van for 5 years and 107000 miles, to only things that I have done is reg maint. One battery and 2 sets of brakes, 2nd set at 100000 miles. I can fit the whole house in to this van when I go on vacation and still have room for the fam. and still get good MPG, around 20. I didnt buy it for its looks or performance. I bought it for the basic use of a van.

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  Peoplemover - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By sport - September 1 - 7:10 am

  Traded in a 14 year old Nissan pickup. Fair purchase price, Terrible current resale value. A money loser. First year of ownership: New Windshield, drive shaft, battery, fender protector. Trip to dealer every 3000mi. for O/L/F brought out an uncalled for need of a very expensive repair to be had. A come on. Good room for a big load. Never going to buy another Dodge.

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  My covered wagon - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jay - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  Even though I had to replace the transmission at about 117K miles, Ive not regretted buying this vehicle at all. It is my pick-up truck with a permanent cover on the back. I can put 10 ft. boards in here and close the back door. Same thing is true with 8x4 plywood which lays flat. The back seats are very rarely in the vehicle as I use it as a truck most of the time. WARNING!! That intermittent dashboard (gauges, ligt, etc.) is NOT a computer problem. The solder connections on the back of the instruments panel are whats causing the problem. I re-soldered mine at about 108K and they have been solid ever since. I love my van/truck/covered wagon!!

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Richard - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is one fine ride and lots of room to haul things . A COMFORTABLE ride.

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  Best used car ever - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ronj - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car gives a great ride and is great on gas I have the tow package and it pulles my trailer very well, I have the big V6. It is a fun car to drive and I look forward to shopping for a new one.