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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  Love It - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By thumperl - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Only had the van 2 months but just love the sto and go seats, Have the back up option and all the other bells and whistles I could get. Would recommend highly. The only thing that could be changed is the electric passenger seat should have as many adjustments as the driver seat.The more I drive the better the gas milage gets. It is just great.

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  So..so minivan - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mom of 2 boys - August 1 - 11:00 am

  This car was a year old when I purchased it. It is great on long drives because of the room. I have several dents in the rear bumper because of the difficulty to see behind. The car was good for the first couple of years, but now is experiencing major mechanical problems. I wish the seats would "stow and go" easier. The third row is a pain to remove.

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  236,000 miles of reliable usefulness! - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By joejackson - July 17 - 5:16 pm

  Bought this Grand Caravan new in 1996 and have put 236,000 miles on it so far. Fabulous vehicle for hauling people and stuff. Great comfortable highway cruiser too. Averaged 22+ mpg at 75 mph on long trips. Hauled kids to school and events, college kids belongings, 4x8 sheets of plywood, and apartment loads of furniture easily. Many ski trips in the snow. The much maligned transmission has been great. Worked perfectly for 140,000 miles, then had it rebuilt (for $1500) and it has now gone another 100,000 miles and still working fine. If that is a bad transmission design, then I sure hope I get something as good on our next vehicle! No other major repairs.

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  Better then most will admit - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By longhornfan1 - July 14 - 10:36 am

  Regardless of what is said online I have seen more dodge vehicles with over 200,000 miles on them then any other manufacture and that includes everyones beloved Honda. Dodge makes the best van for someone who wants reliable affordable transportation. This van has a great ride solid build and will not require a second loan if something does go wrong like the Honda would. My neighbor has one with 195K on it and plans to put 100 more. I have 36K and plan on 200K myself.

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  What a pleasant surprise ! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dale - July 14 - 1:06 am

  This van looks great and it has the engine to back up its beauty. I dont feel like Im drivng a minivan when I put the pedal to the medal on hills. Its really too bad the bench seat at the back only has two shoulder belts. Hopefully Damler has addressed this Dodge oversight.

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  Nice features, but engine and tranny bad - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Brian - July 8 - 7:46 pm

  The visible parts of the car are great. The body is good, the interior fit and finish is good, the "Stow n Go" is great, the engine is plenty powerful. I like the car for its features. Mechanically, I am extremely disappointed. There is a constant rubbing sound coming out of the front- left upper strut mount over even little bumps, the engine uses about 3.5 quarts of oil between oil changes (3000 miles), the transmission clunks (and the car jumps) when down-shifting when you take your foot off the gas. I have reported these issues numerous times, but the "factory rep" keeps telling me that they are within design specs and wont fix it. Give me a break! No more Dodges for me!

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  First Minivan - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TBarwick - July 5 - 11:36 pm

  Never thought Id see the day, me, owning a Minivan of all things! Actually enjoying it - the space, nice ride, and mpg. Dealer has been great. I just need more horse power (used to V8!) but then Id be complaining about mpg right?

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  Got to love it - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Vobis132 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  It has a smooth ride and excellent performance (weve only had it a few weeks and have already put several hundred miles on it). It gets better mileage than you would expect for a vehicle this size. Finding what you need to find under the hood is easy with the convenient yellow labeling of owner manageable items, such as oil dipstick, air filter, etc. The built in 6 disk DVD changer and flip down TV are great with the kids, and the push button remote key that opens the sliding side doors and the rear gate is awesome. This van has everything you could ask for and more.

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  Only if you need Stow n Go - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 08LasVenturas - July 2 - 11:06 pm

  If you are looking for a minivan or SUV around the same price as a used Grand Caravan, Id look elsewhere unless you need the Stow n Go, which is a good feature. The only problems Ive had with it is that the seats are heavy & you have to move up the front seats to fold the 2nd row. The van is comfortable inside and has plenty of cup holders and room. The ride is sub par, but its easy to drive and handles well for a van of its size. The 3rd row flips into a tailgate which is a cool feature. There are also individual map lights for each seat. But the speakers in the 3rd row are huge and anyone sitting back there will surely go deaf.

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  Rust badly! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By oh_mom - June 30 - 1:40 am

  Bought used in 2009 and started to rust badly around the wheel wells about a year later. It was still under warranty, so they repaired it, but it came back in the same place. They repaired it again and it came back yet again in the exact spot they "repaired." It is now out of warranty and the dealership wont return our calls. We contacted Chrysler and for the past 2 weeks, they have been "looking into it." The only other issue we have is that driver side passenger door sticks/jams upon opening. Overall, it seems to be mechanically solid. However, the rust issue is serious enough that we are looking at getting rid of it. And we will NEVER purchase a Chrysler product again.