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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The best weve ever owned - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
By mafraziersr - January 24 - 10:00 amOur 1996 came to us with 106K on the odometer. I dont know about the previous owners experience. It was leased. We purchsed it at the bank auction. It now has 240K miles with no problems. It still looks great and is in daily use along with our new, flawless 2003 Chrysler T&C (21K trouble free miles). Our only complaint is the brakes. The rear brakes are weak despite our best efforts.?? No transmission problems or engine problems. A fantastic van. In fact, this was our third (86 & 88 previous)Chrysler van. Both had 200K+ miles when replaced. Weve never experienced the transmission problems that seem to plauge other vans.
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A comfy ride - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By am - January 5 - 1:13 pmI bought this car for hauling and traveling. It has performed well for both. The only trouble I have had is a frozen wiper fluid line, an automatic side door that is now manual and some trim that hasnt held up to boys. Its not a sexy ride, but it gets me where I want to go safely and reliably.
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Beware of fuel expences - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By aradensky - January 5 - 10:20 amI changed my F150 with V8 with the last model Grand Caravan hoping to make some savings on gas. The advertised fuel efficiency shoud be 8.7 liters per 100km. (I am Canadien) The best I have reached to the moment on the interstate roads is 13.1 liters per 100km/ around 17 miles per gallon/ and it is 50% more than it is advertised. I have had more than 10 different cars, vans and trucks and it wasnt a problem to get close enough to the advertised efficiency.In the dealership they try to tell me that the way the van is built. And if it continues I have to take rid of it
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Nice van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Ed Davis - January 3 - 10:23 amExcellent vehicle. Fun to drive. Good ride and handling. I bought it new and have 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. I change the oil every 3000 miles, and it uses none between changes. Have taken several trips and get 26 mpg. Would buy another one but would also consider Toyota Sienna. Have added stripes, bug shield and driving lights to make it dressier.
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Actually like it - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
By d. mierau - November 23 - 11:50 amWe traded a 2002 model with a 3.3 in it.Used ES model came to dealer with 10,000 km on it Old guy owned it, to big for him to park. He had put a gold warranty plan on it. Even paid all oil changes. I really like the power and good in ice and slush with ice radials. Have just had very miner problems, all fixed on warranty.Dont use it enough, should sell it, but like to drive it. Only has 60,000 kms. on it(37,000)miles. I suppose Ill have nothing but trouble now that I brag about it.
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Loved my caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By kmfresh - November 20 - 8:05 pmI loved my caravan. It had everything I needed and wanted in a vehicle. It had surprisingly good gas mileage (I could make a 6 hour trip and still have over a 1/4 a tank to spare) Pros: Great seating, comfortable, smooth ride, durable, easy to drive, easy to clean and maintain both cleanliness wise and mechanically . Cons: The only bad things I have to say is I went through brakes like no other and had to get new axles at 100K miles. We also had to get a new radiator at 100K, as the one we had developed a leak and the van started to overheat.
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High Mileage Winner - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Happy Vanner - November 18 - 10:00 amI purchased my 1998 Sport brand new. I have followed the recommended maintenance per the manual except oil changes every 5,000 miles instead of 7,500. At 225,000 miles, I cant even think of selling this vehicle. It has been 100% reliable. No engine work. No tranny work. A few belts/tensioners, a crossover pipe. Oh yeah, I pull a 2000# camper, no problem.
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Bluetooth - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Jerry - October 23 - 9:51 pmBluetooth not standard and expensive to install. Should be standard equipment
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So far it has been a GREAT Choice - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
By okamsrazor22 - October 15 - 6:48 amMy wife was tired of our old Minivan and I agreed to look at new ones. Dodge/Chrysler has NEVER been on my list to look at; however, after using the 2011 DGC Crew as a rental for two weeks I decided to take another look. What I found was a completely different minivan than the cut-rate caravans of the past. I ended up with a fully loaded DGC R/T for less than I could have ever spent for a Sienna SE (my orginal 1st choice). This minivan drives like a dream, and while not as "quite" as the Odessey or Sienna, I will gladly trade minor noise (almost none at highway speeds) for Super Stow and Go and NOT driving something that looks like an alien Mothership. I could NOT be happier with this car
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Dodge Grand Caravan SE - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Joel - October 9 - 8:10 pmOverall the minivan has been very reliable and practicle. Bought with 35k miles from dealer, zero problems. ride quality is good and interior comfort is adequite. Fuel economy is almost too good and the van handles very well. Overall for the price you probably wont find better. I would definintly recommend. (the 3.8 would add more power.)
