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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  1997 dodge Grand Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CJPorter - February 15 - 10:00 am

  For a family with lots of kids and prjects, the dodge grand caravan cannot be beat. Ive even hauled a washer and dryer in together with the back seats removed. I love my caravan

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  Tranny already! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Catsvan - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Grand Caravan Sport about 3 months ago. I love driving it and my daughter loves her TV/VCR. My only problems so far have been a few major oil leaks fixed easily, but very expensive & now the transmission needs to be rebuilt which is costing me over $2000. Im hoping and praying that this will fix the major problems. Time will tell.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Charles Mooers - February 15 - 6:16 am

  The battery went dead at 3900 miles and again at 5,922 miles. My first few tanks of gas I only got a little over 10 MPG. Now I only get a little over 13 MPG. Very disappointed with this vehicle. I will never buy another Daimler Chrysler product.

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  lost confidence - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By STRONG33 - February 8 - 6:10 pm

  All in all an ok van. seating is comfortable. STO N GO is nice. back seats slide up and back for more leg room.space utilization inside is good. very good in the snow! Wish the seats reclined further in back and psnger side. NOW the CONS 25,000 miles had to replace brakes and roters. dealership said consider myself luckey most go out at 12-17,000 mi on these new vans. you would think Dodge would come up with something to fix this problem! Back doors dont always want to close.Been to the dlrship 4-5 times and they still cant find anything wrong.wind noise on the highway seems to be getting louder. The dash rattles again dealership cant seem to find anything wrong. confidence in amer made??

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  Great car- 1 year ripe - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stonewt - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a like riding on air. The drive and handling is so smooth. Would like some extra oomph in hard excelleration, (but its a minivan) and have had fit and finnish problems. Had to take it to the overstaffed dealer to replace a weather strip on the top after a week. The dealer sent me to a bodyshop which looked at the strip that came off, and called the DEALER to order the part which would take 2 wks to arrive (we didnt get to pick the part up. The piece eventualy drove us mad so a more helpful service man stuck some doulble sided tape on and fixed the problem.....

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  Doors and brakes - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Danger - February 4 - 5:13 am

  We ordered this van from the factory the way we wanted it. We were very excited about it and enjoyed it for most of the first year. Although it was very annoying with the automatic doors, if the wind was blowing the doors would not shut because of the "safety". But January 2009 my then 4 year old daughter reached back into the van as the door was closing and it closed, latched and lock on her hand. Luckily after a trip to the doctors office the x-rays showed there was not anything broken. I took the van to the dealership and they said there was a programming on the doors that needed to be fixed. Well yesterday my 2 year old daughter got her hand caught in the same door, she received

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  Our van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mandy kienast - February 1 - 9:26 pm

  Van is well designed and quality built.The interior is comfortable and accomodating. Has good safety features, handles well on the freeway.

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  Lemon Law - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By family of five - February 1 - 5:43 pm

  We purchased our Dodge Grand Caravan in 11/04. We loved all of the features, especially the 6 disc DVD and stow n go. After the first year of ownership, we have had nothing but problems! Chrysler is purchasing our van back because of the lemon laws. We had so many things replaced (tie rods, sway bars, seats(cable broke), leak in the AC and AC replaced due to the recall. We are now looking at Sienna. It may cost us more but at least I wont spend a lot of time at the service center.

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  No problems so far--but 2nd row? OUCH - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Minivan Mom - January 31 - 3:56 am

  We are one week into our new Caravan-- fourth weve owned since 1996. So far so good. My only real complaint is that the "new" seats are scratchy and uncomfortable, especially in the 2nd row. Theres a bar that hits right at an adults shoulder blades--OUCH. We have two teens and its not so great for them. Younger kids would be no problem. Love the dual channel DVD & myGig radio. The backup camera seems to work nicely also. Last one owned was a 2006 and Dodge has cut corners on this new one compared to old-- plastic spoiler on back end, plastic bumper guard, etc. But best improvement--2nd row windows go 2/3 down. Much appreciated change! Great deals out there--go get one!!!

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  Stay Away-MoneyPit/Death Trap - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jayblack1 - January 27 - 8:54 am

  Total junk, worst think I ever bought. Breaks last 10-15k.Power lift gate and passenger sliding door failed due to rotten plastic (64k&70k).Clock spring & tilt sensors went out causing stability and traction control system malfunction, computer activated brakes stopping van in middle of traffic (no break input from driver).Exploded coolant line @ 82k due to rotten plastic in Y junction, another one leaking on airbag wiring (101k) causing airbag MIL to come on. Broken brake spacer @101,5k cause pad to fall out and wedge between rotor and brake assembly locking up rear driver wheel. This POS has left my wife and 4kids stranded on side of road 5 times in less than 2 years! Run Away! Deathtrap!