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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America Rocks - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Colorado Native - March 19 - 2:00 amFellow Americans, just because it doesnt have the "coveted" "H" ot "T" (Honda and Toyota) on the hood does not mean this isnt one great van. Great ride, excellent looks and all the Caravans I have ever owned have never given me a day of trouble. Take care of it and it will take care of you, for a lot less then the Honda or Toyota.
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Dodge Advantages - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
By LTLION - March 19 - 2:00 amMy Dodge Caravan is the most satisfying vehicle I have owned. It is easy to drive and operate. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have known. We thoroughly enjoy the high quality which allows us to carry six adults very comfortable. The sliding doors and opening hatch, all with a button from within or outside the vehicle, add to the convenience and pleasure of using the Caravan.
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love it - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
By york - March 5 - 2:00 amjust fun to drive and room for everyone and everything.
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Comfort and safety at an affordable price - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Chuck - March 4 - 7:06 pmPresent mileage just shy of 4000. Gas mileage city 15 and 24 highway. Best ride of any mini-van I have driven. Wish I had paid a few dollars more and got the SXT. Traded in a 2007 Mercury Milan that I really liked, but this mini is a whole lot more vehicle and gets almost the same gas mileage
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Car has been great! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
By What to Buy next? - February 25 - 8:40 amI purchased this van used with about 60K miles. It now has about 119K miles and I have had very few problems. Ive done all the routine fluid changes, etc. but no major problems. Had the water pump replaced a while back. I love the comfortable ride. Now Im in the market for another vehicle because my husbands died and Im getting the new(er) car. Kids are in college now and I cant decide what to get next.
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Caravan # 2 - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
By tenpin - February 23 - 10:00 amThis is our 2nd caravan.We own a 1995 that has been to hell and back with over 300,000 miles on it,no major problems at all! We love our vans!!!
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Very Impressed - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Dale in Decatur - February 15 - 9:06 amThe van has a much improved and quieter ride over our 2000 Chrysler Gr VoyagerSE model. 3.8 V6 is very smooth and gets better gas mileage than the 3.3 V6. We looked at several Dodge/Chrysler vans before settling for this one. Build quality in terms of fit and finish seemed suspect with some of the vans. This one however had none of those negative traits. Great van at a great price Sure resale value isnt there, but I dont trade that often, so resale value isnt an issue for me. I would buy again.
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Had so called "better" Sienna and Odyssey... - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
By matt florczyk - February 8 - 4:31 pmThe most car for your $!!!, I had both Sienna and Odyssey, and the front seats are for very small people, another question: who needs a build in vacuum cleaner when most garages have a shop-vac just in front of the car. If one have to own something else then Chrysler product I still recommend Toyota Sienna without the leather interior. But if looking for fastest (0-60 in 7.2 seconds) and still the best in the minivan class Dodge AVP/SE Plus with option 29Q is the best value for your $ !!! I wonder if the Gentlemen writing bad story about Dodge front seats ever sit in one...???
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The best of the best! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
By TwoLayDbugs - February 5 - 2:00 amWe absolutely love the Dodge Grand Caravan!! We have the SXT Anniversary edition. It has tons of room and our daughter loves the DVD entertainment system! It handles fabulously in snow and rain, as well as dry road conditions. We really like the power doors and power rear lift gate -- its a blessing when trying to get an infant into the car with all of the baby gear, too! Weve gushed to our family and friends about our new vehicle and a few of them have gone out and purchased one for themselves!!
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Nice to drive for a van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
By kennedyma - February 1 - 1:03 pmBought for 6K from a private party, who kept all their records. We have put 40K miles on it since and have had basically no problems. Goodyear Triple Treds were on it, and at 95K we put another set on. These are really good tires for this van. Everything still works fingers crossed
