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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  poor quality - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Maz - January 4 - 4:23 pm

  Very comfortable and versatile. Served us well with two teens through college, however constant maintenance was costly and inconvenient. Another example of good basic design but poor materials and engineering of components, especially persistent problems with A/C, Transmission, Alternator, Belts, Wipers, Brakes, Spare Tire, Liftback and Radiator. Other than those things, it ran fine ; )

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  I was always an SUV believer, until now. - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cindra471 - January 2 - 3:08 pm

  I just bought my first Mini Van. I thought I never would. But, after seeing all the bells and whistles I get in this baby, Ill probably never go back to a SUV. The price for what you get is unbeliveable. Id only be able to get a base model SUV for the price I got the CREW Model. Oh, and the gas savings, you cant be it. This little van has everything you can think of and then some. I cant say enought about this van. If youre considering you wont be sorry. Im very pleased with my purchase, did I mention I traded a Cadillac for this, I dont miss the Cadillac at all!!!

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  No longer a Ford man - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By J. Burke - January 1 - 2:40 am

  I was so impressed with the overall performance and comfort of the vehicle. It is superior to any other similar van I have owned or driven in. It has been such a pleasure to drive, has excellent visibility and great acceleration on the freeway. Best of all is the stow and go feature, it has been a real asset. The vehicle is nicely fitted with amenities that you get wonderful luxury and dont have to rob a bank. I looked at other vans including Toyota and Honda, and this van is in their class no doubt about it. The audio system controls in the steering column was a very nice feature to add as well.

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  2006 Dodge Caravan SXT - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lee - December 27 - 12:33 pm

  This is our #2 Dodge Caravan. My husband bought a 2000 Dodge Caravan and loved it so much he would not let me drive it. There was a fight every time I wanted to drive it. So, when we finally got it paid for, I bought one for myself. I love it! If this one performs as well as the 2000, I will be very happy.

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  my van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cochlas - December 22 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this van with plans to drive kiddos and cousins around and it has been great! I really love all the driver seat adjustments because I have short legs. I have driven on long vacations with my parents and my two kids adn everyone seemed comfortable enough. I LOVE the Fold-and-Go seats. that is the main reason I bought this van. They have come in handy when I dont have a truck and It has proven great for camping. Just throw in a full size blowup mattress and throw mosquito netting over the open trunk and "presto!". It has had problems with the Rack and Pinion and struts. I hhad them replaced under warranty after owning the vehicle for 2 years.

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  Versatile and comfortable - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Frodo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  You wont believe how smooth a ride this van has! It has a HUGE interior room that is versatile and easy to care for. It can handle the scratches from dogs, and hauls tons of stuff. It gets suprisingly great gas milage, even in the city. It is DRIVER FOCUSED; the control panels are directed more toward the driver, making it easier to reach all the controls and keep driving the vehicle your first priority. The sound system is great; and having separate heating and cooling for drivers and passengers front and back is wonderful. The filter is priceless! My child is an asthmatic, and this filter has been the difference from discomfort to absolute pleasure.

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  Satisfied Grand Caravan Owners - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ATC - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Weve been very pleased with our Grand Caravan. Not a single complaint. Very easy choice for us to make at the time vs. the Honda Odyssey. Dodge had a better warranty, rebates and financing than Honda was offering and we got far more van for far less price than if we had purchased an Odyssey.

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  Recommended - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By arge - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought it used 2001-39000ml for $12,500 with new tires and keyless entry. Not bad at all. The 3.3L engine has very good pick-up but it slows down if you really try to rev it up. I average 18MPG. This could be better! A hybrid engine or turbo diesel would help quite a bit on the fuel economy side. Road handling is surprisingly good, car like, but in a sense, driving its better because of the nice view from “up there”. Comfort: low engine/aerodynamic noise (even if they cheap out on engine sound shielding), smooth shifting. Driver seat feels a little cheap. Sometimes the door armrest squeaks. Internal space is gorgeous, kids love it.

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  Can you spare some oil? - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Laura - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  Bought our van new in late 05. Was perfect the whole time it was under warranty. As soon as we ticked past 36K everything went to heck and FAST! EGR valve, water pump, power sliding door motors, transmission is slipping, burns up tires and brakes, and the icing on the cake is that last year it starting burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles! Now a year later, it has used to a quart every 500 miles! What a joke! We are trading it off in a few weeks and will never buy another Chrysler/Dodge product again! I am so disappointed in this van. We had planned on keeping for a long long time and now are forced to go look for another vehicle. The re-sale value is crap as well.

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  Outstanding family vehicle! - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By califamily - November 30 - 9:57 am

  We bought ours as our first minivan, coming SUVs, this was a big change. Ive been watching the 3.6l closely and it seems great in all vehicles so far. The engineering in this thing is genius, the top loading oil filter makes my life in the garage SO much easier! The level of attention and brilliance transfers to every part of the vehicle. We have 26k on ours so far and loved every minute. 0 problems. Its drivetrain is super smooth, it took a little getting used to but within the first day of ownership, any doubts that we had made the right decision were banished! This is an absolutely amazing family vehicle. We drive the competitors and this was by far most comfortable and most functional.