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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  Best AWD minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jaidev Rao - January 24 - 10:00 am

  04 Chrysler T & C Ltd AWD has a 3.8 liter V6 215 HP 280 Lb/Ft Torque engine w. good acceleration, high cruising speed, a rigid chassis gives it a quiet ride. It gives 18 mpg, carries 7 adults and lots of luggage in luxury. AWD, towing package for pulling 3800 lbs., engine and transmission oil cooler, and auto. load levelling suspension. GPS Navigation, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, Infinity AM/FM Hi-Fi Stereo with in dash 6 DVD player and 10 speakers, Auto 3 zone (driver, passenger and rear), Tire Pressure Monitor, AC with front and rear control and Electric Sun Roof. All leather seats w. 4 c

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  excellent piece of equipment - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mek0123 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have totally enjoyed my Dodge Grand Caravan ES. It is truly a fun to drive and the best road vehicle I have ever driven much less owned. Rides like a car and handles like something German. For the first time ever in a minivan, I can actually hold a regular tone conversation with 3rd seat rear passengers without raising my voice. Chrysler-Infinity sound system with 9 speakers can literally blow you out of the van. Automatic load leveling suspension is the final charm for me with this minivan. Loaded up, headlights are still aimed on the road and not up into the trees. Rent one from Alamo/Dollar for a weekend and youll be convinced too!!!

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  2003 Dodge Grand Caravan is versatile - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hector F. - November 29 - 10:00 am

  After driving the 02 DGC Sport for 2 months, I find that it is versatile. It is the ideal van to travel on your vacations. It handles very well, it is reliable, and it turned a few heads in my companys parking lot. Some co- workers have even bought 03 Dodge vans and trucks.

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  One Awesome Van - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John Christiansen - November 25 - 9:00 pm

  Bought the van in early of 2006 and know wile I am writing this my family and I have put a little over 40,000 miles on the van. It has been great it has not given us a lick of trouble since day one. The thing gets on average 23 to 24 mpg and close to 26 if we do nothing but highway. I guess the K&N air filter helps with that and i would recommend that air filter to anybody who has this van as it does, not only help out fuel mileage, but also gives the 3.8 a tad but more power. My family and I are very happy with this van, the room in this thing is great and the way gas is going up we wont get rid of this thing anytime soon.

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  We could not be happier - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By smilingbrownbear - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We have now owned this vehicle for just over three months. It is as good as the other reviewers have mentioned. Looks great, rides great, reasonably priced. Love the power liftgate! Excellent storage area, including underneath seats. Seats are very comfortable. We are very satisfied with the vehicle and the complete buying experience with our local Dodge dealership.

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  A definite step up - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jeff Majtyka - October 8 - 12:53 pm

  I have three boys under 8 and this is a definite step up from our Ford Taurus. We have so much room and the kids love it. We can go places now that we never could in the car with the 5 of us. I come from a solid Ford family, but Ford could not match what Dodge could offer in the Grand Caravan. Even dad (Me) likes to take it for just running errands and dont feel girly. Ford who??

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  Affordable Comfort and Versatility - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By The Warden - October 6 - 10:00 am

  While it is no Honda Odyssey, at least that is what I am told by those rich enough to afford the Honda minivan, my Dodge Grand Caravan Sport is fun to drive, versitile, and, so far anyway, reliable...and for thousands less after rebates and negotiations than what people are paying for a comparably equipped Odyssey. This is my second Grand Caravan. My first was a 1999 with the same engine that gave me no trouble whatsoever. Dodge continues to impress me with the Grand Caravan and I will be back in a few years to get another one.

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  Bought a minivan for my puppy dogs - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MIchelle Crist - October 3 - 8:16 am

  People think Im crazy for purchasing a minivan to tote my dogs around, but it was the best of all options. Low enough that they can get in and out as they grow older. Room enough that my German Shepherd is not slouching, or crammed in the back set. its perfect. I put the 2nd row of Stow & Go seating down, dog beds on the floor, and we are ready to go.

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  2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bethanne - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The first Dodge Caravan I owned was a 1985. I loved the versatility of the van. Then my best friend bought a 1993 Caravan and I fell in love with the extras it offered. The style had completely changed. It no longer looked like a box car but a sleek machine and I wanted one for myself. And to my suprise I just purchased a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport on March 1, 2004 it might not be knew but I wouldnt buy any other style.

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  Fantastic Family Vehicle - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By J Max - September 20 - 2:46 pm

  Bought used at 41,000. Do about 20,000 a year. Currently at 121,000. Wow is all I can say. Except for a rusted through coolant pipe (damaged when hit by rock kicked up underneath) $0.00 in repairs. Maintenance so far; 1 tune-up at 100,000 brakes and tires at 25,000 and 60,000 intervals. Im not easy on this. Its my daily driver, 50 mile RT commute in bumper to bumper traffic, all types of weather with Snow & Ice. Never a problem. Great control, Comfortable seats, Fantastic stereo, As good as any import. Tranny shifts Perfect, engine still like new, no loss of oil or coolant. Runs quiet Starts quick every time. Lots of room for dad, mom, 4 teenagers and our stuff. Interior still like new