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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  Dream Car - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By D. A. Anderson - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Prior to this vehicle I had a 2001 Lincoln, Touring Sedan, Town Car. The Dodge Grand Carvan is far superior in all categories, leg room, passenger comfort, ride and driving. I now have two of these vehicles and love them. Over the years I have had numerous Lincolns and Cadillacs and with their downsizing since 1998 have made them unacceptable for my use. This Dodge fills the desires of a good size, comfortable, safe, fun to drive vehicle for me and my family.

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  Style, Storage and Squeal - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Karen - September 5 - 12:55 pm

  We rented this model last year for a trip that required lots of storage room for the trip home. We were instantly converted to a minivan household! Due to an unfortunate accident (not our fault) in November, it did provide us with the opportunity to buy a new car. We didn’t even have to discuss it. We already knew what we wanted. I searched online for a 2017nmodel, and bought it over the phone in less than an hour. When my husband’s workday ended, he dropped off our other car to have the brakes relined, and got a lift from a friend straight to Landmark in Athens. He drove our new car home after signing the paperwork. Great financing, great customer service! I am handicapped which makes entering and exiting a car difficult. But because the Grand Caravan sits lower than our crossover, it’s much easier for me know. Plus there is room for my wheelchair if needed. And the power out;ets allow me to use my medical while in transit so I can withstand longer road trips. So much storage space with all seats in position. If we stow all the seats, we can slide a queen size mattress and box springs in the back with room left over! Love the separate temperatur controls in the front and rear. Rides like a car, storage room of a pickup and that v6 squeals the wheels when you have to go NOW. We weren’t picky...this was the last 2017 model left on the lot so we had no hcoice in color of van, carpet or rest of interior. Missing s power package we would like to have (seats, doors, tailgate), but otherwise it’s fabulous. And have you ever heard of getting 25mpg on surface streets? And we get 31mpg on the expressway. The economy fuel setting helps us achieve that. LOVE the Dodge Grand Caravan! And our rapidly growing teenager finally has room for his super long legs! Cant say enough nice things about the car or Landmark Dodge. Just a great experience all the way around.

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  Stow n Go Sold Me! - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Kristen E. - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Having a DGC with the stow n go feature is like having two vehicles. In less than 30 seconds my 7-passenger kid-hauler turns into a very roomy and practical cargo-van. In fact, I can pack more in this van than I could in a un-covered pick-up truck! It is designed to fit a 4x8 sheets of material! Bravo, Chrysler. The fact that this van is stylish, very roomy, comfortable and competitively priced is just icing on the cake. There are so many seating/hauling possibilities! The fuel economy is not stellar, but its better than a truck, and I find it much more useful. The tranny in mine was jerky at first, but after 2500 miles it shifts smooth as silk. The under floor storage is impressive too!!

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  Great van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Not my first rodeo - August 21 - 5:16 pm

  We bought it new in 98, it now has 179k on it with only the normal maintenance. The local Grease Monkey franchise flushed the transmission at 120k and cracked the lines which blew out all the fluid while on a trip to Nashville. Time for a new tranny at my expense as they accepted no blame even though they admitted theyd cracked the lines. Go figure that one. Only complaint is the headlights dont put out a lot of light, otherwise everything has worked since day one. Id recommend the Caravan to anyone.

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  there are no problems to Dodge - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By fan of Grand Caravan - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a new Dodge Grand Caravan for about $20,000, with the key fob. It is clearly the best minivan. The only options aside of the standard features were the Power Convenience Group, Deluxe Convenience Group, CD player with cassette, and Rear Window Defroster. This van has many great features like the cupholders, stereo, and excellent air conditioning. The fuel economy is also great for a van. I fail to see why this vans twin (Town & Country) placed only fourth in Edmunds Minivan Comparison Test.

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  best of the Mini Vans - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mulligun - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a luxury sedan. Has more storage space than I could imagine. No more pulling seats out they fold neatly in the floor.

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  Great car - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Susan - July 11 - 4:20 pm

  This has been a great minivan. We really like having vents that go all the way back (which is why we bought the Sport) and the built in kid seats - they make life so easy. The car runs great on the highway and handles really well. I just want better gas mileage - I cant wait until they start making hybrids or just improving the mileage.

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  Not my Vanagon but pretty darn good - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gsned57 - June 26 - 7:00 am

  Bought this one the first day of the bailout when Chrysler said theyd match the C4C money. Traded in my 86 Vanagon and got a $29K van for $17,5. I never thought Id buy a chrysler product and really loved my VW, but there were a lot of things that needed fixing and with a new baby I wanted something safer for her. I test drove the Japanese and Korean vans and I cant see why anyone would pay 2X as much for one of them. Stow and Go is the single greatest feature. Ive already hauled full sheets of plywood in the van and also carried 7 people on a moments notice. Well see what happens in terms of reliability but Ive driven 2 1000 mile trips and its been great.

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  Rent to Buy - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Vegasrenie - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the pleasure of driving a Grand Caravan Sport for the past week and have fallen in love with it. I have been minivan-shopping for quite some time and needed a big vehicle for the week. I returned the Chevy Astro van because it handled like a brick. The Dodge has been perfect ... as fun to drive as a small car, easy to park, good gas mileage, great fit/finish, wonderful stereo, etc., etc. I was truly surprised and pleased at the quality. This may surplant either the Toyota or Mazda I had been planning to buy. My kids are grown and gone, but I need a grandmas station wagon. This may be it.

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  Third Time Around! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By XCalifGal - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I should be a "poster child" for Dodge Grand Caravans. I just purchased a 2002 Grand Caravan SE Sport--my third Grand Caravan in 14 years! In search of a replacement after 9 years, I test drove SUVS, other vans, and station wagons for a year before deciding that I couldnt happily survive without the roon, comfort, drive, and dependability of a Grand Caravan. I must say that there have been strides made in the handling and ride of the Grand Caravan since 1994! Heres to another 145K miles!