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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  170,000 miles and still going! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By cprevbhayes - July 25 - 8:24 am

  Bought used in 2003 with 35k. Now has 170,000 and still running strong. Did have to replace shift solenoid in tranny at about 100k, but that was only a $300 repair. Motor is still strong and doesnt use any oil. Transmission will use a little fluid occasionally. Only complaint (if you can complain about something that is 11 years old) is that the paint on the hood is fading out. Still drives great. A/C compressor is currently out and weighing whether or not it is worth the $1000 price tag to have that fixed. All in all, it has been a great vehicle. Not that exciting to drive, but great for the family. Hey, its a minivan after all!

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  Regrets and Concerns - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MDShea - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the van used with 54,000 documented well cared for and maintained miles. Transmission was replaced at 44,000 miles - I thought ok, I have a van with the bugs worked out. Within two weeks it cost me $900 for a computer and auto stick handle! This van scares the bucks out of my wallet. Now I have a metalic sound when the van idles that concerns me. Beautiful van FOR SALE!

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  Good Van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John Lau - June 18 - 10:00 am

  We had a choice of buying a new, bare- bones van, or a used one with options. We saw this and decided that we wanted the nicer things that it had. It never left us stranded, and it was dependable. It handled well for a van, it looked good, and it was loaded. There were never any rattles or squeaks, and except for the CD player (which stopped working two years ago), everything held up just fine.

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  Pleased - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tropikal - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a very good vehicle. This is my third Caravan. Very comfortable on the road. The Touring suspension and ABS helped avoid a seroius accident; the car was very stable in an evasive move. Dynamite infinity stereo although the headphones are too difficult for the kids to work (me too). Problems: power sliding door, oil leak at the filter flange, transmission shifts hard from 1st to 2nd under light load.

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  Devil in the Details - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JBaker in MS - June 16 - 3:06 pm

  We bought this van b/c it was far cheaper than the Odyssey. It had been a great car until about a year ago. Now 5 years old, its beginning to disappoint us. Its little things: theres a rattle in both sides of the front suspension, the front windows arent working, trim is popping loose on the sides, the water pump went out and both doors have had the wiring harnesses replaced. Unfortunately, the warranty ran out long ago. The van drives/rides great. Its great on trips, but long-term reliability is questionable. Also, our mpg has never been good. Its now down to 18- unacceptable in a V6 minivan rated higher than that. Even on straight interstate we only get 21 or 22 mpgs.

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  So-so Van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CAS - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 97 Es extended and for the first 4-5 years the car had so many problems. The worst was the CD Player. Also, right before a stoplight the brakes blew out!! Chrysler needs to work on reliabilty.

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  The silver people hauler - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kretara - June 10 - 6:06 am

  We bought the van used with 24k miles on it, now have 41k on it. My wife loves the van and we both love the stow and go seating. The versatility of a pick-up in a van. Just finished 1,200 mile trip with no problems. MPG: 16 city, 24 highway. The van has been in the shop a few times for warranty issues. The torque converter has been replaced, the transmission was flashed with new software, brakes and tires @30k, clunking front suspension, both power doors failing to open. The van should be more reliable, but what can one expect from an American car.

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  Well... - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By qtkime - May 29 - 4:56 am

  I loved my van when I bought it. i rode well and was fun, not horrible gas mileage, either. Then in 2003 it was struck by lightning and completely killed the computer. Never have gotten all the bugs out. After that, nothing has been the same. The air conditioner died. Theres this horrible noise in the front end and nobody can tell me whats wrong. Its falling apart everywhere. It coud be that my kids are just wild children and need to be in the zoo, but that has nothing to do with how bad its running. Even the gas mileage has gone to the toilet, 19 mpg on the highway. Nobody can tell me whats wrong there either.

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  So far, So good - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dustin - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this van used, and it has not yet failed us. We had one of the first Dodge vans ever made, (back in 91 or so,) and we loved it. This one is just as great. The only problems weve had so far is small transmission problems, (but nothing serious), and some air-conditioning problems have just started, (which also happened with our old Dodge Caravan.) Weve had a Dodge Grand Caravan twice now, but I think our next vehicle will be a Chrysler Town & Country.

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  Dodge Caravan Sport - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LisaGW1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving this van for 3 months, but have had no problems at all. Its fairly comfortable, and I like the fact that the second row seats are spaced apart from each other.