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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  Extremely Pleased - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By GKgrandma - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We bought our van because we were left raising two of my grandchildren and they wanted a van. ITS BEEN THE BEST THING WE COULD HAVE DONE!!! The girls really enjoy it and weve made several long distance trips (16,000 miles or more) in the time weve had it, with no trouble. Youre right - its extremely comfortable to drive and ride in. In fact my son, who has a Honda Odyssy, says hes buying a Dodge Grand Caravan the next time they buy. (Ive riden in his van, and its noisy, small and uncomfortable.) Our ride is also very quiet - something that most comment on when they ride with us. A VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER

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  I LIKE MY VAN . . . A LOT - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By SCRATCH - February 11 - 10:00 am

  WE BOUGHT OUR VAN DECEMBER 03 IT HAS BEEN A JOY TO DRIVE AND WITH GAS PRICES UP, WE THINK WE GET GREAT GAS MILAGE FOR THE DRIVING WE DO.

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  Best yet - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By firesocks - February 9 - 2:00 am

  When you sit down and compare apples to apples the Dodge Boys end up on top. Something that the neh sayers need to take into consideration is the Diamler effect put into these vans. Fine German engineering is quite evident in the interior. Fit and finish excellent. Would never opt for retractable rear seat unless the split 50/50 rear could retract individualy.

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  My Thoughts - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Gene E. Waktz - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I currently have a 2004 model. This is my second Dodge Caravan. The first was a 1999 which performed very well. When I traded it in on the current one it had 69000 miles. The only problem I had with it was the emergency brake unit which had to be replaced at around 20000 miles, it was covered by the warrenty. The main reason I traded was the great financial deals they were offering at the time. I did upgrade to a larger V6 engine. There is a big difference in performance. I also added the power sliding doors, great.

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  Awesome Mini Van! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By elboricua - February 7 - 10:00 am

  You have to love the power liftgate, the smooth drive, and the stow and go. We drove other mini vans, and there is no comparison to the interior room and comfort of the Caravan. And the upgraded engine is responsive, yet quit. Definitely worth it.

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  Winner - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bob - February 2 - 9:56 pm

  This vehicle has a great design, large headlights .Tail lights stand out at night, body design is attractive. The van has no rattles and is quite air tight. The van has a lot of storage space and a good visibilty. Anti Lock Breaks work with little effort applied, seats are comfortable.

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  Excellence! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By G Claussen - January 24 - 6:23 pm

  I love this thing! Super value and all the storage I could ask for. The kiddies love it and the wife, well, who cares what she thinks. Nice rig for SURE!

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  I Love My Van - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KH2OS11 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a Dodge caravan for 5 years now and I love it. Everytime they come out with something new we upgrade. It is like driving a car but with the room of a bus! I like all the room. With three kids to take around it is very nice to have a van that I can count on to meet all my need with the kids.I love the automatic slid doors!! I would never drive anything eles!! That is the truth

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  I love my Grand Caravan - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bob - January 20 - 7:53 pm

  I have had 3 Windstars and a Honda Minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan is by far the best of the 4. The stow and go seating is absolutely wonderful (and thats why I bought it). I have had no problems whatsoever in 10K miles and year and half of ownership. It rides like a dream, handles great, (could use a little more pep, Quiet interior, but its OK) Gas mileage around town about 18, on the road 23 both with AC on. No problems folks and thats the truth! Im so happy with it, Chrysler sure has changed since Mercedes took them over- I feel like Im driving a Mercedes. Ill buy another in a heartbeat. Just love it!

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  Great Van! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike in PA - January 14 - 4:13 pm

  We moved into this van from a 200 Chevy Venture WB Edition. This is by far a better van. It is ultra-roomy and the seats are very comfortable. The new options for 2006 are a big plus. I love the Stow n Go seating, and the tailgateing seat feature of the third row will make drives ins a comfortable experience. I highly recommend this van. We drove the Freestar and Sienna and this van was better in size, and overall drive quality.