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:

• 

  All Good Here - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 61 kd - July 11 - 11:53 am

  Bought this model from dealer, first family truckster Ive owned. I think Ill own it forever. It just never quits. Did have a master cylinder issue early on but was under warranty. I also replaced the A/C but other than that nothing else. It rides like a dream, love the versitility of removing the 2nd row captain chairs, and it gets 23 on the highway. Engine and Tranny still going strong!

• 

  4th one, LAST one! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gchrismer - July 2 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my first in 86, second in 90, 3rd in 96, this one in 2001. Traded last one in w/112K on it, transmission starting to slip. This one is a Sport FWD model. Has 60000K on it, 98% are highway miles. Front end is "shot".....needs new struts and ball joints. You should hear and feel the thing ride. Its horrible and obvious to anyone. Dealer refuses to even acknowledge this.My own mechanic (who is known in town as GOOD and trustworthy!) gave me the bad news. Thats it.....I am going out to buy Japanese...Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey. They lost a loyal customer - who isnt stupid.

• 

  Caravan1 - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By johnm - June 20 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle for around town, on the highway, and for carrying large loads. Comfortably carries 6-7 people.

• 

  DODGE SPORT GRAND CARAVAN - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By AVANBUFF - June 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TO DRIVE ON TRIPS DEALER SERVICE UNACCEPTABLE. BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITHIN TWO YEARS OTHER WISE REALLY LIKE THIS MININVAN

• 

  Great ReliablityI - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mb - June 17 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned 5 Grand Caravans and I am sold on its reliability. We recently purchased a new caravan because of a roll over accident with our old caravan. The passenger area stayed completely in tack. The air bags deployed as they were designed and my family was safe. We had a few bumps and bruises after rolling over 3 times. The Caravan is a very comfortable and utility vehicle for a family.The stow and Go especially.

• 

  Good value, not best van out there - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DonnaH - June 15 - 9:50 pm

  We have just about 4K miles on the van. Rides very nice. Interior is versatile, hauled a full size couch using Stow and Go which is cool. The compartments in the floor are handy storage when the seats are up. The leather seating is firm and driver/passenger seats are not comfortable compared to Honda. The Stow and Go seats are surprisingly comfortable even for an adult considering the compact size. Have had a few minor problems with trim coming off after only 2 months. Front bumper cracked, how, I dont know, no marks. The dealer said too bad, no warranty, $750 repair. I would have bought the Odyssey, but Dodge came in $5K less plus 0% financing for 5 years. Overall, a decent value. You get what you pay for.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Carla Garrison - June 14 - 10:03 am

  This car has been wonderful this past year. The stow and go seating is almost miraculous. I dont know how we ever lived without it. It makes this van extemely versitile changing quickly and easily from a people carrier to a cargo transport. The navigation system and audio, video system have been entertaining to say the least. I think I always want to own one.

• 

  Not a good experience this time around - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Reliability Issues - June 12 - 8:53 pm

  Had this van for about four years now, had a lot of trouble in the beginning with small things like the rear htch opening at will. Since the waranty ran out we are having trouble with the transmision (shifting back and forth between gears as you accelerate) water pump has gone, front end is loose and makes strange noises - I suspect the ball joints are shot, transmission hose broke and dumped transmission fluid all over road. Engine is loosing oil like crazy. Does not seem to be leaking so I can only assume that it is burning oil. This is my third Dodge Van... first two were good but this one has had problem after problem. I suspect I will not buy another Dodge van

• 

  Better than Honda, Ford and all the rest - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By davek - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for over 6 months and 10k miles. It still feels and drives exactly like the day I picked it up. Dodge dealer was great to work with. Lots more options for a much lower price than the Honda and I didnt have to put up with the Honda dealers attitude.

• 

  a pleasant surprise - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By iksok - June 2 - 2:00 am

  very quiet vehicle have no problems with our purchase car is very nicely equipped leather, heated seats, at this time the most pleasure to drive as compared to other vehicles some of which were very much more expensive including imports