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:
Showing 411 through 420 of 1,244.00-
mopar vans,better than japan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
By michael k. - June 2 - 2:00 ami got a grand caravan.i tested drove other mini vans and mopar was the best.it handles great,you can trust it.you got great power with very good gas milage.the inside is very roomy.in 94, i tested other vans,dodge was the best then.i got 209,000 miles on it and it still going.my kids drive it now.
-
Best Vehicle Purchase - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Happy - June 2 - 2:00 amI drive all over Montana in all types of weather. I have never been let down by my Caravan. I never thought I would drive much less purchase a mini-van. This is a rock solid investment. Whomever says you have to be desperate to own a mini-van has never driven a Dodge Caravan.
-
LOVE IT! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Knovice Buyer - May 28 - 11:23 pmMy first Minivan, after a gas guzzling SUV! Love the space, the ride, the stow and go seats. First trip got 25 mpg with 2 adults, 4 kids and 1 dog onboard. Dealer was fantastic - pleasure to work with, no pressure, wanted our business. With rebates and incentives, you cant beat the Caravan.
-
Yes - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
By William Cramer - May 27 - 5:49 pm -
not bad... - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Mike - May 26 - 9:00 pmThe wife and I hit the dealership the last day of the "national mini-van" sale and got an amazing deal. We bought the SXT "special edition" grand caravan for 23 thousand (a 32 thousand dollar vehicle). It has all the bells and whistles they offer. The wife was happy as she drives it to work. We owned a 2002 Grand Caravan that we traded in for this one. I have to say the 2002 was more quiet and had more headroom than this 2007. I believe its because of the stow n go seating storage bins being so close to the road it picks up a lot of noise (?). The wife likes it so Im happy, no issues with it thus far.
-
The Big blue Van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
By elmo - May 26 - 10:00 amSo now Im 30- something w/ 2 kids; so now I have a van. Well, i must say that the Dodge Grand Caravan is a really cool van, as vans can be. The van has all the features(except a C/D player) we wanted and was exaclty priced at what we wanted and could afford to pay for a van. The cool thing is that the Grand Caravan is the cheaper priced- just as nice cousin of the Chrysler Town and Country.
-
Unreliable long-term - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
By The Whites - May 23 - 8:03 pmLooking to buy a minivan (Not Dodge!!!!) Kept current Caravan in excellent condition & purchased ext. warranty. Transmission blew @ 76,000 miles (- $2600); A/C compressor & evaporator went at 102,000 miles (-$2700) of course after attaining full "paid off" ownership. Seemed like a "timed" bomb. Total cost of 7-yr old van after initial investment = $27,000. Not reliable for long-term ownership. Dodge servicing in South FL. (used several) was not satisfactory as well.
-
1997 Dodge Gr. Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By thehurd - May 23 - 10:00 amWe have driven Dodge/Plymouth vans like this for years, and this was our third, used with 78,000 mi when we got it. Though older models had transmission troubles, we had none. Now I am selling as family is downsizing with 2 college students. Carried cargo, kids and mixes of both.
-
great family mover - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
By greyporsche944 - May 14 - 2:00 amthis is our 2nd mini van. 1st one was a 94 grand. anouther great van. this one is tops unless you plan on going with the 2002 or newer. has everything you need and then some. great ride and very comfy. we have the quad seating. much better than the bench, especially with adults in the middle row. ours has been very reliable. the only thing other than routine maintanance was a pully bolt broke. other than that great van
-
Its been great so far but..... - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Pavloff - May 13 - 6:00 amWe already had to take it in the shop and the van only has 4500 miles. We heard a knocking sound & dropped the van off for its oil change. They said it had no oil & had to be towed to the Dodge service dept. Dodge service said the belt had to be replaced & the PCV valve. Im already wanting to trade it back in and go get a Toyota. I really like this van but if it goes back in the shop within the 1st yr or 2nd, we definitely will trade it in or sell it.
