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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  A Pleasure to Drive - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ted - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This van is a pleasure to drive, especially on long trips. First, you sit up high for a good view of the road. Second, the seats are very comfortable even with manual seat adjustments. Third, it moves smoothly along at highway speeds of 75+ mph, even in the Rocky Mountains. It also is fine in the city and useful for hauling furniture, building supplies and kids.

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  Converted my wife - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By xxjjoxx - September 8 - 1:04 am

  My wife was 110% anti Minivan. I did so hard selling over the years to the mpg benefits as well as the comfort and convienences of a van. We purchased a 2011 grand caravan crew with the rear entertainment package. Our five year old daughter and my 10 and 11 year old nieces are in love. The most u here is can u start a movie. The comfort and refinement in the driver seat helps you forget u r driving a minivan.

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  es eval - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By saekat - September 3 - 10:00 am

  So Far so good. Mie is a 2001 but same thing as no changes were made. My wife "loves it." We have all the option xept DVD/video. It came with 7/100K warranty on powertrain and tranny,3/36 for all else.

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  What a difference a few years makes! - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Badgermama - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan is a huge improvement over the older minivans. The ride is extremely smooth, you can barely feel any road bumps; there is very little engine noise, and the gas mileage is excellent (were getting 26 highway/18 city). We love the look and styling of the newer vans (ours is dark garnet red) and the alloys really help to make a sharp statement. This is our first van with quad seats and our 2 boys love them--no fighting for their own seats anymore. We would highly recommend this van for anyone, especially a family who has had the older minivans in the past. You wont believe what an improvement they are.

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  Buy this minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By curtisc - August 30 - 2:00 am

  An exciting new minivan with great features for the entire family.

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  2014 30th Anniversary Edition - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By acadiafan - August 28 - 10:54 pm

  I Traded a 2012 GMC Acadia. I drove a Chrysler Town & Country rental while having hail damage repaired on my Acadia. I was highly impressed as were my kids. I decided it was time for comfort rather than over priced SUV. My husband 62" fits comfortably. I compared the Grand Caravan to Chrysler T&C, Honda Odessey, Nissan Quest. Ultimately it was the stow and go as well the fact the grand caravan feels like Im riding higher off the ground than Odessey. You get more bang for your buck with the Grand a Caravan. I bought it brand new 3 months ago with 14 miles on it. Now after a trip across the country with 6 people, I have over 9,000 miles

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  An Excellent Decision - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jerry Cahill - August 10 - 8:36 pm

  Second Dodge vehicle Ive purchased. I love the new Dodge Grand Caravan! The entertainment system is unsurpassed, with the MyGig System and the rear dual overhead DVD screens. The exterior styling is more masculine than the competition. 2nd and 3rd rows both still fold underneath, a great feature. Limited lifetime warranty on the powertrain for the original owner is priceless. Was about $3,000 to $4,000 less expensive than the Odyssey and Sienna for a comparably equipped vehicle, but those two cant touch the entertainment system. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. Thus far, we love the Caravan!

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  buying another dodge grand caravan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By d.baker - July 28 - 4:36 am

  we have 5 kids and bought this 2000 dodge van used in 2002 w/ 34,000 miles. 6 years and a total of 163,000 miles later we are buying another used 2007 dodge van. we have not have had any thing major go wrong with the old van, just a tranny sensor that was recalled anyway. Still has good pickup and the cassette doesnt work anymore. going to keep the old van as it still runs good and trade in value isnt worth squat.

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  fun - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By marylola - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my dodge grandcaravan se. My only regret is that i didnt buy it sooner. I think dodge did a great job and i got what i wanted.

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  Ready for our 4th boy with the SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By James H. - July 20 - 12:33 pm

  Have only had for 2 weeks but it looks like Dodge got it right. The stow & go is brilliant. Traded a 2001 Ford Windstar LX basically stripped. My SXT is loaded for the same price. Its great not to have to buy an aftermarket cd player and have the windows tinted. Both are standard w/3 zone climate control, 2 power sliders and power liftgate (only extra item $400). Its much quieter than the earlier Caravans. Having to move the seats all the way forward is a minor inconvenience to use the stow & go. It sure beats lugging them into the garage. Dodge reliability is always a concern but they can have their foreign minivans for $5k more. I dont want to pay $550/mo for a minivan.