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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  Good for its age - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By OM - November 21 - 10:56 am

  Bought the car in 2005 with 162,000 miles. The van is very powerful, quick, and fuel efficient. The exterior styling is timeless and aggressive, something you dont see in minivans. I have a 3.8 Liter ES. The paint is slowly peeling off on the pillars and the pin striping is coming off. The car rusts very fast everywhere. The stereo buttons are very hard to press, and plastics are coming loose. The ABS stopped working at 169,000, power steering pump leaks a little, and AC has a leak. Year by year there are more leaks and a lot more rust. Gas mileage is excellent for a 3.8 liter engine, average 23 MPG.

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  Great Van (especially for the money) - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ryan4904 - November 8 - 2:48 pm

  Bought this van 2 months ago and it has been great so far. I certainly didnt expect to own a van at the age of 29, but with the kids and the dog, it was necessary. First of all the, the van looks great, inside and out, way better than the other minivans in the class. We test drove the Dodge, Toyota, and Honda minvans, and didnt notice too much of a difference in ride quality, although maybe the Toyota was a little smoother. But then again maybe the only reason I noticed was because I read the reviews ahead of time and expected it. This van is great, and a comparable Honda or Toyota with all the same features costs about $7K or $8K more (the Toyota salesman acknowledged that).

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  Americas Ultimate Family Vehicle - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Glenn and Cindy - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I must admit it was hard to move into the group of mini-van owners, but since doing so my wife and I are pleased. After researching our options, we settled on purchasing a Dodge Grand Caravan. Sure, we could have spent thousands more for the Odyssey or Sienna, but Dodge met our needs...and, we have money left over! So far, we have been extremely satisfied with the vehicles performance, comfort, reliability and design. The fuel economy isnt great, just average (18 mpg for city driving). The Dodoge Grand Caravan, so far, is our recommendation for mini-van buyers. Our only request, add the hide-a-way third row seats.

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  Great minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bettyboop3375 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Superior power at 210 hp. Responsive out of the gate. SXT comes standard with all wheel disk brakes. Seating for six but long haul is comfortable for only six. Drives like a car. Cornering is no problem. DVD rear seat video is great for long trips or keeping children/grandchildren quiet. I truly love this vehicle.

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  A good value - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 04quadcab - October 6 - 3:32 am

  2013 Grand Caravan SXT; currently with about 10,000 miles on it. I really wouldnt consider any minivan that didnt have some version of Stow&Go. I have the second row seats folded down almost as much as I have them up, and I wouldnt like having to remove the seat to free up that space, since you then have to leave it at home and cant haul passengers in that area. Other likes: Great power, good gas mileage-I get 27 at 70-75 mph (town mileage is not great, tho). Quiet, smooth ride. Much less expensive to buy than Honda or Toyota. Dislikes: 6 spd tranny is OK, but not as smooth or predictable as could be. Drivers seat needs more rearward travel; legroom is limited.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Satisfied Customer - October 4 - 11:30 pm

  The van is solid. Very comfortable to ride in for extended periods of time. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is a fun vehicle to drive. There is nothing in here that I am not satisfied with.

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  ANNIVERSARY EDITION - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ANGELA - September 28 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS AWESOME TO LOOK AT. HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES I WANTED IN THE LIMITED CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. MY KIDS ARE THRILLED WITH THE DVD AND 6 DISC CHANGER. A BEAUTIFUL CAR WITH NICE RIMS TO MATCH. A GOOD PRICE ON THIS CAR.

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  Fun Minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By pingpong - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Minivan is fun to drive. Powerful motor, good looks, and plenty of space. Looked at all types and makes of minivans and this is the best out there!

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  love my dodge grand caravan - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By firemom - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I love it the extended back with the sliding seat is so handy. Small enough to park and handle but large enough for shopping and kids or vacation stuff and family.the engine is reliable has pick up but not too bad on gas.never have had a problem

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  More than Satisfied - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Detroit iron - September 10 - 10:00 am

  First piece of Detroit Iron ive owned (owned Audis (4) Volvo (3) Mazda (2) and VW (5). Grand Caravan LE Oustanding in most respects. Virtually problem free. Tires @45,000 miles, battery @ 3 1/2 years, and none other but routine maintenance. Am so satisfied that am looking at 2003 Town and Country FWD. Read other owner comments but have not had any of their problems.