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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  Never buy a dodge - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dodge..NEVER - January 5 - 4:56 am

  Horrible....horrible ....horrible. Bought the van used in 2002. Has 3.3ltr, engine was just replaced when I bought it, had to replace it a year later at $1500.00. That was the "deal" I got. Now, engine gone again!! Contacted Dodge and they said basically...too bad too sad. Will NEVER buy from the company again.

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  Can you spare some oil? - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Laura - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  Bought our van new in late 05. Was perfect the whole time it was under warranty. As soon as we ticked past 36K everything went to heck and FAST! EGR valve, water pump, power sliding door motors, transmission is slipping, burns up tires and brakes, and the icing on the cake is that last year it starting burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles! Now a year later, it has used to a quart every 500 miles! What a joke! We are trading it off in a few weeks and will never buy another Chrysler/Dodge product again! I am so disappointed in this van. We had planned on keeping for a long long time and now are forced to go look for another vehicle. The re-sale value is crap as well.

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  Its OK, but.... - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KVY - October 26 - 5:40 pm

  Came from a 2005 Town & Country to the SXT. Yes, it has many extras, but you need to have a masters degree in engineering to figure out the VES system. The features like heating/cooling way too complicated to operate, whatever happened to simple on/off and for the DVD, point the remote and go, you have to set channels, set modes, enough already. My kids have better plastic than what is used for the interior. I just got it and am counting down the days on the lease when I can return it. If you are used to using rear view mirrors, etc when backing up, keep doing so, the backup camera is not all its cracked up to be

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  Over 6 tall? Drivers seat is like a squat toilet - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jason Schaufenbuel - October 8 - 11:42 pm

  This is my first Dodge mini-van (Ive had a 2nd generation Odyssey). While Ive only had the vehicle two days, the drivers seat (power adjustable) is intolerable. Im 62" tall. To maximum the leg room, the seat has to be all the way back and as low as it will go (raising the seat brings it forward - so tall people get a low seat and short people get a tall seat). So its literally like using on a squatting toilet - as your rear is low and there is then no thigh support. My knees are far above my elbows. Yes, I should have taken a test drive in the vehicle before accepting it (it is a company car), but Ive never seen such a poor drivers seat in any vehicle Ive driven in almost 30 years. Ive always been able to adjust vehicle seats to a tolerable position before, not so far (Ive driven the vehicle 7 hours already), thus I didnt think it would be problem when I approved of receiving the vehicle. Otherwise Ive found no other major issues with the vehicle. No issues noted with fit/finish or noises. Acceleration is good. The cruse control can be up to 4 mph under your desired speed on hilly terrain - I dont remember that from other Dodge/Chrylser vehicles Ive owned. The Uconnect system is nice (takes more steps to do the same functions, but has similar capabilities to GMs system), however it seems slow to answer bluetooth phone calls. Yes, the 2nd and 3rd row seats are thinly padded and low, but I rarely have passengers. About a year ago I test drive a Sienna. Its driving position wasnt great, but entirely usable. Based upon that fact alone, Id suggest something other than a Dodge Grand Caravan.

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  Save Your Money Keep Driving when you see the Dodge?Chrysler logo - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dsm35 - September 30 - 9:33 am

  Wow what can a consumer say about a vehicle that after 7 years of pmts will be close to 40k. The engine had to be rebuilt at around 22k miles started going out about 10k miles TOO MANY deficiencies to mention. Seriously folks these people DONT LIKE YOU They want YOUR MONEY. You get what you get with Dodge/Chrysler B.S. 24/7 Great commercials on T.V. Too Bad they Produce POS daily. Mistake Waste of Money

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  Unreliable long-term - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By The Whites - May 23 - 8:03 pm

  Looking 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.

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  Transmission failed two times - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Samtheman - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Had number of problems. Transmission failed at 60k and 100k. New Belt failed at 80k. Dealer was not any help. I will not go back to this dealer any more. I will not buy or recommend this van.

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  Recall after recall - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kdan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had recall after recall on the 08. Eats brakes and is very clunky inside. MPG is bad and we are luck to get 20 on HY and 17 in town. I wish I had spent more money on a Honda. I also own a Dodge Stratus and will trade that in for anything but a Dodge. Not a quality company.

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  Dont buy a Dodge - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By darnold - January 29 - 2:00 am

  In the first year- the drivers side windshield wiper arm fell off during rainstorm- passenger side windshield stopped working during snowstorm and the rear wiper moter burned out. With no lumbar support the drivers seat is very uncomfortable. Design is boring and lacks flair!! Only gets about 20mpg and stickers for $27,000!! Go figure!!

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  Horrible Reliability - Never Buy Dodge Van - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dodgevanowner - January 22 - 7:15 am

  Nothing but non-stop issues design flaws, poor quality and mfgd parts, and multitude of issues. Interesting, when you talk to all the auto shops - which plz take the time to do, they tell you they see this EVERY day with Dodges. After 55k miles, transmission completely went out - which was a $3k repair, dealership would have been $5k. With less than 85k miles still - have already replaced the front left CV joint, replaced alternator, front passenger window regulator, passenger sliding door lock actuator, rear hatch lift gate assembly motor/arm and also shocks, oil pan seal, and more. Bottom line, Dodge vans are total POS and will never buy one again.