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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  HORRID - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By horrid - September 19 - 11:03 am

  I have went round and round with the dealership and Dodge manufacturing. My van sqeals during the winter, the brakes are horrible, and the transmission is horrible. Two different times I put my car into park (yes I made sure it was in park) and it started rolling and my brakes would not work. My daugher was terrified! The first winter I had this van it was fine, the second winter it started sqealing very loud; you could hear it from inside. My stransmission jerks all of the time and when at a stop my car rattles like it is going to die. Just so you know, I get my car serviced every few months. I have had it in the shop, but they saythey are aware of the issues but not recalls until resolutio

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  Great Grand Caravan - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Eversole - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I spent the last several months window shopping for minivans on the internet, and my wife has recently visited the various dealerships, looking at the Windstar, Sienna, Odyssey, and the Grand Caravan. The selling point for the Grand Caravan is that the price is a couple thousand below comparable models, and the ride, general comfort, and power of the Grand Caravan is generally superior to the other minivans. We went out and bought the Grand Caravan (with only 7 miles on it), and added on the Added Care additional warranty. So far, this minivan has exceeded our expectations, and is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Electrical / Head Gasket - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BeeTeeFarm - September 14 - 2:00 am

  18 months old and would start and not run. After several days, dealer found short near top of engine. Dealer very good about not charging us a lot. At 5 years and 62000 miles, the head gaskets started leaking coolant into the cylinders. Dealer estimate for repairs exceeds $1000. Engine should last longer than that.

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  Wanted an SUV -- sold on this minivan - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hawaii Ohana - September 11 - 2:36 am

  After years of SUV ownership due to large family size, I went to trade into a new SUV with all the huge rebates and literally stumbled upon this minivan. The color (Inferno Red) caught our attention, and as the dealership was out of not only 2005 SUvs, but 2005 everythings went for a test drive. Still got an excellent price and was able to trade out of TWO cars I was "upside down" thanks to late night, weekend shopping and a hungry salesman. I cannot believe I have never owned a Chrysler product before! The fit and finish is excellent. My neighbor just laid out almost $40K for an Odyssey with no power liftgate, stow and go seats, and only leather and a DVD more than my van. I paid $22K.

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  I love it, but... - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Quinn - September 9 - 10:06 am

  This is the first vehicle Ive purchased. I waited a long time for it! All was beautiful until the drivers side sliding door opened while I was driving at 40 mph! I think it may have been a factory defect. Then later the door would NOT open when I was parked! Smooth ride, Squeaky brakes, but a smooth ride! Extremely comfortable!

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  Piece of Junk - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By nick7 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  We have 114000 miles in our 98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. First of all the 3.0 V6 is very slow. When I drive it, I have trouble keeping up with the flow of traffic. Around the 110000 mile mark we started having all these problems. First of all, we noticed that theres a putt-putt sound when you first start accelerating (acceleration hesitates) after you start the van up. The 4 speed auto shifts were taking forever. We were up at 4000 rpms hitting the gas normally before it shifted. Then the brakes started sweaking. We got some of these problems fixed at the dealer but the putt-putt and longer shifting(slightly improved)were still there.

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  Love/Hate relationship - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CanUSayBad - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After my wife totalled our MPV last year, I had to find a quick replacement. This van was a good price and had been well-maintained, so I took a chance. Within 12 months the transmission died, the clear coat started peeling and bubbling on top and one side, the serpentine belt jumps off every 4-6k miles and the passenger side power window just fell out. Okay, so even with all the repair bills, I still havent paid as much as I would have for an Odyssey or Sienna, but what a hassle. Only buy if you are a motorhead able to do your own repairs.

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  SE plus power train - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By SEPlus - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a SE plus 2005 Grand caravan vehicle couple of months back. Initially vehicle was good but now it is not that great. Currently I have about 3000 miles only. Getting a rattle noise from engine(started around 1500 miles), checked with dealer couple of times but they claim it is normal for this powertrain. Dealers are not ready to write anything about the design flaw. Dealership Mechanics agree that it is an issue with 2005 models, but they refuse to give in writing.I am posting here as it might help the ones who is planning to buy one. I would strongly caution them.

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  Family Hauler - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By torinoman - August 30 - 11:36 pm

  We have the 4.0 engine and it performs great. This van is the only way to travel with your family. However, Dodge needs to get some thing right. The brake rotors started going bad at 15,000 miles and Dodge would not honor the warranty. They wanted $100 to fix their problem. Next, the Bridgestone tires on the van are garbage (nearly worn out at 20,000 miles). The air conditioner fan motor goes out after a while (however it will work after stopping the van and restarting a short while later). The radio conked out in the first year. A good vehicle with some minor changes would be a great vehicle. Dodge needs to step up and cover their mistakes.

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  Great Family Ride - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By themightyq - August 24 - 4:53 pm

  Bought this van eight months ago and have driven 8500 miles. Overall, this van is probably the best on the market. We love the stow and go seating and it has a great A/C system. Some people might not like sitting so high in the drivers seat, but my wife does. Gives you a good view of the road. MPG is approx. 18 city and 25 hwy