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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  Love It!!! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By FullTmeDad - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We rented different vehicles so we could drive them for extended trips before we bought our new Grand Caravan. The anniversary edition gave us lots of extras and although I wouldnt have chosen the leather initially, I do enjoy the way it feels. The kids love the video screen and I love the way they ride quietly without asking "are we there yet?" It drives beautifully and everything is laid out so it falls easily to hand. The v-6 engine provides plenty of power and it tows the boat without struggling. I am very happy with my new Dodge and would highly recommend it.

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  GREAT BUY - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By HAMMER FAMILY - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We just purchsed a new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, and we LOVE IT!, the incredible safety features and its competive price make it a great buy!

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  My Red Van - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LinMort - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this van from Phoenix to LA, Vegas severial times, I have never been tired when I got to where I was going, when I made the same trip with a car I was always tired, almost like jet lag. I do feel that this van is very comfortable, and most of all I do feel safe in it. This is my second new one.

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  Auto Satisfaction - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By gene olson - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car---am very satisfied

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  I despise this van. - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By frustrated van owner - July 21 - 8:53 pm

  We purchased this car six months ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. Within the first two weeks we had trouble with the radio, as it would shut off on its own for no reason. It eventually had to be replaced, which took us 3 visits to accomplish. Since then weve had a knock in the steering wheel (3 visits), a rattle in the drivers door, and currently our anti-lock brake / stabilization light is on. I have 3 kids in carseats and bought this van for the conveniences it was supposed to offer - it has been an absolute pain for us, as there is no convenience associated with taking a car in every other week. We regret buying this van nearly every day.

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  Nice - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jagfan - July 20 - 1:36 am

  I am very pleased to date with our Caravan. The DVD system with the remote headphones is a blessing on long drives. Had one problem with the drivers side window, dealership replaced a voltage regulator. Gas mileage is not quite getting what I had hoped, about 17-19 MPG.

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  Better than expected - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Thomas - July 19 - 5:23 pm

  We bought it with 72K miles and its close to 200K now. Weve had to replace the transmission and the body control module, but nothing else. We drive it a lot and with 5 children, it gets a lot of use and abuse. Its held up very well considering. Overall, weve been very satisfied with it.

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  Piece of Junk - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mad Caravan Owner - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Best day of owning this will be the day its sold. Nothing but heartache. Needed a new engine at 38,000. The tensioner caused the serpentine belt to fall off quarterly. Paid the dealer several times to repair the serp belt, only to have another mechanic tell me there was a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) addressing a faulty tensioner. The A/C leaked causing a musty smell. The brakes have always squeaked, even when new. The removable seats are very heavy. I received a major run around from the dealer when there was I had problems with the TCM (Transaxle Control Module), also part of a TSB. Save your money!

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  Great Van - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Sgt Rich - July 17 - 10:03 pm

  Bought A 2010 SXT w/ 4.0L in May, no long road trips yet but we get about 27 mpg on hwy and 17 mpg in town, not bad. Noticed a few weeks after we bought it a rattling noise coming from the driver sliding door, brought it to a local dealership, they couldnt find anything wrong, on the drive home the rattling stopped, havent heard it since, strange. Have the Uconnect with two Video Entertainment systems, lifesaver with a two year old on longer drives. Easy to use controls(A/C, Cruise If your in the market for a this minivan, dont bother with the lower end models, its like a different vehicle stepping up to the SXT.

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  power loss on electrical components - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By IS - July 10 - 2:30 am

  scary moment when 3 weeks ago the back up camera, A/C & heating vents, radio, speedometer & other dash reading disappear & nothing worked, along with power windows, power door locks. 43000km on this baby & under warranty, took to the dealer shop, they refused to look into because I wasnt having an issue now, but they did do the upgrades on computer for free (which they apparently charge for),also have chronic problems of locking the van, I have to push down on the button 3 or 4 times & had it check out but they never find anything wrong. its been great, no problems otherwise, love all the features, rear seats uncomfortable. Great for camping, can easily sleep 2 adults comfortably.