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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  Dont Buy without a Warranty - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Stacey L - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this nice looking, comfortable van mostly due to what we thought was a good rep for Caravans/Chrysler and nice interior design - what a nightmare. Thank God we had extended warranty! Repair/replace tranny 4 times since weve had it. Water pump twice, new a/c, weird brake troubles 4 times, blown head gasket, weird wiring gremlins that we had to bypass to make our headlights even work. A/c switches burning out - I will never buy another Chrysler product after this nightmare. Would have sold, except its paid off and the extended warranty paid most of the engine work - but we laid out $2k plus on other work.

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  unsatisfied - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By unsatisfied - March 19 - 10:23 pm

  I was happy with this van for the first year and after the 3rd year it seemed every thing went wrong .The air bag sensor went on twice after repair, abs sensor went on, my rear window shatter on its own, my automatic doors had to be fixed, front both tie rods loose had to replace, steering/suspension went bad had to replace lots of money went into to this vehicle after the 3rd year I dont even really drive this vehicle that much as you can see not so many miles. I had to take it back in after one week of driving because my engine sensor failed go figure! NOT HAPPY AT ALL. Had to fork out more money.

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  3RD GRAND CARAVAN - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JNELSON973 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th caravan. The last three have been Grand Caravans. The latest SXT has a 3.8L engine and has greatly improved its performance. It appears to be much quiter. The 16 inch wheels have improved the ride and handling. And this is the only Minivan that can be equipped with a handicap scotter hoist mounted in the back, because of all other models have fold down seats. I base an excellent rating on my years of Minivan experience. The only con- While the seats are well padded my spouse with back trouble has made a comment about the lack of good lower back support.

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  Growing Family - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John - March 15 - 1:33 am

  Wow, what an upgrade from our SUV. This is out first minivan and Diamler vehicle. We looked at the Odessey, Sienna and Venture and felt the Dodge Grand Caravan offered more features per dollar than any of its competitors. We have a growing family and this car caters to our three children with space galore. Wed buy another one in a heart beat. Also the $3,500 cash back was nice.

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  Excellent overlooked choice - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By dm3 - March 10 - 8:30 pm

  Just switched from a 2005 Sienna to 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. The Caravan has much more torque making it more responsive in normal driving, brakes are far better, excellent handling. Feels like a relatively nimble mid size sedan. Surprising to look behind and see how large the interior is. Lots of open space in the cabin is great for holding stuff and allowing easy movement within the cabin. Build quality appears to be excellent. Much better choice than a Sienna. Sienna is all hype. Gas mileage on the Caravan although rated 18/25 has been better than the Sienna rated 19/26.

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  Sorry I Bought This One. - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pat - March 4 - 12:36 am

  This van has been in the shop EIGHT times since we bought it. They have done 2 alignments, replaced defective tires, and it still pulls to the right. (not to mention the right front tire is worn out, again)Now the Dealer and Dodge are saying that this is normal. There were 2 interior body panels that warped so bad they had to be replaced. (left front A pillar, and the Right rear) HMMM. Not to mention that the lack of adjustment to the front seats, leaves my wifes legs sore. It still needs to go in again. All that said, I will never buy another Dodge product. This is going up for sale very soon.

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  First Year - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LEJ - February 27 - 4:23 pm

  This is a nice looking, but poorly engineered vehicle! The old saying about not buying the first year of a re-designed model is true. The torque converter, A/C compressor, and all 4 brakes were replaced (twice) by 35,000 miles. Theres a reason why the factory warranty for brakes is only 12 months/12000 miles!

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  Satisfied Customer - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Rob Melhorn - February 25 - 5:36 am

  Our van was a solid performer and had great flexibility. Hauled a family of six and luggage on vacation and was able to carry lumber and sheets of plywood after removing the seats. We had fun with our van and are getting a new replacement.

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  Nice minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pete - February 24 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this Caravan used with 21K miles for thousands less than a Sienna or Odyssey. Ive put 60K miles on it and have not had any major problems. Other than regular oil/filter changes, I have replaced an EGR valve($100) and spark plug wires($60). Granted resale value is lower than Honda and Toyota, but I am pleased with the reliability. Great value. I would definitely buy another late model, low mileage used Caravan.

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  MY VAN IS POSSESSED! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kamih - February 22 - 6:26 am

  We bought our van 2 years ago and we wish we would of never bought it. Shortly after the "used" warranty expired I was stranded because the plastic key would not start the van. My husband had to take apart the whole dash and unplug and re plug in wires to make the van start with the key. There was been numerous times that the windshield wipers will start, the lights blink off and on, and the gauges go off and on. This van had had these issues since 65,000 miles! Recently this has happened and now also the door locks wont work. I wouldnt suggest this van to anyone! I wish we would of bought a Toyota instead. My sister-n-law has a Toyota mini van and has Never had any problems with it