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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  Special Edition: A Very Nice Car - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dale - February 18 - 8:10 am

  I really like my 2005 Grand Caravan Special Edition. It is very comfortable on long trips and local short trips. Weve purchased the full mechanical system maintenance and havent used it at all even with four plus years of service. The things that I like about it are the stow-and- go since I filled the car several times with 4x8 sheets of plywood, and I didnt have to remove any seats; just stow them. The air conditioning, power, and quiet running are tops. The car came with manual cabin temp control which i dont like. I am still fond of the Grand Caravan but ready to sell after 46000 miles.

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  I like it! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By B. OBrien - February 13 - 5:46 pm

  Purchased the vehicle used with 15k miles....have never had any problems of any kind. The engine has plenty of power and the power sliding doors and lift gate are great for our two kids. The interior could be a little more luxurious, but it is certainly adequate. Overall, it is very nice vehicle for families. The stock tires were pretty lousy, especially in the rain. We replaced them with Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds and it was a HUGE improvement. We also had to replace the front brakes at 27k miles.

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  Spend the extra money and get a Honda!!! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By c_curry - February 12 - 12:46 pm

  This has been the worst car I have ever owned. I have had it for a year and 2 months. It has been in the shop 8 times, going in for its 9th time on Thursday. Water pumps, belts, 2 power sliding door motors, computer reset, and the rack and pinion: these are just a few of the things that have been wrong with it. We will be on our THIRD rack and pinion on Thursday. Im trading this in for a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.

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  Cant ask much more - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Minnesota bound - February 11 - 8:03 am

  I bought a lease return with 22,000 miles on it. It drives and looks like a new vehicle. I had some concerns about gas mileage, but I get about 18 in town and almost 25 on the highway and thats with the 3.8L. It has plenty of power for almost every situation. The handling has been very good on both dry and wet roads. I havent driven it in the snow yet. The interior, gauges, and controls seem well thought out. The Stow-n-Go seating is miles above my old Aerostars with its 80 lb seats. This has the premium sound system and its as good as my home stereo. I researched this vehicle before buying it and it has had no problems. Im quite impressed so far.

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  Worst Car On The Market? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By BillBittman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Chrysler should be ashamed for marketing this vehicle. Athough it has an attractive exterior (for a van), it is a mechanical nightmare. We have been through several recalls. The transmission problems are infamous. This is the worst car Ive ever owned-- even worse than my 1991 Ford Taurus wagon (which dropped a transmission at 50,000 miles). If you are looking for a used van, do yourself a favor and buy a late-model Honda or Toyota. You will pay a little more, but you will spend at lot less on repairs. I will never buy another Chrylser product.

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  POOR QUALITY - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CJ - February 4 - 11:06 pm

  This is the first Dodge weve owned and it will definitely be the last! One day it just started leaking water in the passenger floor, sometimes the rear door will unlock, sometimes it wont, engine light came on at 60,000 miles, you have to tap the rear lights to get them to work, and now the air bag sensor light comes on and off at random. Biggest junk ever made. DONT BUY DODGE IF YOU WANT MORE THAN 50K MILES OUT OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.

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  great design, poor quality - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By candy man - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had numerous repairs from the start. Most have not affected reliability, but performance and inconvenience are at stake. Many sensors, egr valve, and frequent battery replacements have been serviced. I like the design and space but cant reccommend due to poor quality.

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  Very good vehicle - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By charhart - January 28 - 8:56 am

  Have to say this van has been VERY reliable. Has 225,000 miles and only minor problems. Replaced alternator about a year ago. Recently the cooling fans went out causing the radiator to crack. Replaced the radiator, still havent found out whats wrong with the fans. Gas mileage got bad about a year ago. Wierd story. Used to go from east georgia to north alabama on 3/4 tank of gas. It got great gas mileage. Took it to get a routine oil change one day and when I picked it up I had to put gas in it 3 times to make it to florida. Ever since then its had the worst gas mileage. Weird? Yes. Other than that Ive had no problems with it. Very roomy, comfortable, drives great.

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  Piece of junk - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pixie - January 27 - 6:23 pm

  We bought this van last year. Since then besides almost everything inside falling off,ripping or breatking, we had two cylinders freeze up. We got them fixed, and they just did it again and we have shelled out a ton of money due to loopholes where our warrenty didnt cover it. This van takes constant keep up and money and now were stuck owing $18,000 on a van that isnt even worth $13,000. Dont buy one!

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  2008 nightmare - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By terkray - January 25 - 7:33 pm

  This is my 3rd Chrysler minivan, dating back from 1994; 1st lasted 10yrs, 180K, 2nd one totaled in accident after 6 years - both of those vehicles had usual Chrysler issues, transmission, radiator. My 08 that I bought used from dealer 3 years ago, 30k miles - has been an absolute nightmare! I bought the extended warranty cuz of all the bells&whistles that came w/ this van; plus have a $150 deductible. This van has died on me at least 13 xs, stalled while driving @ 8xs, electrical panel gone awry, hatchdoor broke, slider broke, slider window broke, starter replaced 3xs, rear camera broke! If I did my research prior I would of NEVER EVER purchased van. Im 15k til end of warranty & I cry