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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  A real multi purpose vehicle - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Bdgilhooly - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our Caravan soon after our daughter was born, used, with almost 14,000 miles and have loved every bit of it. I traded in a Dakota, and it can do more than my truck did. The two back seats roll out, and the volume is tremendous. On the highway, I average 28 mpg., with the 3.3 liter. My sister has a popular SUV, and her interior space is MUCH more limited, in a vehicle that gets much poorer gas mileage!!?? Long after I don’t need a kid mover, I’ll still have a Caravan because of it’s usefulness.

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  Love our mini van - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Downhill97 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The van is all we could ask for and more. It is very comfortable with plenty of storage space. When the rear seats are out its off to Home Depot where I can store a 4x12 sheet of plywood flat.

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  Exellent value - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By sea1967 - January 13 - 2:32 am

  Lots of features for the money. Rides well, gas mileage is good for such a large vehicle. Good power and acceleration.

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  Trading Down? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Sheryl - January 12 - 10:06 am

  I bought my 97 Dodge Grand Caravan in November of 03. I was driving a 01 GMC Yukon, and I needed to cut my expenses. Having four kids with friends eliminated a 5 passenger sedan and the only thing left that would fit my needs and my budget was this Grand Caravan. It was in immaculate condition but it had 109k miles on it. After signing the papers, I got in my "new" van and started it. The digital read out reminded me again of the high miles and at that moment, I closed my eyes and said "God, This is my new van with only 9k miles on it, a program vehicle, right??" One year and 30K miles later I can say kuddos to Dodge. Great ride and gas mileage.

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  It must have been made on a Monday! - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lemon - December 31 - 4:06 pm

  I have had trouble with this van since the day we bought it. Constantly in the Service bay for one thing or another. I get smart sarcasms from the salesmen and mechanics. Most recently I have had this van in the dealership 6 times in a month and a half for the same problem. I will never buy another Dodge. We have always had foreign cars and I guess now we know why!

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  This is Americas Best? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Diller - December 30 - 10:20 am

  Sold our 1988 Grand Caravan & bought this despite a miserable reputation. Overall pretty good, but lots of "little" problems. Grab handles fall off, fuel gauge swings erraticly and "dings" randomly. Check engine light goes on but mechanic cannot locate problem. Wipers dont always work.Rubber door gaskets have long since disappeared. Still have it after 8 years because: it has more passenger room than Suburbans, the cloth seats look almost new (raised 3 boys & more dogs) The ride is fairly smooth. (the standard suspension is WAY too soft.) Infinity stereo is greatand van still looks good. Wife wants a big SUV. Kids grown, getting a Ducati & a Mini instead!

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  Underrated Vehicle - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Loyal owner - December 27 - 8:32 am

  This is our 4th Dodge minivan since 1985. Each van continues to improve in every category. This vehicle rides like a limousine, smooth, quiet, little wind or road noise, point it down the road and it goes. Friends of ours drive Siennas and Odesseys, always raving about their vehicles as do most magazines and product review boards, until they ride in our Caravan. "Rides just like our Honda, how much did you pay ? At least we have a vacuum in ours". The Sto & Go seats cant be beat by any manufacturer. Just had the rear brakes worked on this summer. This is the 1st repair on this vehicle.

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  Love My Grand Caravan ES! - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By charlesk32 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had van 3 months, replacing 00 Chrysler T&C LXi. Super comfortable on lengthy trips - with plenty of storage space. Gas mileage at this juncture a little less than the prev Chrysler - getting ~23 MPG on the highway and ~13 around town (very hilly), but performance is peppier. Purchased AWD for handling in winter driving conditions. Better looking van than the competition, IMHO, but actually a slight drop in preferred appearance from the 00 model. Great performance and cornering ability for a van of this size and high center of gravity.

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  Complaint - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dick Otto - December 23 - 1:06 am

  I am not pleased with the shifting of this van. It is not smooth in fact it is to jerky for my taste. If you happen to let up on the gas just as it about to shift it drops a gear hard. Also it shifts down way too easily.

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  Unreliable - 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By p538 - December 17 - 6:19 pm

  Purchased new and if not for the poor quality and unreliability of major components Id love this van. The only reason I made the purchase was for my two Boxers. At about 16K miles I took it to the shop because of vibration/wooble in the brakes. $400+ for new pads and resurfacing all four discs. Took to shop Friday the 25th for its 20k service. Been having knocking sound (like bearings) when braking x 2 days. Sound at left front gets worse the longer its driven. Call from Service (Newark Chrysler Dodge Jeep): The Transmission !!! One of the gears is falling apart. Still in the shop. Pricing a Honda Odyssey & getting rid of this POS.