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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  THE WORST TRANSMISSION EVER - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Patrick - November 19 - 5:10 pm

  Besides the not so smooth transmission the van would be great. The transmission is very jumpy at low speeds and now the transmission wines after 120 mile trip.

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  Put me off american cars for good - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bartlawrence - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The worst car I have bought in my life.I will never buy another Chrystler product again.

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  Midwest Family Van - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Midwest Family Van - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Haven taken several cross country family vacations. It has been very reliable, never broken down. Change oil myself every 5000 miles. Only rountine maintenance needed; tires, replaced battery at 5 years - typical life of a battery, front brakes at 87,000. We would definitly buy a another Caravan, but we do not want to get rid of this one.

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  Unreliable Junk (My worst Nightmare) - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CHW - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The transmissions are poor design and only last about 12,000 miles. This Van has gremlins too. It has electrical problems too. We finally parked it at 80,000 miles after My wife refused to drive it anymore. She bought an explorer and has been happy since.

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  Great Car - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happy in MT - November 9 - 8:30 pm

  Great van, nice room and have not had any problems since I purchased. Currently have 110,000 miles and have only done routine maintenance.

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  HOT A/C - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jacob2010 - November 8 - 12:53 am

  We bought this Dodge G/C-2008 SXT about a week ago, and since then we have had the following problems (not corrected yet by dealer). Pass.side A/C blows HOT air when setting is cold. Drvr side front wheel/tire squeals(brake dust on tire), Horrible squeaky noise from windshield area. Pass.side sliding door will not close properly, keeps openings by itself. Remote missing for DVD unit. U-connect doesnt work. Vehicle pulls to the left. Chrysler/Dodge needs to start using automatic lights like Ford & GM. Annoying to turn on lights when driving at nite time.

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  My Van - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Chris - November 7 - 6:13 pm

  My van has pros and lots of cons- the pros: powerful 3.8LV6 has nice interior and exterior abs. Now the cons- lots of trouble, the transmission had to be replaced at 70,00 miles, and the airbag sensors came on. The senor in the streeing wheel broke 2- 3 times.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bob - November 5 - 12:33 am

  A very versatile, comfortable to drive car. My second car is a BMW 330i. We use the Van far more. More comfortable to drive, more convenient. Reliability has been good through 38,000 miles, but I guess we will see. For a person with a family, this is a nice vehicle. Plenty of power, quiet ands smooth, good visibility, controls well placed. The stow and go seating is great and the electric doors as well.

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  Never Again - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By carnegiemom - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Dodge has replaced the main computer module three times and now it is the wiring harness. We have never had mechanical problems; all electrical. It just dies on the road with no warning. Not reliable for a soccer mom!

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  Verrrry Unreliable - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By rs2025 - October 28 - 9:23 pm

  I just traded in my van with 88K miles for a 2012 Honda CRV. This was my 3rd Dodge van and Dodge should be embarrassed by the quality. I will no longer purchase a Chrysler product. Issues: Head gasket, Water pump, Steering rack (I was told I now need anther one) Valve covers needed new seals, Tie rods on both sides, Power side doors - one does not work and the other needs replacement motor, Air Conditioning - Dodge paid for part of the repair because issue was the design with mis-matched metals that causes leaks, Van is rusting and dealer repaired under warranty but not all rust issues, ignition harness, starter - I have no more space but more issues!!