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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  My new kid wagon - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mandarb - September 26 - 3:30 pm

  We have had the 2008 Grand Caravan for about 2 months now. This is our 4th Grand Caravan and by far the best one. I love the 4.0. Puts out plenty of power. The duel entertainment system has been a god send while traveling with our three kids.

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  Dont buy! - 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mommyof3 - September 26 - 5:40 am

  We have had problems since 500 miles. There is a terrible problem with the trans and engine! We bought because of the price and 7 seats. No way can you fit 3 car seats in the back row. We are done with the lemon law now. Thank goodness! It was in the shop every month for at least 2 days. Most times 5 to 7 days while they put new parts on. They pushed us around and kept telling us nothing was wrong, but there was. Broke down completely 3 times and had to be towed! Please dont put your family in danger with this car. My friend bought an 08 and just finished her lemon law as well. Too bad this couldnt have been better was nice to be able to take all the kids in one car.

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  OK if you can get it out of Park! - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Peter B. Sparrow - September 23 - 1:50 pm

  Bought car for carting 2 kids and wife to do home health care. Did OK in snow but all wheel drive would do better.Has left my wife stranded 3 times in 8 months. Car stuck in Park and the 3rd time the tow truck could not make the manual over ride work, so had to get dolly wheels to get it to the dealer. Front passenger seat needs to have same adjustments as drivers seat. Can not go up and down. Back seats to low. Hard for older people to get in and out. Front under carriage is always hitting parking cement markers.

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  I like the van! - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Cathy - September 23 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my van now for two years and have LOVED every minute of it. It great on trips, roomy, comfortable, easy to handle. I am now, after almost 2 years to the date, running into small problems. Air conditioning blows hot air, water pump is leaking and window motor needs to be replaced. Its all under warranty. So far, its been great. It will be interesting to see what happens after the warranty. I hope it holds up.

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  minivan - 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By soldiers_wife - September 21 - 11:00 pm

  1 mo after buying this van we started having problems w/ it the transmission was slipping i took 2to a dealership about 6 times having them tell me nothing was wrong my husband came home from Iraq and all of sudden they found the problem and fixed it by overhauling the transmission 3 weeks later it was doing the same thing we traded it in after that

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  The family truckster - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By 5kids - September 21 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Grand Caravan used as a one owner. Its now got over 90,000 miles and weve loved it since the day we bought it! I have 5 kids and it works wonderfully for transporting my family. Its big enough for all of us to ride in comfort, but I have no problems getting it in and out of parking spots. Were going on 3 years of ownership and have put on 35,000+ miles without a single problem or trip to the dealership and still going strong!

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  We got a good one! - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MickeySix - September 16 - 12:36 pm

  Only real problem was with the A/C. Had it in 3 times under warranty and they finally fixed the problem. We just turned over 70K and not another problem with this van. Excellent interior room, comfortable to travel in for our family of 5, and exterior styling is the best of all mini vans. This van has been from Washington state to NY and back 3 times without a problem. The Infinity sound system and overhead DVD player keeps the whole family entertained. The overhead computer is a nice feature. Ive read some of the complaints on the tranny and brakes, but with just over 70K on ours we havent experienced any of that! We have nothing but praise for our van and would recommend it to anyone!!!

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  Good Minivan Sport version - 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By rt90 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  80,000 miles and still going strong. I do my own maintenance so the hardest thing to replace was the starter at 75K. It does eat front brake pads. Had to replace the tranny lines from the raditor. One brake hose started to fail and was replaced under warranty. Overall it takes a beating and keeps ticking. Battery replaced once. No major problems yet.

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  This Works For Me - 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LuvnDad - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been the owner of this vehicle for a few weeks now. However it was bought brand new by my mom and dad. It is in excellent condition. I had many chances to drive this vehicle and I find it to be a very smooth ride. It hugs the road on turns and does not feel top heavy. The exterior is sweet. The rear spoiler and front fog lights give it a very sporty look. I never thought of myself as a minivan kind of guy; but I am glad I bought it and believe me it was well taken care of. The kids love it. There is plenty of room for them and now I dont hear she touching me or move over anymore.

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  Sa far so good - 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By John Kowal - September 11 - 2:43 am

  Lots of cargo space. Love black package. Great engine Poor transmission shifting, vibrations and hard shifting from drive to patk or to reverse