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 best of the best! - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TwoLayDbugs - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We absolutely love the Dodge Grand Caravan!! We have the SXT Anniversary edition. It has tons of room and our daughter loves the DVD entertainment system! It handles fabulously in snow and rain, as well as dry road conditions. We really like the power doors and power rear lift gate -- its a blessing when trying to get an infant into the car with all of the baby gear, too! Weve gushed to our family and friends about our new vehicle and a few of them have gone out and purchased one for themselves!!

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  Great Value - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Mike B - February 4 - 6:00 pm

  Great vehicle for the price. Very roomy and comfortable. Ive had to take it in for some minor warranty work (dvd player malfunction and a dead battery) which was disappointing, but no MAJOR problems. Im 64 and fit comfortably in the drivers seat. My wife is 53 and also fits comfortably (we have power driver seat). I have not regretted our purchase of this vehicle.

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  Brakes - 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By markcanada - February 3 - 7:23 pm

  The vehicle is nice to drive and very comfortable. The acceleration of the motor when taking off is very slow. Brakes and rotors on the vehicle had to be changed on the front after 23000km.The back brakes were fixed on this day at 24000km, due to the squealing on the back passenger side and it turns out the pads were cracked and chipped. There was quite a bit of the pads left in the back brakes. Called Chrysler about it and waiting to see what happens. My mechanic and car part supplier of the new brakes said they have seen a lot of theses problems.

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  I thought we were in the 21st century - 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jb36 - February 1 - 9:22 pm

  Im forced to drive this thing quite often due to my work. I think its despicable. Interior feels cheap, especially the seat fabric, steering feels barely connected at highway speed, theres very small but constant pitch motion in the rear when theres no load in the back. Brake, like steering is over-servoed, and transmission. Its not a very smooth shift to begin with, but it gets worse and worse as you drive on for a long time, like over 4hrs. Its big sure, and pretty useful, but its not very clever either. People buy this not because its cheap - its not THAT cheap. People buy this I think just because they havent really tried anything else. Its a throw away.

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  Nice to drive for a van - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By kennedyma - February 1 - 1:03 pm

  Bought for 6K from a private party, who kept all their records. We have put 40K miles on it since and have had basically no problems. Goodyear Triple Treds were on it, and at 95K we put another set on. These are really good tires for this van. Everything still works fingers crossed

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  01 Grand Caravan Sport- no fun to drive - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ken V - January 29 - 10:00 am

  After leasing a 98 Grand Caravan and loving it, I made the huge mistake of leasing this 01 without a test drive. This is an AWFUL vehicle- wallows on roads, no pickup, especially with the air on- and oh, by the way, the cars been back at the dealer three times for AC problems and still isnt fixed. The beast gets hot inside with no air! Average mileage less the 15 mpg. If you have an older Grand Caravan, keep it!

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  Grand Caravan Quality? - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Texas-Tall - January 29 - 10:00 am

  In general, we have enjoyed owning Chrysler mini-vans. The features, ride, power and handling have always been good. The reliabilty of our original 1992 Grand Caravan is what led us to buy Dodge again. Unfortunately, in September of 2001, eight months after purchase and several other major repairs, the control panel cluster and control module on our 2001 Grand Caravan failed. It was replaced by Dodge with a 2002 Grand Caravan EX under Texas Lemon Laws. The replacement has been fine til now, when the control panel cluster and control module have failed again! Im concerned that there may be a manufacturing issue with those components.

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  2013 Crew Pros/Cons - 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By tomsouthmd - January 27 - 1:16 am

  The 2013 Grand Caravan is my third dodge van; I traded in a 2007 SXT. When ordering I had to move up to the Crew to get some options that were included on the 2007 SXT such as the power driver’s seat, leather steering wheel, and garage door opener. I added the driver convenience group to get, along with other options, bluetooth. The ride is good, handling ok for a minivan, seats are an improvement over the 2007 and the 3.6 liter engine is a significant power upgrade. The tow capacity is up to 3,600 lbs and the stow ‘n go seats still provide the most versatility compared to other minivans. The transmission needs work (see below). Recommendation – take a good highway test drive before buying.

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  Best AWD minivan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jaidev Rao - January 24 - 10:00 am

  04 Chrysler T & C Ltd AWD has a 3.8 liter V6 215 HP 280 Lb/Ft Torque engine w. good acceleration, high cruising speed, a rigid chassis gives it a quiet ride. It gives 18 mpg, carries 7 adults and lots of luggage in luxury. AWD, towing package for pulling 3800 lbs., engine and transmission oil cooler, and auto. load levelling suspension. GPS Navigation, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, Infinity AM/FM Hi-Fi Stereo with in dash 6 DVD player and 10 speakers, Auto 3 zone (driver, passenger and rear), Tire Pressure Monitor, AC with front and rear control and Electric Sun Roof. All leather seats w. 4 c

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  The best weve ever owned - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mafraziersr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Our 1996 came to us with 106K on the odometer. I dont know about the previous owners experience. It was leased. We purchsed it at the bank auction. It now has 240K miles with no problems. It still looks great and is in daily use along with our new, flawless 2003 Chrysler T&C (21K trouble free miles). Our only complaint is the brakes. The rear brakes are weak despite our best efforts.?? No transmission problems or engine problems. A fantastic van. In fact, this was our third (86 & 88 previous)Chrysler van. Both had 200K+ miles when replaced. Weve never experienced the transmission problems that seem to plauge other vans.