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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  Very disappointed! - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By soccermom - January 21 - 2:33 am

  Has had steering problems a couple times already with a terrible grinding noise. Cheaply made interior, covers break easily. Was told that middle and back seats were interchangeable when buying van, but they arent. Found this out only after lugging out heavy the back seat. No stow-n-go with this van makes it even more of a hassle. Terrible pick up, feels like a truck, cant afford to put gas in it. This van burns gas horribly. I went 30 city miles and it burned a half tank of gas! If I didnt owe so much in this piece of junk Id be trading it in. Im actively still trying to trade it in somewhere. Buyer beware! Dont buy a Grand Caravan!

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  Get Serious Dodge - 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By art3 - January 12 - 11:07 pm

  As an owner of 4 Caravans since 1985 I was seeking to replace my present Caravan with a 2014 "Grand Caravan." Much to my chagrin Dodge has a base seat in all but the SXT which has no height adjustment. This is not Grand at all as th tall driver does not have legroom. This I see has been noted by other consumer reviews. You can get a power seat that has decent adjustments, but your going to have to pony up serious dollars to get the SXT model. I contacted the Dodge Customer Assistance Center and this is their response,Dear Art: Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center with your product improvement suggestion, however Dodge only works thru consumer forums. Thanks Dodge

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  Read reviews before you buy a vehicle - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By spidey - January 6 - 10:00 am

  We have had nothing but problems with this van. On the drive home, the van would lose power and then a second later start going again. We didnt think anything of it until smoke poured out of the hood when the a/c compressor locked up. We have 3 brake jobs on the van, air compressor, serpentine belt, tune-up, fuel filter, rear drive shaft, tie-rods, sway bar bushings, sway bar, front struts...is that all....and at the moment the van is in the garage having a bearing replaced somewhere in the drive train. The mechanic also said the boots on the rear drive shaft are torn already! This vehicle has sucked us dry to the tune of $5k.

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  99 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By DLandry - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I used to really like this van until the problems started shortly after the warranty period....A/C repair (1,400),transmission sensor(140), back door latch(150),fan belt tensioner (130). It seems like after the warranty period is up the vehicle starts to fall apart. Poor quality typical of most American products. It will definitely be my last Dodge/Chrysler purchase and probably my last American vehicle purchase...EVER!

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  A comfy ride - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By am - January 5 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car for hauling and traveling. It has performed well for both. The only trouble I have had is a frozen wiper fluid line, an automatic side door that is now manual and some trim that hasnt held up to boys. Its not a sexy ride, but it gets me where I want to go safely and reliably.

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  Beware of fuel expences - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By aradensky - January 5 - 10:20 am

  I changed my F150 with V8 with the last model Grand Caravan hoping to make some savings on gas. The advertised fuel efficiency shoud be 8.7 liters per 100km. (I am Canadien) The best I have reached to the moment on the interstate roads is 13.1 liters per 100km/ around 17 miles per gallon/ and it is 50% more than it is advertised. I have had more than 10 different cars, vans and trucks and it wasnt a problem to get close enough to the advertised efficiency.In the dealership they try to tell me that the way the van is built. And if it continues I have to take rid of it

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  Nice van - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ed Davis - January 3 - 10:23 am

  Excellent vehicle. Fun to drive. Good ride and handling. I bought it new and have 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. I change the oil every 3000 miles, and it uses none between changes. Have taken several trips and get 26 mpg. Would buy another one but would also consider Toyota Sienna. Have added stripes, bug shield and driving lights to make it dressier.

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  Nothing but a headache - 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By TAYLERSDAD - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We Wont make this mistake again!The AC compresser went out 100 miles after warrenty, but it was extened. WE still trying to get our money back. but dodge wont pay.many problems with extended warrenty they did not transfer it from orginal owner, yet somehow this is our fault.horriable customer service the automatic window motors went on both doors the ignition had to replace the auto door in back doesnt work and numerous electrical problems (been in at least 4 times for repair)that have never been repaired. Cheep parts.NOT worth the money or your time

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  excellent piece of equipment - 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By mek0123 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have totally enjoyed my Dodge Grand Caravan ES. It is truly a fun to drive and the best road vehicle I have ever driven much less owned. Rides like a car and handles like something German. For the first time ever in a minivan, I can actually hold a regular tone conversation with 3rd seat rear passengers without raising my voice. Chrysler-Infinity sound system with 9 speakers can literally blow you out of the van. Automatic load leveling suspension is the final charm for me with this minivan. Loaded up, headlights are still aimed on the road and not up into the trees. Rent one from Alamo/Dollar for a weekend and youll be convinced too!!!

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  2003 Dodge Grand Caravan is versatile - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Hector F. - November 29 - 10:00 am

  After driving the 02 DGC Sport for 2 months, I find that it is versatile. It is the ideal van to travel on your vacations. It handles very well, it is reliable, and it turned a few heads in my companys parking lot. Some co- workers have even bought 03 Dodge vans and trucks.