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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  2019 Dodge Grand Caravan - 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Debora Kelly - November 12 - 7:43 am

  I had a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and the automatic doors would keep shutting with an object in them like a body. I was bruised pretty good once because the door shut on me took it in to a dodge dealer multiple times could not find the problem. Now the 2019 is having the same issue it closed on someone the other day but she was able to get out of it without injury. This problem could severely injure or kill a child. I even called dodge corporate office and am being told they will check it 1 more time and file a "star" and then close my case. I lost $5000 on the 2016 because of the door problems and fear of injury and pain from having to pull on the automatic doors that were not working properly now the 2019 is doing the same thing and again Dodge is not going to fix the issue. This is dangerous but they have my money and I have the van so it is not their problem it is mine.

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  Dodge on the dodge - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By meatbkr - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 96 Caravan new, and it the time to see it was when the warranty ran out. Transmission problems, air conditioner problems, brakes and rotors are always giving out. I just replaced the master cylinder at 80,000 miles, the engine and exhaust are the best features, no problems there, yet.

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  cross country traveler - 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By having fun - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  i travel accross country for work & this van gets over all the mountain passes from coast to coast/east to west. it has great get up and go. owned another van, but his is my favorite. stores more, comfy ride. for short people it adjusts perfectly so the airbag isnt in your face when it goes off, you can reach the pedals. love the heat/air in front & back, helps keep the whole van at a good temp. truly a joy

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  Prior Caravan Owner - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ednurse - December 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love our Grand Caravan SXT, Its the fourth van that we have owned. Our last van was a Voyeger and it was nothing but trouble. We have had good luck with the Caravans that we have bought so far. The room in the back is great for traveling and the seats are easy to fold for cargo. The only thing I wanted was the fold down DVD entertainment system but its not worth the price. I was interested in buying the Toyota Sienna but could not get use to the placement of the shift, also Dodge had a much better rebate.

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  FAIR - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By sc4880 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After I purchased, I was disappointed in the van proformance.

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  Love my Grand Caravan - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Liberty04 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Dodge Grand Caravan feels really sturdy when you get in to drive. After test driving other vans it just doesnt feel cheaply made. I love the stow and go feature and the improved gas mileage over my last vans.

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  Town and Country - Touring - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Don Leeger - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle very much. The AWD is fantastic. I was disappointed when I ordered the towing package that didnt come with a hitch! I would really like the fold-in-the-floor seats as I very often have them (or some) removed. My wife and I use the vehicle for our favorite sports of camping near a river where we can canoe. The fold up seats would make the shuttles easier. Presently your fold-in-the-floor seats prohibit AWD and if anything I would like more ground clearance. Yes, an SUV would be great but I also like the space to carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood. There are times when we spread out our sleeping bags on the floor.

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  The Best Minivan on the Road - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KWoodson - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Dodge has always made great minivans and they just keep getting better.The Grand Caravan is a step above the rest.It is the most comfortable,the most stylish,and offers the best features and room overall.

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  Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By LaCerra - December 24 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle has been reliable and very capable of holding up to a very active familys demanding schedule. Theres plenty of room for all the things that need to go with you; strollers, toys, etc.

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  wow - 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By bob w - December 24 - 10:00 am

  the only thing missing is for down seats and low and behold they added them for 2005 might be buying an 05 soon