Dodge Grand Caravan Review

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Minivan Shown

The Dodge Grand Caravan is an elongated version of the now-defunct Caravan, America's original minivan and one of Dodge's biggest success stories in recent decades. Like its sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country, the Grand Caravan has long offered roominess, versatility and value -- especially for growing families with lots of kids and cargo to haul around.

Over the years, Dodge's hauler has faced increased competition from import-brand minivans. In some ways, it has risen to the challenge, offering groundbreaking features like driver-side sliding doors and Stow 'n Go seating. The latter enables owners to fold both the second- and third-row seats into the floor, or flip the third-row split bench completely rearward to provide tailgate seating.

In other respects, though, the Dodge Grand Caravan's performance has been less impressive. It was one of the last minivans to offer essential safety features like stability control and a rearview camera. The driving experience falls short of the competition, thanks in part to this Dodge's unrefined and often underpowered engines. Older Grand Caravans have been tarnished by less than stellar reliability records as well. In short, there are typically better choices if you need a minivan.

Current Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Grand Caravan is offered in two trims: SE and SXT. Three engines are available. Peek under the hood of SE models and you'll find the standard 3.3-liter V6. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this engine makes 175 horsepower. The standard engine on SXT models is a 197-hp 3.8-liter V6, and it's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The third engine is the one to have -- an optional 251-hp 4.0-liter V6 for the SXT only. It's teamed with the six-speed transmission, and it brings with it a sport-tuned suspension.

One interesting option is Swivel 'n Go seating, which offers second-row captain's chairs that turn 180 degrees to face the third row. These seats are also more comfortable than the standard Stow 'n Go middle buckets. Numerous entertainment options are also available. A three-zone video entertainment system allows front, middle and rear-seat passengers to view or listen to separate entertainment sources, and passengers can enjoy Sirius Backseat TV as an available option.

The current Dodge Grand Caravan is a good all-around hauler. Unfortunately, interior materials and construction are dead last among minivans, and long-term reliability is a big question mark. Also, buyers should also be aware that the Dodge Grand Caravan doesn't offer an eight-passenger seating option; seven is the most you can carry. Overall, just about any other minivan will probably serve you better than this Dodge.

Used Dodge Grand Caravan Models

The current van represents the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan that debuted for 2008. The van hasn't changed much since, though for '09 Dodge added standard Stow 'n Go seating and SXT options like a dedicated iPod interface, a blind-spot monitoring system and the Rear Cross Path system. Additionally, the SXT with the 4.0-liter V6 did not have the sport-tuned suspension in 2008.

The Grand Caravan is also available in four previous generations. 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 backup 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC DODGE GRAND CARAVAN MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.