Dodge Grand Caravan Review

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Minivan Shown

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a direct relative of the Caravan, America's original minivan and one of Dodge's biggest success stories of the last three decades. Essentially the long-wheelbase version of the two, the Grand Caravan has long offered roominess, versatility and value -- especially for growing families with lots of kids and cargo to haul around. The Grand Caravan has another sibling: its twin, Chrysler's Town and Country.

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 that have served to separate it from the pack. The Chrysler/Dodge minivans were the first to offer driver-side sliding doors. They are also the only vans on the market to offer Stow 'n Go seating. Eliminating the need to remove the seats and then find someplace else to store them when not in use, this system enables owners to quickly and easily fold both the second- and third-row seats into the floor, or flip the third-row split bench completely rearward to provide tailgate seating. New Swivel 'n Go allows you to turn the middle captain's chairs around to face the third row for a family-friendly conversation seating setup.

In other aspects, 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. Overall driving dynamics have often fallen short of the competition, thanks in part to this Dodge's unrefined and underpowered engines. And older Grand Caravans have been tarnished with less than stellar reliability records.

The Grand Caravan saw its stock rise significantly with its 2008 redesign. (The short-wheelbase Caravan is now dead.) Numerous safety features have been added, along with a host of innovative new amenities. The van has also benefited from new styling and a more satisfying V6, which offers respectable acceleration. These upgrades combine to make this Dodge incredibly compelling. Today's Grand Caravan is a winner in many respects, and shines as a true front-runner in the minivan segment.

Current Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Grand Caravan is offered in two trims: SE and SXT. Making its debut with the current generation is Swivel 'n Go seating; this setup 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. A plethora of entertainment options is 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.

Three engines are available. Peek under the hood of SE models and you'll find a 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; it's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both these engines are carryovers from the previous-generation Grand Caravan. The third engine is an optional 251-hp 4.0-liter V6 for the SXT only. It's teamed with the six-speed transmission.

The current Dodge Grand Caravan is more appealing than ever before. It delivers more interior room, more refinement and a host of specialized features. But there are a couple of negatives to consider. The Grand Caravan offers a ride that emphasizes comfort; as a result, the minivan's handling and maneuverability aren't up to the level of some competitors. Relative to its rivals, interior aesthetics are also somewhat spartan. 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, though, the current Grand Caravan dazzles as a true contender in this category, and deserves your attention if a minivan is on your shopping list.

Past Dodge Grand Caravans

The Dodge Grand Caravan is 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.