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Dodge Grand Caravan (4th Gen)

01-07 · Dodge Grand Caravan

75out of 100

The 4th gen Grand Caravan is the ultimate budget family hauler, under $4k for a running 7-passenger van, but Chrysler's electrical and HVAC quality means you're buying known repair costs along with it.

Score breakdown

55/ 100Reliability×2.565/ 100True Annual Cost×2.080/ 100Safety×2.590/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Chrysler's minivan at its most practical and least reliable. The 3.3L V6 EGG is a pushrod V6 that's fundamentally sound but paired with Chrysler electrical and transmission quality. HVAC blend door actuator failure is nearly universal above 80k miles ($100 DIY fix). Stow 'n Go seating is genuinely useful. RepairPal 3.0/5.

Why it's on this list

Under $4k for a 7-passenger van with Stow 'n Go seats. For a buyer who needs maximum family utility at the absolute lowest price and will DIY basic maintenance, the 4th gen Grand Caravan is a pragmatic choice.

The honest trade-offs

HVAC blend door actuator failure, plan for it (easy DIY fix). RepairPal 3.0/5. Electrical issues throughout. No ESC. IIHS Acceptable. Transmission fluid service is commonly neglected. This is a budget appliance with budget-appliance expectations.

What to buy and what to avoid

05-07 SE or SXT with 3.3L. Verify transmission fluid service. Do the blend door actuator fix proactively. Avoid 3.8L if cost matters, more issues.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,255 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$673 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$180 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,920 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,460 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,488 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,028 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
18[5]
MPG city / hwy
16 / 23[5]
Engine
3.3L V6 (EGG)
Horsepower
180 hp
Torque
210 lb-ft
Seats
7
Cargo max
143.9 cu ft
Stock tires
215/65R16
Body
Minivan
Rear seats
Folds flat
3rd row
Tumble / removable

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
16%[2]
IIHS rating
Acceptable[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Moderate
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$673 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.6[1]
Severe issue probability
16%[1]
250k-mile survival
28%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$25 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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