Positive Review
My 2012 Grand Caravan SE is vastly improved over older models. The 3.6 new engine has plenty of power, and great on gas for such a large vehicle. The interior is nice, and the seats are very supportive on long trips. Stow & go middle seats are an added convenience, but with the 3rd row seats down there is tons of space. The new 6 speed AT is great and has a manual option for more power and control. The ride is a bit firm, but when loaded can handle very well. I paid $21000 for this Se model, about the cost of many small under powered cars. I've averaged 17-19 mpg city, and 25-27 mpg on long highway trips fully loaded at 65-75 mph.
Critical Review
My major complaint about this van is the key system they use. The plastic key fobs for my van wore out very quickly and cost me almost $200.00 to replace. Also I had to have the van towed to a dealership to have the new keys made because the computer in the van needs to be reprogrammed to the new keys. When the towing service arrived my van had to be dragged out of the parking space, because you cannot put it in neutral if the key fob is not recognized by the computer.If your out on a trip remember this, these type of keys cannot be easily cut at your local hardware shop. and that is a major setback if you are out in the middle of nowhere and there is no dealership nearby. Another failure is there was no warning that the brake fluid was a little low and while coming down some steep hills in West Va. the brakes gave out with no warning whatsoever, I had to apply emergency brakes and downshift to keep from crashing. When we came to a stop it was then that the brake warning light came on.
Showing 8 of 423 reviews.
Too much of a pain to use. It wants to carry you everywhere else other than where I want. I want to find out what a vehicle is worth selling as a private party. Not what is for sale elsewhere. Not to be sent to another site .
Reliable 102,000 miles..comfort. power on the highway. Family, cargo, great in rain , never hydroplaned, wind does not knock me sideways. 60,000 tuneup $1,2000 brought it back to new power in engine gas pettal. My last DC was driven to 250k. Traded in.
Pretty good on gas. Lots of room
Back left sliding door sticks sometimes.
Just had the transmission rebuilt March 2024 9/28/24- thermostat replaced Tires, brakes and rotors all replaced in December of 2023. Still in good working condition.
If you would like a vehicle that saves on engine fluids. This should be your pick, when it comes to room the Grand Caravan offer plenty of space for a group.
Will last forever if you keep the maintenance up to date. Great gas mileage on the road and around town a lot of power. We use it like we use a truck.
LOVE THIS VAN! I'm a homeowner and I'm always doing repairs, so I need a van to haul stuff. The Dodge Caravan is just what I need. With proper care and responsibility, it never needed serious repair until about 8 or so years into the running. First van was a 1995 bought in 1996. 2nd one was a 2006 bought in 2007. 3rd one is a 2019 bought in 2022. Not bad!
Remote start, heated seats and steering wheel
Middle seats were not heated!
So many features were thought out for families with children! Examples: Cargo nets on back of front seats; stow-n-go middle and back seats with different configurations possible, amazing air bag system (and I tested them all in a rear-end collision!), power lift tailgate; slots for tying rope around high stacks of luggage in the rear; adjustable roof cargo supports; etc.
Dependable Ride with tons of cargo space
Not as quiet of a ride as some vehicles
I use the Caravan primarily for driving to and from work. But over the years I have also used it to haul everything from bags of top soil to lumber for a chicken coop. When the seats are folded down, I have 8' of cargo space! People are amazed at how much I can fit in the caravan. We stay on top of regualr mainenance, having a full tune up completed at 100,000 miles. She still runs great. The only issue that I have had is a button for heat to my feet gets stuck from time to time. And the center console cover has cracked from hot Texas summers. I do not know what I will drive if this ever bites the dust. Never thought I would own a mini van before this one. Now I am sold The ride is superior to many vehicles we have had over the years. Not a quiet as some, but smoother ride than most.