1991-1995 Dodge Caravan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Vehicle Highlights
America's best-selling minivans received their first major overhaul in 1991 since their debut seven years prior. The revamp included a restyled exterior, a new interior, and the addition of all-wheel-drive (AWD) models and optional antilock brakes. Later that year, Dodge added an optional driver-side airbag. Exterior dimensions were unchanged from the previous model, but the corners were rounded off and the glass area was increased. The Caravan, along with the nearly identical Plymouth Voyager, come in standard- and extended-length versions (called Grand). Also similar, the Chrysler Town & Country comes only in the long version. Seven-passenger seating (two front bucket seats, a 2-place middle bench, and a 3-person rear bench) was standard on all except the base model, which seated five.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The Caravan's initial basic design lasted more than a decade, and most of the bugs were worked out in the first generation. With so much versatility, these vans are an exceptional secondhand value. If you're shopping for a minivan, Caravan and its twins should be first on your list.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $455 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,040 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $385 |
| Exhaust System | $400 |
| Radiator | $325 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $230 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1995 | |||
| Caravan | $1,300-2,000 | $800-1,300 | $200 |
| Grand Caravan | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Grand LE, ES | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1994 | |||
| Caravan | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| Grand Caravan | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Grand LE, ES | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Caravan | $1,100-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Grand Caravan | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Grand LE, ES | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Caravan | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| Grand Caravan | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Grand LE, ES | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Caravan | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Grand Caravan | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Grand LE, ES | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3305 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 117.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.5 / 153 | 100 | 135 | 5-speed manual: 19/25 3-speed automatic: 20/30 |
5-speed manual: 21.6 3-speed automatic: 19.9 |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 141-142 | 173 | 3-speed automatic: 19/24 4-speed automatic: 19/25 |
3-speed automatic: 18.2 4-speed automatic: 19.7 |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 202 | 150-162 | 194 | 4-speed automatic: 18/23 | 4-speed automatic: 18.5 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 230 | 162 | 213 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: 18.5 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Caravan |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








