1991-1995 Dodge Caravan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Dodge Caravan:
For 1992 Dodge made the driver-side airbag standard on all models. Also on the safety front, they offered an optional bench seat with a pair of integrated child (20-40 lb.) safety seats.
1993 Dodge Caravan:
Front shoulder belts were given a height-adjustable mounting point; and on vehicles with middle bucket seats, the right bucket tilts forward to ease entry/exit.
1994 Dodge Caravan:
The Caravan was given a standard passenger-side airbag in 1994, to go along with the driver-side airbag. Dodge also added side door guard beams. With the addition of the second airbag, the dashboard was redesigned. All-wheel drive was now limited to Grand models, but antilock brakes were available on all models except the base. On the outside, Caravans sported new bumpers and bodyside moldings.
1995 Dodge Caravan:
In the final year for the current design, the Caravan received only a few trim and option package 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
With the Caravan, avoid the weak 4-cylinder engine and balky 5-speed manual transmission. They are more trouble than the initial savings you might make in a lower purchase price. The 3.0- and 3.3-liter V6 engines provide adequate acceleration, but the 3.8-liter V6 delivers the best action in all situations. It's also the quietest. With any of the V6 engines, don't expect to get more than 20 mpg. The standard front-wheel drive provides sufficient traction for most situations; however, the effective AWD system is a boon in the snow belt. But beware: AWD makes the ride rougher, hurts acceleration, and lessens fuel economy. The Caravan's ride is carlike and secure, but there's too much body lean and not enough traction for these vehicles to score as anything other than minivans when it comes to handling. Though the regular-length versions can seat seven people, it gets crowded if everyone is an adult. In addition, cargo room is only adequate with all the seats in place. Grand Caravans have more space for everyone and ample cargo room. Though the middle and rear seats can be removed, they are quite heavy. The dashboard has a convenient design, and climate and radio controls are easy to use. However, front-seat occupants might find themselves craving more leg room.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Caravan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Caravan .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the AC evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)
Alternator belt:
Deep snow could knock the serpentine belt off the pulleys of a 3.0-liter engine. Installation of a shield fixes the problem. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission shudders under light to moderate acceleration, the transmission front pump could be leaking due to a worn bushing. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission:
Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear, which causes shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)
Automatic transmission:
41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)
Automatic transmission:
Any minivan with the 3.3-liter engine may have late, harsh, or erratic automatic transmission shifts that are not transmission related, but caused by a defective throttle position sensor. (1994)
Cold-starting problems:
2.2- or 2.5-liter engines idle rough or stumble when first started below freezing temperatures unless a revised intake manifold (with an "X" cast into the number 1 runner) was installed (1992), or a revised computer (PCM) was installed (1992-93), or the computer was reprogrammed. (1994)
Engine noise:
The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)
Oil consumption:
Oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust valve guides that slide out of the heads. (1991-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Caravan details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Caravan include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Dodge initially offered three different engines in the Caravan. The base engine was a Chrysler 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that made 100 horsepower. This engine also was used in several other Chrysler products like the LeBaron, Spirit, Dynasty, and Shadow. It was offered only with a 3-speed automatic transmission, but 5-speed manual supplanted the automatic in 1992. The first step up was a 3.0-liter V6 engine that made 142 horsepower. This engine was available with either a 3- or 4-speed automatic. The 3.0-liter V6 is a Mitsubishi-designed engine with a single-overhead camshaft. Also optional was a 3.3-liter V6 that initially made 150 horsepower but was upgraded in 1994 to 162 horsepower. In 1994, Chrysler added a 3.8-liter V6 to the lineup. This engine also made 162 horsepower, but had significantly more torque (pulling power) than the 3.3-liter V6. Both the 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines come only with a 4-speed automatic transmission, have overhead valves, and were built by Chrysler. The AWD system was only available on models with the 3.3-liter engine. The system is always engaged, but normally sends power to only the front wheels. If wheel slip is detected, power is redirected to the wheels with the most traction. Unlike most sport-utility vehicles, there is no low range on the Caravan AWD system.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Caravan include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991 w/ABS:
High-pressure hose in antilock braking system may leak or detach, which increases likelihood of brake lockup.
1991 w/ABS:
High-pressure pump of antilock braking system may be porous, resulting in increased stopping distances.
1991-92:
Steering-wheel mounting armature can develop cracks and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column. This can result in loss of vehicle control.
1991-93 w/ABS:
Piston seal in control unit can wear excessively; ABS could fail, and power assist might be reduced.
1991-93:
Left windshield-wiper pivot-drive arm was not mechanically staked to shaft; arm could disengage, causing loss of wiper function.
1991-93:
Seatbelt-release button can stick inside cover, so buckle is only partly latched; also, center rear belt anchor clip can disconnect.
1991-95:
Liftgate-support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.
1992:
Brake-pedal pad-attachment to pedal arm may not have adequate strength.
1992:
Fuel tank may drop or lines may rupture near fuel tank, leading to possible fire.
1992:
Zinc plating of some upper steering-column shaft coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage.
1993-94:
Lug nuts on optional 15-inch stamped steel wheels may have been improperly installed, which could lead to wheel separation.
1993-95:
Electrical short could cause airbags to deploy inadvertently.
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