2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent ride and handling characteristics, good low-end pull from 3.8-liter V6, roomy cabin, nifty fold-flat second- and third-row seats.
Cons
- Unimpressive reliability history, low resale value, can't get stability control.
What’s new
Starting with December 2005 production, the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan benefits from a strengthened roof and side structure and updated side curtain airbags to improve its performance in side-impact crashes.
Edmunds says
Pleasant to drive and ride in, the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan finally steps up to the plate with fold-flat rear seating, allowing families to get the most out of its expansive interior.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan C/V 4dr Ext Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$217/mo for Grand Caravan C/V
Grand Caravan C/V
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Back in 1984, Dodge's Caravan introduced America to the modern minivan. Within its relatively compact dimensions, it offered seating for up to seven, and with the second- and third-row seats removed, enough cargo space to handle a kid's move off to college. Still, some folks wanted more space, so late in 1987, Dodge brought out a stretched-wheelbase version dubbed the Grand Caravan.
The Grand Caravan has taken heat since its last full redesign (in 2001) for not having a fold-flat third-row seat, a key feature now found on virtually every competitor. Finally last year, Dodge has bowed to the pressure and introduced its new Stow 'n Go seating and storage system. This system enables owners to quickly and easily fold both the second- and third-row seats into the floor. Also, the third-row split bench may be flipped completely rearward to provide tailgate seating. This new level of flexibility should allow owners to get the most out of what was already the most expansive interior in the minivan segment.
The Dodge Grand Caravan has always impressed us with its peppy performance and carlike ride and handling qualities. The Grand Caravan has been Chrysler's biggest success story of the last two decades and has always been at or near the top on the segment's sales charts. But this corporate darling has its share of problems, as various mechanical woes have tarnished its reliability reputation. Although quality has improved greatly in the last five years, this Dodge minivan still tends to have more repair issues than import rivals. An extended warranty is a good idea if you're planning to keep the van beyond its basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty period.
Apart from the versatile seating system, the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan has many charms, among them a comfortable interior, good looks and an available power liftgate. Depending on what trim level and options are selected, driver and passengers can be ensconced in soft, gathered-leather seats while triple-zone climate controls keep everyone comfortably cool or warm. In spite of the Grand Caravan's strengths, the Odyssey and Sienna offer something else that Dodge won't be able to simply bolt in: a long-standing reputation for exemplary reliability and build quality. Still, we don't feel sorry for Dodge, as plenty of folks will be won over by its combination of agile handling, comfy ride, spacious interior, stylish looks and iconic presence in the minivan segment.
Performance & mpg
A 180-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 powers the SE. The SXT includes the more powerful 205-hp, 3.8-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models. A Grand Caravan with the 3.8-liter V6 is a sprightly performer, with crisp response down low and through the midrange. Towing capacity maxes out at 3,800 pounds with the optional towing package.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard across the line, but the SXT comes with an upgraded four-wheel disc set. Stability control is not available. Side curtain airbags with coverage for all three rows are optional on both models. All Grand Caravans include a driver knee airbag. In government crash testing, the Dodge Grand Caravan posted a full five stars in all NHTSA frontal- and side-impact crash tests. Frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS produced an overall "Acceptable" rating (the second highest on a scale of four). IIHS side-impact testing also resulted in an "Acceptable" rating on a Grand Caravan with the optional side curtain airbags.
Driving
The Grand Caravan's most endearing qualities continue to be its agile handling and supple ride characteristics. We suspect that the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan will surprise and win over a lot of folks who expect the minivan driving experience to be an exercise in lethargic vehicle dynamics. The 3.3-liter V6 engine provides adequate acceleration, but larger families and those who tow a trailer will prefer the added power of the 3.8-liter V6.
Interior
The star of the show is definitely the Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating and storage system. In-floor compartments swallow up the second- and third-row seats when you don't need them and double as storage areas when the seats are in use. Other useful features include a movable center console equipped with power points and a power rear liftgate. The seats are generally comfortable, and drivers will find most controls within easy reach. The Dodge Grand Caravan has 26 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the 60/40-split third-row seat, and a maximum of 161 cubes with all second- and third-row seats folded into the floor.
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan models
The Dodge Grand Caravan is available in two main trim levels -- SE and SXT (there's also a cargo van version, the CV, which offers several options for configuring a Grand Caravan as a work vehicle). The SE comes with 15-inch steel wheels, antilock brakes, a second-row bench seat (for two passengers), a 60/40-split third-row bench, dual manual-sliding doors, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. The SXT adds the Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating feature, dual power-sliding doors, a separate rear heating and air conditioning system, a power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger V6 engine, keyless entry, and power windows, mirrors and locks. A variety of options are available on all Grand Caravans, including automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an Infinity sound system, a rear DVD entertainment system and a navigation system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan.
5 star(52%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(5%)
80 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
This van is the bomb!
gail39, 04/07/2014
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
We've purchased this van brand new in 2006. It has over 117,000 miles in it! Other than the interior cosmetic issues such as flimsy cup holders and shortage on the automatic windows and lights in the front- in terms of its reliability, it's great as it has never left us stranded anywhere we've been! My kids grew up riding in it and we have all loved it! No transmission or engine issues … so far! We're hoping to another 100,000 miles in it!
5 out of 5 stars
Convenient, Practical & Comfortable for 10+ years
Peg W, 06/16/2016
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
This is our third Dodge/Chrysler minivan (over a 23 year span) and this one will always be my favorite. It's a shame they don't make 'em like this anymore. The seats are super comfortable. The Stow & Go seating is amazing. The sound system is high quality and better than some of the newer vehicles. We've moved our oldest kids in and out of college hauling everything in the minivan … (without ever having to rent a uhaul). We've traveled ( 5 people) all across the country comfortably with plenty of room for luggage, water skis - you name it. We've hauled washers & dryers, furniture, etc. One of the few issues we've had is with the automatic doors - we've had to have them repaired twice when the lock buttons were stuck (had the actuators were replaced). Other than the replacing the actuators, the maintenance & repairs costs were lower than average. It will be sad day when it's time to part with my van.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best van on the road.
Rick, 05/24/2008
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
We traded in our 2002 Grand Caravan for the 2006 Grand Caravan. We were very pleased with the '02 but this van with its Stow n Go seating is far superior. The seats work easily. If you do not have Stow n Go you will be amazed how frequently you use them. We use them every day. easy to use and can fold all seats within a minute. Have not had any major problems with the van at all. The van … has made three trips to Florida and South Carolina (from NJ) and it is very comfortable. The storage wells for the middle row seats make a great storage area for snacks and things. There really is a lot of room in this van. Rides like a Cadillac on the highway. Easy to drive with great visibility.
4 out of 5 stars
Lucky draw continues ~
GWA1225, 12/01/2017
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
I grew up on MoPar station wagons of the ‘50s & ‘60s and bought of the very first Grand Voyagers in ‘87; put 100k on that one and got a ‘91 and put over 100k on it. Had some tranny work under warranty on both but loved ‘em. I bought this well-kept 2006 EXT in July 2015 with 110k on it after I’d put 250k on a Chevy Venture and am now approaching 150k. I’ve had the following Annoyances: … both sliding door locks failed within a week of each other. I replaced them myself for $35 each by watching YouTube videos. Rear lift gate struts weak when cold; cheap to replace and easy install. Front sway bar bushings worn out; $15 Moogs which I’ll install someday. Very noisy power steering pump after running at speed for more than 15 minutes; I’ve expected it to fail for the last 15-20k but it just keeps whining along. The a/c compressor is also getting noisy. Each will be shop-replaced when it finally fails. For a US-built minivan, I don’t consider this abnormal; all my other vehicles are Toyotas so I know the tradeoffs. The underlying design and performance of the MoPar minivans is as good or better than Honda’s and Toyota’s versions and of course these MoPars depreciate much faster, making them much cheaper to buy used. I’m an educated consumer who helped a used car dealer evaluate and buy hundreds of cars at wholesale after I retired from practicing law. The reputation of MoPar minivans among used car dealer professionals isn’t bad, though they do build some bad ones. I treat mine as my covered pickup truck and jack of all trades and likely will run it another 100k. A friend who does not keep her cars very well has one of these with 260k on its original powertrain and counting. Oddly enough given all the hooha over these trannies, most all of the dozens and dozens I drove in my used car days were like butttaah. Honda’s minivan trannies were viewed as worrisome by the wholesale buyers once over about 120k, FWIW.
6/2019 update: now at 175k. Had alternator replaced as it got very noisy. Changed the radiator myself. Dipstick broke so I changed that. Annoyingly, changed front struts, then sway bar links (one of them twice) and sway bar bushings and front suspension still “clunks” over bumps. Just had a shop do a full tranny flush/service/BG for me. They also fixed the wiring to the left front SRS impact system that had thrown the SRS code.
I also impressed myself by changing all the plugs, plug wires and coil packs, which cleared a misfire code. Currently I occasionally get a self-clearing “less than peak efficiency” that illuminates under light loads.
I run Walmart High-Mileage 10W-30 full synthetic oil and Fram ToughGard 16 filters changed at the factory 6k, and add LiquiMoly molybdenum additive at each change; about every 4th change I also add their Ceratec ceramic additive to reduce internal wear etc. Can’t hurt, might help. Oh, and the power steering pump still protests during/after sustained high-speed runs, but the Lucas fluid keeps it truckin’.
In short, I love this van and expect another 100k out of it, easy.
12/19 update: my van now lives in Chicago vs VA as we spend half our time there helping care for a granddaughter. The suspension clunking proved to be just the upper strut retaining nuts. I decided to bite the bullet and had the cat converter replaced to get rid of the recurring CHECK ENGINE codes, since I plan to run this van til it drops. Added an aftermarket remote start system for VA summers and it sure is nice.
The power-steering pump is generally quiet now. I’m tending to the first signs of rocker-panel and tailgate rust, as one sees a lot of Mopar vans with serious body rot.
Nice to have a versatile, reliable carryall that is done depreciating.
6/2020 update: Now at 186.1k. COVID complications caused the termination of this van’s ChiTown life when we vacated our apartment there on 4/30/20 and headed home to Williamsburg VA full-time. My wife drove the van behind the moving truck I was driving.
The power steering pump no longer protests long, hard runs; I think the refills with Lucas over time had a cumulative favorable effect. The General Altimax 43 tires are wearing well, ride smoothly and provide very secure handling in heavy rain.
The replacement cat converter mentioned above wasn’t hung properly and vibrates against the rear underbody at certain rpms and especially when the ban is nose-high. I need to get it back over there now that it’s home.
Other than that maintenance issue, Zorba the Van motors on. I’d drive it anywhere, any time. It’s one of the “good ones.”
12/2020 update: 194k and still going strong. Just had some Gabriel Hijackers installed so I can carry a heavy Thule hitch rack for two heavy e-bikes; raising the rear about 3” also keeps the rear muffler from vibrating against the rear underbody. In a couple weeks, Zorba will get towed behind our RV for 3-4 months in St Pete. Next oil change@
200k.
June 2022 update: Zorba the Van rolled 200k on 3/31/21 and now has 228.5k. Paid $550 to have the front pads and rotors changed in St Petersburg rather than doing it myself because they did it in under an hour and it woulda taken me a day or two. As I approach my 75th birthday, I’m losing my appetite for labor-intensive tasks.
But Zorba soldiers on! In one 7-day period (3 driving days) I drove him 2,560 miles, getting about 21 mpg cruising with the traffic at 75-80. Last week we did an 800-mile round trip from VA to SC and back. Outside temps ran 100-102 but the temp gauge rode right on its usual mark. The power steering pump was noisy at fuel stops so I need to get a turkey baster and do a suck-out-and-replace drill to freshen the Lucas ps fluid in the tank. In normal temps it’s quiet even at speed.
I’ve enjoyed renting Pacificas on trips and have logged about 2k in them. But Zorba has appreciated a bit and fits us like a glove. And I’d drive it coast to coast without a concern.
12/2022 update: 237k and going strong! Exhaust system still buzzes against the body under certain conditions and it throws off occasional cat codes under light loads, which I clear after checking.
Zorba needs an alignment and a set of tires sometime soon. Only new annoyance is the front blower fan sometimes fails to wake-up on engine start. Eventually it does. Changed a relay but that didn’t help. Probably the motor is tired.
2006 Grand Caravan Highlights
C/V
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,815 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $217/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 167.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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