The 2006 Grand Caravan can last up to 250,000 miles with only some power steering and oil consumption issues. At $3,325 – $3,375, it’s a bargain for long-lasting engines.
Is the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Van?
- Yes, 2006 is a good year. Owners like the powerful V6 engines, smooth suspension, and high ride height.
- Reliability ratings are average. Models from 2006 and 2007 are good, with a spike in complaints on the 2008 model.
- Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder, but both V6 engines offer good power.
- The Grand Caravan is reasonably safe, earning an Acceptable rating from the IIHS.
- Fuel economy is good at up to 20 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Grand Caravan?
- Consumer Reports likes the storage space, but has below average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Grand Caravan 4.0/5, liking the ride quality, but disliking the low resale value.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Grand Caravan a 4.0/5 and enjoy the air conditioning system, but don’t like the high maintenance costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Problems with the 2006 Grand Caravan include power steering system leaks, broken door locks, and engines burning oil.
Power steering system leaks are the most common complaint from owners showing up at around 80,000 miles. The rack and pinion seals fail as the van ages, and replacing the rack and pinon costs about $1,100.
Malfunctioning door locks happen to many vans in their first 60,000 miles. The door lock actuators are the source of the problem, costing about $120 per actuator.
Excessive oil consumption and burning is a problem that happens at around 75,000 miles. The PCV valve is the most common source of the problem, which is about $350 to replace.
There are 4 fairly minor recalls including glass, air bags, and the power seat base. None of the recalls affected any of the mechanical parts of the van.
How Long Will the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
A properly maintained 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan can last up to 250,000 miles, only 50,000 miles shorter than top competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than rivals at $420 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most Grand Caravans will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C condenser for $600, exhaust manifold costing $650, and the vehicle speed sensor which costs $100.
We had some issues with the power doors and windows but we bought ours used. They were easily resolved and unrelated to the drivability of our van.
It is very reliable. It hasn't had many issues and I have had it for 3 years. It is a good family van, used for traveling even across the country!
Its reliable for sure. Haven't had any major issues for it being the age that it is. Just keep your routine maintenance up on it so it continues to run great.
Very reliable. I have had no problems with it. It's never been a very quiet vehicle though as far as outside noise.
I have only had issues when mechanics have done things wrong. No issues other than human error. It is reliable.
It does not, only you spend a lot of gas. You need to keep the maintenance on time, oil change, service.
Yes very reliable and is very good for long distances. The car is quiet and there are no problems at this time.
Yes, it is absolutely reliable. We've never had any issues with it, despite ours being a used vehicle before we got it.
How Much Is the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,325 – $3,375, making Grand Caravan about $1,500 cheaper than rivals including the Honda Odyssey or Kia Sedona. When new, the price range was $20,815 to $27,300. Depreciation is worse than average, losing 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Grand Caravan?
There are three models of the Grand Caravan available. Technology is very outdated with a complete redesign on the 2008 model which adds a new infotainment system.
Cargo Van is a commercial version with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Front Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Radio System
- No Rear Seats Or Windows
SE is the entry-level consumer model and has:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Split Folding Third Row Seating
SXT is the flagship model and comes with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Stow ‘n Go Folding Seating
- Power Sliding Doors
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Grand Caravan?
- The base engine is a very weak 2.4L 4-cylinder with only 150 horsepower, which gets up to 20 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 3.3L V6 which has 180 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined as well.
- The most powerful engine is the 3.8L V6 with 205 horsepower, which gets 18 MPG combined. Performance is average for a van, taking 10.3 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Grand Caravan Come In?
How Big Is the Grand Caravan?
The 2006 Grand Caravan is an average sized minivan similar to the Nissan Quest or Toyota Sienna. Passenger space is great throughout the cabin, easily fitting adults in all three rows.
Cargo space is excellent at 17.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row, and up to 167.9 cubic feet with the two rear rows folded flat.
How Does the Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The Chrysler Town & Country is a popular competitor in the same price range. Both of the vans share the same frame and V6 engines, but the Town & Country has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Town & Country since you get a fancier van for the same price.
The Honda Odyssey is another rival costing about $1,500 more. Where the Odyssey stands out is with more technology, but the reliability is better in the Grand Caravan. We recommend the Grand Caravan for the 2006 model year, but the competition is closer in other years.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes. It is very reliable. It is comfortable. The stow and go seating is easy to use. It is versatile and can be used to haul groceries, furniture, some hardware or lumber. Up to 7 people can travel comfortably and we have even camped in our van.
Yes. I love how affordable this van is, even with all the extras added to it. DVD player, weather reader, automatic sliding door and extra storage.
Yes. I like all the space it has to haul around all the kids I have to haul. Also, I like the kids have their own air vents they can turn off and on. I like the seats fold down like they do providing more space to haul things.
Yes. I have had my van 13 years and with routine maintenance I have had no issues with it. For a van it gets good gas mileage.
Yes, it is sturdy and well made. Cheap to fix when things go wrong. Just take care of it and you will enjoy it.
Yes, it is excellent. Engine and transmission are very good. Not too much gas saver. It is a comfortable vehicle.
Yes, I feel like it is a good vehicle and very good when you have a lot of passengers. There is a lot of room in the trunk so you can always put things in there. The seats come right off if you need them to and is very easy. It is very quiet and very easy to use.
Yes, I absolutely love it. The back seats fold down, which was absolutely necessary for our needs. It also fits enough people that we can take family and friends with us when we wish, although if it had another seat or two it would be even better (a lot of people go with us). It is comfortable for the most part, reliable, although I do think that if the back seats had a higher headrest it would be much better for the teens that typically sit there.