2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Review: Unreliable & Low Quality Minivan Buyers Should Avoid

Alex Showalter

Apr 9, 2022

The 2012 Grand Caravan will only last around 150,000 miles with a lot of computer and engine problems. At $8,220 – 10,003, it’s not worth the money with frequent breakdowns.

The Good

Performance is good from the V6 engine, the cabin is quiet and the stow ‘n go seats are very easy to use.

The Bad

There’s only room for seven people, the suspension is rough and interior materials are cheap.

Is the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Van?

No, 2012 is a bad year. Owners complain about the electrical system, stripped down basic interior, and disconnected steering feel.
Reliability ratings are poor. Models from 2008–2013 have a lot of problems with quality improvements showing up in 2014.
Performance is good from the V6 engine.
The Grand Caravan is a safe van earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award. There’s an optional rear view camera available.
Fuel economy is good at up to 20 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

randy b

Roomy and the stow and go is great.Has good gas mileage and the roof rack lets us move more stuff

We have 4 kids and 6 grandkids. This car lets us take vacations with some or all of them

i a

Great family car, lots of space. Comfortable and runs great.

Good van, no problem. Good gas mileage. Lots of space.

Cheryl G

It is in very good shape and it takes gasoline and E85 fuel.

I love my vehicle. It is fully loaded, It has enough space for my family to go on vacation together. The seat belt wants to lock in place which drives me crazy. Other than that I really love my minivan.

Abbey S

I wish that it had a navigation system

My vehicle features include a DVD player, but it only has one not two. It does not have a navigation system. It has a power seat on the drivers side but not the passenger. It has power steering and power windows and anti lock brakes. It has a backup camera,

Katrina W

Great quality for an affordable price. Reliable and dependable.

I like to stow and go seating. This allows for plenty of space for packing when traveling. It is easy for my children to get in and out of their seats, especially those sitting in the back.

Amie R

The van was a great value for the price we paid. Economical.

It is very dependable and gets good gas mileage. The price was economical.

Makenna H

There are some slight problems but overall everything is great.

My vehicle has minor problems, like a sound that happens every time I go up a hill, but is very reliable and the speakers inside are great. I'drives very smooth and I feel safe and comfortable every time I turn on the ignition. It is a also a van, so it can fit 7 people so if you have a big family or planning to take a road trip with some friends, this car would be perfect for you!

Brittany O

It is roomy and good gas mileage.

It has a lot of room. I have stow & go seating. I get decent gas mileage for 7 passenger vehicle. I would like it if it had tow package.

Negative Owner Reviews

Jennifer J

Dodge grand caravan’s have major electrical issues- beware!

Chairs lock up and quit folding down. You cannot place them in the floor for an open area to load bigger items. Electrical issues constantly. Had to buy a part invented by a mechanic because dodge will not recall to fix the issue. Key fob issues that required 2 replacement keys that are over 300.00.

Tara P

I love the gear shift handle on the dash with the chrome. Classy look.

I have a lot of problems with small things that is cost a lot of money and have to be repaired at the dealership. There is plenty of room in the van I am very pleased about that because I have four kids. I also like the fact it is easy to take seats in and out in case I need to make room for big items I am moving.

Ryan C

It's handles good in the snow.

Pros: I really like the handling and fuel economy. But I really hate how I have had problems with the radiator and back latches and the a/c not cooling the van properly at all..

Rebecca D

The van gets great decent gas mileage, it is comfortable and fits our family well.

We bought the car used but had to replace the tires, brakes & pads, fuel pump and alternator. We currently have a problem with the ignition causing it to shut off the van to shut off when in motion and it shakes when increasing speed. The pain is chipping, some of the windows do not work, and it is hard to open the doors or stow away seats.

Ashley R

I do like that it has stow and go seating and that it takes E85 gas.

Since buying this vehicle I have had to have the front and back ac replaced, also I have a massive transmission leak that needs replaced.I have also had to replace the alternator. It has been a complete money pit. And a financial issue for my family. Currently the back windows don't vent I have to take it in and get those fixed as well.

Danielle L

My van is black exterior and interior. The ac and heat work amazingly.

The thing that sold me was the seats folded into the floor to give me a lot of cargo space. As far as safety goes it is a very safe car for my family. It is spacious with enough room for my family of 5. I have very tall children so legroom is a must in my house and there is an abundance of let room.

Melanie H

Not a good car and it's overpriced

I like the room and space, I don't like the way it drives. Also, I do not like how often it needs work

Vicki M

I mainly bought this vehicle because it seats seven people.

Poor gas mileage. It is a comfortable ride. Great storage with the stow and go feature. The only repairs have been the brakes. Otherwise just normal maintenance.

What Do Critics Say About the Grand Caravan?

Consumer Reports says the Grand Caravan feels extremely dated with low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Grand Caravan a 3.5/5, liking the comfortable seats, but the suspension is firm.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Grand Caravan 3.8/5 and enjoy the passenger room, but the technology is weak.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?

The problems with the 2012 Grand Caravan are serious including computer failures, excessive brake wear, and misfiring engines.

Computer failures with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) are very common at around 65,000 miles. The computer wears out in many Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, costing about $1,500 to replace.

Premature brake wear is another complaint showing up in the first 25,000 miles. Replacing the pads costs about $200, and a new set of rotors is over $500.

Engine misfires and lurching while accelerating are mentioned at roughly 70,000 miles. Owners have had to replace the cylinder heads to solve the problem, costing around $2,500.

There are 5 recalls, with the most serious being for rod-bearing failure, which can cause the engine to seize and die. The other recalls include air bags, sensors, and the rear hub.

How Long Will the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?

A properly maintained 2012 Grand Caravan will last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors including the Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are very expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $785 per year.

Most 2012 Grand Caravans will have over 100,000 miles so buyers should prepare to replace sunroof motors for $700, timing chain costing $800, and the purge valve which costs $120.

Izzy S

The car is reliable. The only issue I have with the car is that there's not enough leg space in the seats behind the mid-passengers.

Sonia G

No not at all I haven't had any issues with the vehicle at all for the moment I had it like 3 years ago and it's good for me.

Tiffany M

I have had several problems with the automatic doors not working. One side continuously runs off the track so when I am driving down the road it acts like it is going to pop open and let my baby fall out.

Betzy S

The 2012 dodge grand caravan is a reliable family car. The only problem that I have found is that I frequently have to get the a.C. Fixed because it always seems to stop working.

Kristal B

There were a couple of recalls. There was an electrical issue with a the window buttons on the driver side door and it caught fire while I was driving.

DAVID N

The usual car problems. It burns a lot of gasoline. It requires the usual types of repairs annually.

Krys H

It is really a very reliable minivan. Maintenance is very easy and affordable. The only problems I have had is the seal on the doors have come loose.

Michael O

My car has been very reliable. I haven't had any problems out of it so far. It’s also very good on mileage.

How Much Is the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Worth?

Blue book values range from $8,220 – 10,003, making the Grand Caravan $2,000 cheaper than an Odyssey or Town & Country. When new, the price range was $20,995 to $29,995. Depreciation is worse than other vans, losing 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Grand Caravan?

There are 5 models of the Grand Caravan available. Technology is average with the last update in 2011, and there’s a new infotainment system introduced in 2014.

AVP is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Dual-Zone Air Conditioning
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX Jack

SE is a step up adding features including:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Three-Zone Climate Control
6-Speaker Stereo System With Bluetooth & USB Connectivity

SXT falls in the middle of the lineup, adding:

Remote Start System
Power Sliding Doors
Power Liftgate
Rear DVD Entertainment System

Crew offers some luxury features such as:

Chrome Exterior Accent Trim
Overhead Console
Leather Steering Wheel
Power Driver’s Seat
Navigation System With Backup Camera

R/T is the flagship model and has:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Sport Suspension
Leather Seating
Infinity Premium Sound System

283 HP 20 MPG

View Details

American Value Pkg

283 HP 20 MPG

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SXT

283 HP 20 MPG

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Crew

283 HP 20 MPG

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R/T

283 HP 20 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Grand Caravan?

The only engine available for the Grand Caravan is the powerful 3.6L V6 making 283 horsepower and a combined rating of up to 20 MPG. Performance is average for a van taking 8 seconds to go 0 to 60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Grand Caravan Come In?

How Big Is the Grand Caravan?

The Grand Caravan is an average size minivan, similar in size to a Quest or Odyssey. Passenger room is good with plenty of space for adults in all three rows. The Grand Caravan only comes with seating for 7 compared to competitors with room for 8.

Cargo space is great with 33 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 83.3 behind the second, and 143.8 cubic feet with all seats folded flat. The “Stow ‘n Go” seats are very easy to fold flat.

How Does the Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?

The Chrysler Town & Country is a popular competitor costing $2,000 more. Both vans are built on the same platform, but the Town & Country is more luxurious. Neither minivan is a good choice since they have mechanical problems.

The Toyota Sienna is the top-rated van by owners, costing $5,000 more. Materials and build quality are better in the Sienna, but the Grand Caravan offers better folding seats. We recommend the Sienna since it will last longer.

Ranks #5 Minivans by Owners

2012 Toyota Sienna

4.49

2012 Honda Odyssey

4.42

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

4.19

Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Izzy S

Yes, the dodge caravan is a good vehicle. Although I would say the leather seats could change to something different.

Sonia G

Yes very good vehicle to use and take everywhere a lot of space to use also good on gas too best ride to get you won't regret.

Tiffany M

Yes it is a very good vehicle. It is great on gas, very convenient for the kids to get in and out by themselves and it is spacious and roomy.

Betzy S

My 2012 dodge grand caravan is a great family car! It has many great features, including a TV where the kids can sit and calmly and stay entertained throughout car rides.

Kristal B

It's good but I wish it was better on gas. Its spacious and I love the cargo space. It would be nice if it had more features like OnStar or in-ride entertainment for the kids.

DAVID N

It is very convenient and useful for travel and shopping, and carrying multiple passengers, with plenty of storage space, and easy to drive.

Krys H

I really like the dodge grand caravan because it is a very reliable and safe vehicle. I love the minivan and it has tons of space.

Samuel M

Yes, it’s very spacious. Especially if you have children to transport around and it’s also good for grocery shopping. Very good on gas as well.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

KCJ on July 12, 2023

Reliable

I've had mine for 7 yrs now, great vehicle this our 3rd one. Still driving my 2007 runs perfect haven't done nothing with it besides normal maintence over 230,000. 2012 has 168,000 still going strong. Love the gas milage and cargo room can haul more than a 5 1/2 foot pickup box.

Kristal W on June 22, 2021

Most reliable and dependable family vehicle.

The brakes are not the greatest and have to be replaced a lot. The motor has been great except the coils packs have that be replaced often in my opinion but that is really it. Does not use oil and I have 165k miles. On it. The radio has gone out as well but no HVAC issues at all. Interior has held up well also.

Catherine R on June 20, 2021

Old car works great despite the baggage!

My vehicle has a lot of miles on it and still holds up like a war horse. When we do take it to the mechanic it is rare but engine problems most often occur. The edges of the steps are starting to rust unfortunately. Other than that the interior space is very practical which is much appreciated.

Nikki R on June 17, 2021

Great family vehicle for all.

This has been a great car. Fits everyone comfortably. I have no complaints about this car. It rides very nice has ample cupholders. The store and go feature is amazing. This car shifts great haven't need any repairs as of yet. Great on gas mileage.

Jeff M on June 16, 2021

The dodge grand caravan is a comfortable vehicle and I would recommend it anyone.

I love the dodge grand caravan the only thing I ever have a problem with is the coil packs going out it is best to change all of them when one go's out they all go soon after..It seats seven very comfortably. It is very good for long trips and holds a lot of luggage...

Kalina M on June 9, 2021

No major problems for 8 years. Not good for snowy weather or on icy roads.

We bought a brand new 2012 dodge grand caravan in Hawaii, when I became pregnant with our 4th child. It served our needs very well until we moved to Nebraska in 2014. It does not drive very well during the winter on icy roads. I couldn't even get it half a mile up the hill to my children's school on days that it was snowing. In the summers, it functioned perfectly. However, in 2016 the air conditioner stopped working. It was miserably hot that summer. It was expensive to get it fixed. Otherwise, the operation of the vehicle had little to no major problems. We moved to Mississippi this past summer of 2020, and so far it has had no issues. I do not forsee any problems in a much milder climate this winter.

Alyssa H on June 9, 2021

Lots of space! Minivan is the way to go!

This is the first minivan that I have ever owned. First off the push button sliding doors are a lifesaver with kids. I do not think I will ever buy a vehicle without them. The van drives nice and has a lot of space. Also like being able to stow and go the seats and be able to haul almost anything I need to.

Jillian K on May 24, 2021

Family car can seat up to 7 people.

Comfortable seats, a lot of storage capability, great driving in all types of weather, good quality radio, can put the seats down in the back to transport big items, back doors electric. Air conditioning and heat is not working very well. Seems to have a fuse issue so I can charge my cell phone in vehicle.

Amanda B on May 20, 2021

Great all around vehicle. Perfect for families.

I absolutely love it! Storage space galore! Stow and go seats are amazing. We got a push mower in it with 3 kids and 2 adults! Auto doors are great and easy for kids. And the auto gate is amazing when shopping. Super comfy and great space for kids. Great gas mileage too!

Jay H on May 16, 2021

My amazing car with a lot of space and storage. I really love it!

My car is a really good car. I drove all the way to South Dakota to get this car. The car has 6 seats. An ac. And it has a large space in the back for groceries. Another thing this car has is a trunk. In front of both of the seats there is a little lever that has a lot of space for things. I really love this car!

Meghan V on April 15, 2021

Excellent choice for families.

I never wanted to be a 'soccer mom' and drive a van, however, it is one of my favorite vehicles I have ever owned. It has reliable not just mechanically but also handling in all types of weather. Its got get up and go when you need it and carries a great deal of luggage and family for long trips.

Meghan C on April 8, 2021

Spacious interior, sleek exterior, runs extremely well.

We purchased this vehicle after the birth of our twins and have zero complaints! The middle seats are great for their car seats while leaving plenty of room for the driver and passenger seats to be in a comfortable position. The back is large and roomy enough for our 13 and 7 year olds. The trunk space is deep, and the ability to lay down the back seats for extra space is an added plus!

Lilia B on April 2, 2021

This is a great van and a great investment.

This is a really nice van. It was the perfect size for all my college stuff and fits a family of five comfortably. It is a smooth ride and works amazing for trips up to WI from Indy. We got it used and it still works well for being only eight years old.

Briana M on April 1, 2021

It's safe and durable and has plenty of room, have taken many road trips .

I like the bucket seats and the smooth ride, the automatic doors which makes it easy to get in and out of.

Angela C on March 29, 2021

Wonderful family car with tons of cargo space and room for all the kiddos.

This van is perfect for my family. It has tons of cargo space and the DVD player is wonderful for road trips. My kids can stretch out going to and from sports. The only thing I do not like is the enclosed engine. We usually change the oil and work on our own cars. This makes it where we have to go to the dealership. Not cool.

Desiree G on March 27, 2021

It's very useful in many ways, it has stow and go if you ever need extra room in the cab, or you can use that section as storage when the seats are up. I have a large family and we pack all of our camping gear in there with us.

I feel safe enough in it to have my kids in it. It's big enough to fit my whole family in. It's modern. I wish it had more features inside (DVD, navigation, etc.)

Camryn B on March 27, 2021

Dodge caravan amazing mom car.

I love my dodge caravan. It is amazing. I have the model where the back windows do not go down, and that is perfect for me. I have a young child, so she cannot play with the buttons, also when I transport people, I do not have to lock the windows from them also messing with the buttons. It has a lot of storage compartments and a lot of space. I carry a lot of things with me daily and I have space for myself, my stuff, and others and their belongings comfortably.

Erica B on March 26, 2021

Extremely practical and affordable!

2012 dgc sxt is extremely comfortable and practical and affordable. I love the power doors and tailgate I can open with the key fob. Another perk is a lumbar support in the driver's seat. Only problems encountered over the last 8 years are the rotors and breaks. Seems to be a yearly expense.

Mary D on March 26, 2021

My van has a lot of space which makes it very versatile for a variety of purposes,

My van is nice looking. It gets great gas mileage. I have not had any issues with my van, but I am sure to have regular maintenance checks done.

Andrea C on March 23, 2021

It's a very good car, with automatic door.

I really never have a problem with my car is a good car is very secure and comfortable is big I have never had problems with the car, it is quite wide, very beautiful, we can travel with the family, it is a car that has no engine problems, it is of very good quality, it is very comfortable to travel, it is a car that is generally very beautiful and its doors are automatic.

Kristi A on March 18, 2021

Great van for the price we paid. Lasting a long time.

We love the van. The stow and go seating has so much storage. Space plenty room for whole family. We love it to go on long trips. The seats all have good adjusting distances. It suits all our family's needs. It runs good it's good on gas. Stylish. Enjoy not having to walk.

No T on March 11, 2021

Great family van - not frilly, but full of space.

This van is perfect for families. It has plenty of comfortable seating and storage space. The van is easy to drive, and it is fairly fuel efficient. There are a few bells and whistles that are on more expensive vans that are missing. That being said, value for the money, this van is spot on.

Jill D on March 10, 2021

The most important thing about my car is the space and the stow and go seating option. It is perfect for families lies with kids and for road trips

Love the car but has done electrical works. Sometimes the lights act up and will not turn on and the radio acts up too . The cat drives really well and has a lot of space and configuration options

Tiffany R on March 9, 2021

Very comfortable on long distance travel & plenty of cargo room.

Love the availability of third row seating. Also, lots of cargo room when seats are stowed. Seats are extremely comfortable, even during long distance travel. Gas mileage is decent for a minivan. The engine runs very smoothly. Also, the style of the van is nice.

becky b on March 6, 2021

I have a handicapped child and it is very easy to get him in and out of it'

It is very roomy .also the seats let down so i can haul big things; easy to get kids in and out of.

Kathy M on March 5, 2021

My thoughts on my dodge grand caravan.

My dodge grand caravan has been a great vehicle for me. I like the stow and go storage. There is plenty of room to sit comfortably for 7 people. The back seats fold down for more storage. I can haul 8 foot boards from the hardwood store in the van. The mpg is around 23 to 23 on the highway. It is a comfortable ride for long trips. It has plenty of cup holders and storage space.

Alexandra H on March 3, 2021

Great and safe family car.

Very good family car. You can put all the seats nicely down and use the whole car to transport bigger pieces. It is a very safe car. Not to expensive to keep up and parts are easy to get. You can lift up in the trunk and keep your groceries safe and not rolling around.

Crystal W on March 3, 2021

Convenient room for large items in the back.

I have not had major problems but we have had to replace brakes on the vehicle twice since we had it. Have had several recalls for sensors. Now I have an issue with a coil pack that wants to go bad every few months that causes a rough idle. Other than that no major expensive issues.

Heather H on February 28, 2021

An excellent family vehicle

It's very comfortable to ride in. In the almost seven years we've had it, we have only had one issue and that was quickly taken care of through a recall.

Juan C on February 28, 2021

An interesting detail will have to be the automatic doors.

My car is really comfortable for me and the kids. It has a lot of room in the inside. The kids usually ride comfortably. The outside looks really nice. One thing I would change is the air conditioning outlets. Meaning that where the air comes out of in the back, should be more convenient.

Tyler S on February 27, 2021

Grand caravan. The family van.

Overall I believe the grand caravan was a great investment for my family. Had a hiccup with the tpim system in the car, the fuel relay does not kick on when it is supposed to, but I wired it to work. Gas mileage is not great, but that is to be expected with a vehicle of this size. The automatic doors are an awesome feature and make things easy when bringing along both kids for a trip. All rear seats can be folded completely flat. We've used it with some blankets in the back for an overnight fishing trip and it was honestly pretty spacious back there.

Amie S on February 25, 2021

It has a lot of wheel alignment issues.

I wish it drove better. It has a lot of wheel issues. I like the size and color, and that it is handicapped accessible.

Andrea M on February 25, 2021

The safety features are incredible.

It holds everyone in our family, and we have a big family. It has comfortable seating. It gets us where we need to go.

Kris E on February 24, 2021

Love the stow and go seats.

I love most things about my car. I love the little things like the area for sunglasses that flips down a little switch a mirror to be able to see in the back seat. I love the stow and go seats for easy switch to pick up things from fb marketplace! Haha! I have an issue with the area the coolant is in. It is cracked and my mechanic has not seen this issue before and he’s worked on a lot of minivans. It is estimated to cost $3k to fix!

Angelina L on February 19, 2021

Amazing choice for family.

It works really great and I enjoy it. It's great if you got a big family or a small family. Great for traveling. Plenty of room. Underground storage space. It's great on gas. You save tons of money on gas. It runs on fuel economy gas. The side doors open and close on their own.

Megan C on February 18, 2021

2012 white dodge caravan that was previously a rental car.

The van was a rental car before, so it has over 20,000 miles. Sometimes the wheel gets stuck, but only when you are starting the engine up. The dodge caravan is a crisp white color, so it is easy to see. And the seats have do not have a leather cover, so they do not get super hot.

Naomi J on February 15, 2021

Power windows locks and doors good family van.

Sometimes it will not start. Had to change out the fuel pump. It drives pretty well. Good family van. It has auto locks auto doors auto seats. Wish it had DVD player. Stow and go seating does not work there correct way haven't figured out how to get the front seat to stow and go. The manual tells you how but it does not work.

Angie M on February 13, 2021

Spacious vehicle, so much room and comfortable ride.

I love the leg room in the front and middle section of the vehicle. The third row does not have much leg room, but smaller kids fit comfortably. I love the stow and go feature, great for storing extra luggage. Trunk space is really good. My only complaint is some mechanical issues that had to be worked on 4 years after the purchase of the vehicle, and still gives us problems today. It was the fuel pump relay, and dodge did not want to replace is on my year make even though they had a recall to replace it on other makes and models. I love that you can drop all the seats into the floor and you have so much more room to fill up the van to bring more items home. I have made plenty of home depot runs filled the van with tools and building supplies and even was able to fit a few 16' baseboards in there without having them hang out the windows. The van is great.

Janet C on February 10, 2021

Best features for a family.

I love that the Dodge grand Caravan has stow and go seating. It helps to fit everything in without having to take the heavy seats out. I also love the dual heat and control for front and back of vans. This help keep all passengers very comfortable in van.

Barbara T on February 10, 2021

It is comfortable to ride in and I would buy another later model if I had the money.

It is comfortable. The seats are great for additional passengers. The back seats hide away for luggage when travelling.

Brian P on February 10, 2021

Functionality and convenience a plus.

Reliability, functionality and convenience were a top priority why I selected this vehicle and it has not disappointed. The extra cargo space is a must for my business needs, moving large items and sports equipment. I did not select this vehicle to impress others; rather for its functionality and I would do it again and again.

Seth B on February 8, 2021

Sweet van for the family!

Very spacious vehicle, room for the whole family. The third row a/c is a must for any buyer. Back up cam and new safety features are so helpful for new drivers and for keeping my kiddos safe. Seats in the back fold down to make the perfect cargo space for a big grocery haul.

Lisa C on February 6, 2021

Why I love my 2012 grand caravan is because it gives a comfortable ride.

I bought this 2012 grand caravan used with 169,999 miles. I like all the automatic features. The doors open with a button. I get great gas mileage, 28 mpg. It just runs great. I have owned dodge vans in the past but I prefer the grand caravan. When this grand caravan gives out, I will definitely buy another one.

Jennifer H on February 5, 2021

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan from perspective of a mother of 4.

I love the size. I love that the floors have storage built in. And the seats can collapse all the way into the floor. Not great on gas.

Darrell W on February 5, 2021

It has stowaway rear seats which allows for transporting things.

It's a burnt orange color. It has stowaway rear seats. Navigation system and front and rear dvd system. The style is nice.

Lindsey G on January 31, 2021

The storage space for an on the go sports filled family is awesome!

Everything about this vehicle is great for a larger family. It has tons of space for a family of 5 and the storage space is amazing! It drives smooth and the only issue we have currently is the AC went out. It is slightly older so that could play a major role. Otherwise it has tons of space and runs great.

Lamiko K on January 30, 2021

Pros and cons of 2012 dodge grand caravan.

So far our 2012 dodge grand caravan is a pretty reliable vehicle. It is great on gas mileage and runs quietly and smoothly. There's adequate storage space in the trunk and back passenger areas. I love the ability to stow and go the back seats or to use the stow and go for extra storage on long road trips. The things that I would like to change is the front leg room. It is pretty tight so if you are on the heavy side it is not going to be comfortable for you. Also on the front doors there's storage pockets that protrude and can be a little uncomfortable on the legs if you are heavy. I was a bit disappointed that satellite radio was not installed in the vehicle and it only had a CD player. We like the option of satellite radio or at least Bluetooth connectivity and it has neither of those options. In our experience with dodge grand caravan the most common problem we've had over the years is issues with the key fob, starter the tire sensors. They're pretty sensitive and can trigger a low tire pressure alert quite often. Overall I'd say that the 2012 dodge grand caravan is about a 3. Great family vehicle but I'd like to see more features that provide comfort along with the reliability.

Erin L on January 23, 2021

That it is a reliable car that is great for families.

I like the capacity it has. I like that the kids can have friends over and we can still fit in the car. I don't like that we have cloth seats, and I wish we had purchased a vehicle with leather seats.

Hannah R on January 22, 2021

Space for kids and issues with ac.

The van is a good vehicle for our family because of our children. It has enough seats and space for the car seats. I do not like the storage space and the ac has not worked for a while. The heat works well though. The motorized seats work great and so do the windows.

JJ S on January 22, 2021

Automatic dual sliding doors, rear door

We have electrical issues from time to time, mainly with the DVD player. There is a traction control feature that when in does not allow us use cruise control. We love the automatic sliding doors and rear. There is plenty of room for all our kids. Unlocking the front passenger door with the key fob works intermittently. Basic maintenance such as oil change wiper blades etc is very simple in this van.

Tony C on January 21, 2021

Not what I thought: it handles a lot of people however it uses a lot of gas.

My Dodge is roomy but it gets poor gas mileage, I have had some electrical problems with it and the ride is rather noisy. And the sliding door rattles when I drive.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.