Parts compatibility
Would the power distribution center of a 1999 Caravan be compatible to be used in a 1996 Caravan?
2986 views
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
I'm too sexy for my car, so sexy by far...Once again setting the bar high for minivans, Motor Trend's Car of the Year, the 1996 Grand Caravan, revealed a new sleeker, rounder design in place of the boxed-off previous minivan of yore. A larger windshield, sloping roof lines, and wrapound headlights gave owners something to show off as they transported screaming kids to various sporting events.
In 1996, the chassis was redesigned to provide better stability with less noise and shuddering, and it seems to have worked. Inside, the biggest innovation was the introduction of rear seat rollers, to make them easier to remove, a common complaint among previous Grand Caravan owners. As in previous years, the 1996 Grand Caravan offered a first for minivans, by offering the optional second sliding door on the driver's side. That, combined with the low step-in height, made for easier entry and exit. There were probably more cupholders added this year as well, but it's easy to lose count.
Owners responded well to the changes, praising the better interior functionality along with the smoother ride and the responsive driving experience. One thing Dodge didn't seem to address in its 1996 Grand Caravan was the repair record, most notably the transmission headaches that have plagued the number one minivan in America.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
May 09, 2022
Will a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan will it interchange with 2011 Dodge Caravan CV axleMay 09, 2022
by Kevin W
Sep 13, 2009
Performance: Decent, nothing special, but I don't need more.
Build Quality: Interior and Exterior are holding up really well for a 13 year old van. Haven't had to do anything major to it, just basic maintanance stuff, and it's got 165k on it.
Appearance: I don't look away from it in the parking lot, ha ha. It's a minivan, but at least has alloy wheels...
Cost of Ownership: gets around 16-18 MPG in town and 22-24 highway. Maintenance is pretty cheap as I do it all myself, although changing spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter is a little bit of a pain.
Fun Factor: it's a minivan, so not really all that fun to drive, but it's way better than my 99 corolla for long road trips, and love to have the extra room too.Sep 13, 2009
by Leslie W
Sep 03, 2009
Really? C'mon. It's a van. Not a sweet 60's Volks van, but a mid-nineties "grand" van. Acceleration was to be expected from a faded plum... thing, but I did like how it handled. MANY repairs needed, especially the brakes. Appearance, well... I think we all have an understanding about this topic. Gas mileage wasn't all that great, but dangit that thing could hold a lot of junk! Sep 03, 2009
User rating:
by Anonymous
May 09, 2022
Will a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan will it interchange with 2011 Dodge Caravan CV axleMay 09, 2022
by Kevin W
Sep 13, 2009
Performance: Decent, nothing special, but I don't need more.
Build Quality: Interior and Exterior are holding up really well for a 13 year old van. Haven't had to do anything major to it, just basic maintanance stuff, and it's got 165k on it.
Appearance: I don't look away from it in the parking lot, ha ha. It's a minivan, but at least has alloy wheels...
Cost of Ownership: gets around 16-18 MPG in town and 22-24 highway. Maintenance is pretty cheap as I do it all myself, although changing spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter is a little bit of a pain.
Fun Factor: it's a minivan, so not really all that fun to drive, but it's way better than my 99 corolla for long road trips, and love to have the extra room too.Sep 13, 2009
by Leslie W
Sep 03, 2009
Really? C'mon. It's a van. Not a sweet 60's Volks van, but a mid-nineties "grand" van. Acceleration was to be expected from a faded plum... thing, but I did like how it handled. MANY repairs needed, especially the brakes. Appearance, well... I think we all have an understanding about this topic. Gas mileage wasn't all that great, but dangit that thing could hold a lot of junk! Sep 03, 2009
by Traci O
Aug 25, 2008
i like this car, cuz it has room, but its falling apart. the windshield is cracked, leaky door seals, both back doors are stuck shut cuz the locks are screwed up....its pretty slow...the color aint that amazing its a green color. Good amount of room....my kids like this van ..but i want something newer!Aug 25, 2008
by Traci O
Aug 16, 2008
cracked windshield, lotta miles, just bored of it! it is slow sometimes...great space for kids, and nice seats. I bought this van for 300 dollars. Ended up buying a transmission for 300. Nice van, been driven a lot, kids have room for a lot of toys and cups or their feet!Aug 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 09, 2008
3.3L mirror heaterJan 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2007
Problem is, it is wearing out and I can't get all the parts I need even from the dealer. Not to mention how gold-plated dealer parts are!
I have been burned a few times buying a replacement for the stock FM/AM/CD/Cassette player. Nothing is as good as the OEM for sunlight visibility and compatibiliby with the original wiring and variable intensity panel lighting.
I can get all the parts I need for the running gear and body, but electrical parts are hard to come by and very expensive from the dealer and the stock radios are not even available from the Dodge dealers. The dealer offers to refurbish the old one for about $350.
Apr 22, 2007
What users have asked
why is my 1996 dodge grand caravan just dying while driving?
I am a single mom who knows very little about cars although I do change my own oil and brakes,but Iam having a problem with my 1996 dodge grand caravan that I can't figure out and do not have the money to put it in the shop...Usually about 5min into the drive my van just dies it does'nt matter the speed I am going it has happened @45mph or @15 mph so I pull over and about 5 or 10 minutes and it starts right back up...this happened for about 1 month but now it won't start at all.I already changed the ignition coil and that was'nt it.The van has 130,000miles new battery,new ignition coil,and new alternator please help I am afoot as of right now and I do not have the money to take it to a mechanic!!!THANK YOU
1153 views
Engine codes
Do I need a scanner to read engine codes on a 1996 dodge grand caravan or can I use the trip meter truck?
128 views
Light in dash board low wash
light in dash board came on Low Wash
1568 views
Cylinders 2 and 5 not firing on a 96 grand caravan
I am stumped. it just died on me one day. I replaced the coilpack, and it will start and run, but only on 4 cylinders. I replaced the plugs, and wires. Still no change. I was thinking maybe ecm, or camshaft position sensor, but cant afford to just keep throwing money at it. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
1708 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?Compare this car
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,385 to $25,260Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 34 mm
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent