When you were a kid, almost every family you knew had a Dodge Grand Caravan. However, thanks to the rise of SUVs, CUVs (crossover utility vehicles), and sport wagons, this model has lost a lot of ground over the years. The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has a lot of great upgrades and new features to help Dodge battle their way back up to the top ranks of minivan sales in the US.
Key Features
The tailgate seating option is a really fun and useful feature that allows you to flip the third-row bench 180 degrees for a great spot to sit when you’re having a picnic or tailgating at a game. And you won’t have any trouble finding your way to the game, the park, or any other destination because the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is also outfitted with Garmin navigation and a 30GB hard drive to store all of your music. The infotainment system is also voice-activated for enhanced safety, and you have the option to add a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot, too.
Changes for 2012
The biggest change for 2012 is the American Value Package (AVP), which includes cruise control, a V6 engine, and “Stow ’n Go” storage in the second and third rows, all for the lowest price in its class.
What We Like
When it comes to buying a minivan that’s loaded with features at a really low price, you really can’t beat the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s the most economical and comfortable minivan on the market today.
What Concerns Us
With competitors like Honda and Toyota putting more into modern styling, even fresh off the lot the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan can start to look a little dated. That’s going to hurt your resale values in the future, but it also means you’ll be able to find one at a better price today, too.
Available Models
All of the trim packages for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan come with the same engine, a 3.6-liter V6 with 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s also rated at 17 MPG around town and 25 on the highway.
Major Recalls
Recalls for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan have addressed an issue with rod bearing failure, rear hub and bearing assembly issues, a malfunctioning right-side lift gate pinch sensor, and an overheating problem with the vent window switch.
Common Issues
The most common complaint about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is a tendency for the brakes to wear prematurely.
