The 2008 Grand Caravan only lasts around 200,000 miles with computer and brake problems. At $4,408 – 5,826, it’s expensive for a van with high ownership costs.
Is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Van?
- No, 2008 is a bad year for the Grand Caravan. Owner reviews complain about maintenance issues, worn-out A/C systems, and broken sliding doors.
- Reliability ratings are poor. Models from 2006–2007 are better choices, with a spike in problems for the 2008 model year.
- Performance is poor form the base engine, but the largest motor offers good power for a van.
- The Grand Caravan is a very safe minivan, getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is okay, at up to 19 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Grand Caravan?
- Consumer Reports says the Grand Caravan is worse than its rivals, and has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Grand Caravan a 3.5/5 liking the quiet cabin, but disliking the poor handling.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Grand Caravan 3.8/5 and enjoy the smooth suspension, but do not like the high maintenance costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Many of the problems with the 2008 Grand Caravan are expensive, including computer failures, premature brake wear, and worn-out air conditioning.
Computer failures with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) are extremely common, showing up at around 100,000 miles. The TIPM is a weak spot across many Dodge and Chrysler vehicles from this era, and costs around $1,200 to replace.
Premature brake wear is another frequent complaint from owners, happening every 30,000 miles. The pads and rotors wear out quickly and a new set of pads is around $250, and rotors are an additional $400.
Air conditioning system failures happen on a lot of vans at around 60,000 miles. A compressor failure is the source of the problem, costing around $1,400 to replace.
There are 8 recalls, with the most serious being for the rear brake lines which can leak, and the rear axle which could fracture and cause a crash.
How Long Will the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Grand Caravan will last around 200,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles shorter than the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are high, according to Repair Pal, at $554 per year.
Most Grand Caravans will have over 100,000 miles so prospective buyers should be prepared to replace the thermostat for $400, the alternator costing $650, and the window regulator which costs $325.
Yes it is very reliable. . We have had a couple issues with it but it has over 200k miles on it so that is to be expected.
It has had a few issues. We replaced the entire ac system but has not had any major issues since purchased in may. Has had some minor issues the last few weeks.
It is reliable but not for an everyday transportation. Once parts start dying other problems happen. If you can afford gets full diagnosis and get things fix.
My vehicle has not shown any serious problems. Regular maintenance and responsible driving proves this vehicle to be very reliable.
It has many problems, needs brakes, replaced the water pump, radiator, head gasket. Hit 2 deer with it so it needs a front bumper guard.
Yes it is reliable... knock on wood no problems just ordinary wear and tear, just had oil changed, brakes done
Yes it is reliable. Little to no issues thus far. I would recommend it. Gets us to and from all of our appointments for my special needs child.
SO reliable! We have had our van for 6 months, bought used, and currently has 130k miles on it. Normal wear and tear and nothing is expensive to replace when needed like brakes, tires, etc..
How Much Is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,408 – 5,826, making the Grand Caravan a few hundred dollars cheaper than a Kia Sedona or Chrysler Town & Country. When new, the price range was $21,740 to $27,730. Depreciation is average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Grand Caravan?
There are two models of the Grand Caravan available. Technology was just updated for the 2008 model year, with the next major update for the infotainment system coming in 2011.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & locks
- Keyless Entry
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
SXT is a step up adding features such as:
- 16-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Power Sliding Rear Doors
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
- Optional MyGig Touchscreen Infotainment System With 9 Speakers
What Engines Come In the Grand Caravan?
- The base engine is the relatively weak 3.3L V6 which has 175 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more responsive 3.8L V6 with 197 horsepower, which gets up to 18 MPG combined.
- The flagship motor is the powerful 4.0L V6 making 251 horsepower and getting up to 18 MPG combined. Performance is good for a van, taking 8 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Grand Caravan Come In?
How Big Is the Grand Caravan?
The Dodge Grand Caravan is an average sized minivan similar to the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Passenger space is outstanding throughout the van with room for tall adults in all three rows.
Cargo space is excellent and larger than many SUVs, offering 32.3 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 82.6 behind the second, and up to 143.8 with all seats folded flat. The Stow ‘n Go seating is very easy to fold flat into the floor as well.
How Does the Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The Chrysler Pacifica is a popular competitor that is around $1,500 cheaper. Interior materials are better in the Pacifica, but the Grand Caravan offers more room. We recommend the Pacifica for the 2008 model since there are fewer complaints.
The Toyota Sienna is another rival, which costs about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings and technology are better in the Sienna, but the folding seats are easier to use in the Grand Caravan. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since it’s one of the longest lasting vans.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes. I enjoy it very much. It has a lot of features and some great get up and go. It has only had minor problems.
Yeah it is a good car. I am able to fit all my kids and it fits all my needs and what I was looking for in a van.
This vehicle that is good for a short period of time. Once things start going out many problems started to happen. When it comes to gas, it was ok with city and freeway mileage. Great room for a family of 5 or more. Easy to clean but hard in the small parts. Need to buy tools to get in-between small spots.
It is a good family vehicle with a lot of storage space. It is reliable and user friendly features. Gas mileage is good.
Yes, although its old it gets me where I need to be comfortably. I have had it for 5 years and put over 100,000 miles on it.
Yes it is even though it doesn't have all the amenities I was used to in my previous vehicle such as automatic lights
Yes. We enjoy it very much. It is very spacious and has giveaways for the seats in the back. We have had little to no maintenance issues.
Yes. We love our van! It has the stow-away bucket seats that are so convenient when it comes to our family camping and fishing trips. The automatic side doors and trunk door are wonderful to have with three young children!