What year did the Dodge Caravan start to stow and go?

The Dodge Grand Caravan first offered Stow 'n Go seating in the 2005 model year, with the feature also appearing in its sister model, the Chrysler Town & Country.

Background on Stow 'n Go

Stow 'n Go is Chrysler’s branding for a folding seating system that lets the second- and third-row seats be tucked into floor-mounted storage bays. This design creates a flat cargo floor, making it easy to switch between passenger capacity and cargo space without removing seats.

Launch details

The following list outlines the key points about when Stow 'n Go first appeared and how it was deployed at launch.

• Debut year: 2005 model year


• Vehicles involved: Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country


• Core capability: second-row and third-row seats fold into floor storage to create a flat load floor


• Initial trim/package availability: offered on select trims and as part of option packages at launch

These launch details mark the moment when Dodge’s minivan lineup began offering flexible interior configurations to better accommodate families and cargo.

How it worked and why it mattered

At its core, Stow 'n Go integrated floor-integrated storage with the ability to slide and fold seats into recessed bays. This allowed owners to switch quickly from seating up to seven or eight passengers to a spacious cargo area, all without removing heavy seats. The feature became a cornerstone of Dodge’s minivan design for many years and helped set a standard for interior versatility in family vehicles.

Legacy and ongoing presence

Since its introduction, Stow 'n Go remained a defining feature of Dodge Grand Caravan and its Chrysler siblings for many model years. While the branding and configurations evolved with new generations and related models, the core idea—maximize cargo space with seats that disappear into the floor—remained central to Dodge’s minivan strategy for a long period.

Summary

The year Dodge Caravan (specifically the Grand Caravan, with its Town & Country twin) started offering Stow 'n Go seating was 2005. This innovation allowed second- and third-row seats to fold into floor bays, delivering a flat load floor and greatly enhanced interior flexibility for families and cargo alike. The feature became a hallmark of Chrysler’s minivans for years to come.

When did Dodge start stow and go seating?

2005
Introduced in the 2005 model year here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow, Stow 'n Go has revolutionized how families load up for trips, with over 5 million minivans sold featuring this clever design.

What year do minivans have stow and go seating?

Chrysler introduced Stow 'n Go seating in the 2005 model year for the Chrysler Town & Country and has continued to offer it in its successors, like the Chrysler Pacifica. While this is the only manufacturer with a system named "Stow 'n Go," other brands like Toyota and Honda offer their own versions of fold-flat or stowable second and third-row seating in more recent model years.
 
This video demonstrates how to use the Stow 'n Go seating in a Chrysler Pacifica: 32sVehicle VisionaryYouTube · May 29, 2024

• 2005: Chrysler debuts the Stow 'n Go Seating and Storage System, making it available on models like the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. 
• 2011: An updated version of Stow 'n Go is introduced with a simpler, "single action" folding mechanism. 
• 2025: The feature is still a highlight of Chrysler's minivans, with second and third-row Stow 'n Go seating available on gas-powered Pacifica models. 
• Other manufacturers:
  • Toyota offers the One-Motion-Stow Split & Stow 3rd Row in the Sienna. 
  • Honda has its own system called Magic Seat in the Odyssey. 

What year to stay away from a Dodge Caravan?

Years to avoid for the Dodge Caravan include 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2018, due to issues like brake problems, electrical faults, and transmission troubles. Other potentially problematic years include the first year of a new engine (such as the 3.6L in 2011) and models with the 4.0L engine due to a variety of potential issues.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2014 to 2020: 47sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Feb 6, 2023
Years with significant issues 

• 2005: Known for brake issues and interior accessory problems. 
• 2008: Common complaints include brake problems, a slipping transmission, and A/C issues. 
• 2011: Electrical issues are frequently reported, and this was the first year for the 3.6L engine, which may have issues in its first year. 
• 2018: Recalls include an issue with rear brake lines and a faulty fuel tank gasket that can cause a fire risk. 

This video explains the top 5 problems with the 5th generation Dodge Grand Caravan: 46s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Mar 28, 2020
Other considerations

• Engine and transmission: Avoid the 4.0L engine. The 62TE transmission is also known to have major issues in some models. 
• First-year models: It's best to avoid the first model year for any new engine, such as the 3.6L introduced in 2011, as they often have issues that are fixed in later years. 
• Power sliding doors: Vehicles with power sliding doors have a potential for expensive door issues, regardless of the model year. 

Do all grand caravans have stow and go?

No, not all Dodge Grand Caravans have Stow 'n Go seating, though most models from 2005 onward offer it. The specific trim level and configuration, particularly the middle-row seating, determine if a vehicle includes the second-row Stow 'n Go feature. For example, base models or specific SE trims might only have the third-row fold-flat seats and lack the second-row feature. 
Which models have Stow 'n Go?

• 2005 and newer models: Most models from this year forward include Stow 'n Go, but it was not standard on every trim. 
• Check the middle-row seats: The key difference is often the second-row seating. Some base models with a standard second-row bench seat will not have Stow 'n Go for the middle row, but will still have it in the third row. 
• Specific Trims: Models like the SXT or higher trims were more likely to include the full Stow 'n Go system with both second- and third-row seating, as seen in some 2019 models. 

How to tell if a specific Grand Caravan has Stow 'n Go

• Look at the vehicle's seating configuration: If the second row is a bench seat without floor compartments, it's likely a base model without the full Stow 'n Go system.
• Check the trim level: If a model designation is provided, look at the trim level (e.g., SE, SE Plus, SXT). The SXT was more likely to have Stow 'n Go. 
• Search listings: When searching online, look for descriptions that explicitly mention "Stow 'n Go seats" and check interior photos for the floor storage compartments.