1991 Dodge Caravan Grand 3.3

Summary:

Just won't die!

Faults:

Fuel gage has broken around 190,000kms.

Transmission replaced twice in it's life, once around 20,000, and 100,000, because it towed a landscaping trailer (tandem axle trailer).

Driver sit electronics failed, got it replaced.

Brakes routers replaced.

Some rust near the back quarter panels.

General Comments:

One tough mini van.

Towed a landscaping trailer for a few years and still pulling strong.

The shocks are old and worn out, gives the van the capability to go over speed bumps at 80kms, and not notice it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2004

1991 Dodge Caravan LE 3.3 V6

Summary:

PM keeps you on your toes!

Faults:

The usual maintenance items. Brakes, exhaust, tune-up, suspension, etc.

Preventative maintenance seems to be the biggest concern to avoid major failures with this vehicle. If it's been neglected or buying used, you're at risk with these vehicles.

My biggest concern is that the rocker panels and rear quarter wheel well openings are rusting away.

The motor has always puffed smoke on start up, the interior heating/cooling are insufficient, the nickel-dime stuff is annoying.

General Comments:

For it's intended design purpose, it's a practical vehicle. Somewhat boring, but lots of space.

I've faithfully kept the transmission fluid and filter changed @ 15,000 miles. When the transmission goes, the vehicle goes!

Even though finicky, the vehicle does have some good points.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd January, 2004

1991 Dodge Caravan LE 3.0L V6

Summary:

Drive it like you stole it, it never let me down

Faults:

This vehicle has had its fair share of problems. I do all my own work and nothing to serious I do have a question for anyone who has had this problem... the van starts really well even in upper pennisula of michigan winters. typically -30 mornings the problem lies when the engine has been warmed up and run for a while then shut down for a half hour to an hour. it really cranks a long time like 7 to 10 seconds. it is like its flooded there is a small puff of black smoke then runs great again I have checked everything. fuel pressure, spark, all seems fine with the specs listed for it if anyone has had this problem, or knows the fix please let me know the only other remedy I can think of is gonna be to replace the injectors, possibly bleeding down after shutdown???

General Comments:

The 3.0L V-6 really is a good engine, it just needs CLEAN oil and the right valve guides to keep them from smoking when you pull away from a stop. have seen many of these engines 250,000 to 300,000 mile range.really just remember this secret..

Oil is cheap.. if you don't do another thing to your car at least keep the oil clean in your engine.. thanx.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2003

8th Apr 2004, 10:18

Regarding the starting problem after it's been warmed up: My guess is its using its choke even though not necessary, as mine does that too.

I give it a "quick crank" and it comes to life, though sometimes a little slowly like its going to kill, but that lasts less than 2 seconds and the momentum wins the "choked" element 9 times out of ten. the tenth time is usually when I accidentally hit the gas pedal...

I've gotten 190,000 out of mine and the only thing I've done is replace the air conditioner clutch pulley, which froze up and almost started the thing on fire (the belt actually smoldered some nice, stinky smoke). That was cheaper than a new compressor and not too tough to take apart--very accessible.

The U-joints are a little loose, so it makes the transmission a bit noisy during shifts. But loaded down, it hauls as good as a small pickup with the seats out (well, ok, I added "helper" leafs to the rear springs for 1500 additional pounds). But the 3.3 engine accellerates when called upon for duty.

1991 Dodge Caravan Grand LE 3.3L V6

Summary:

Great van, extremely durable

Faults:

Not many things have gone wrong with this van other than regular maintenance. Since this vehicle has 302,000 Km on it, a few things have been replaced. The engine and transmission are both original and untouched. The transmission still shifts firm and on cue. The engine burns no oil, and blows no smoke. The van and served me very well and as long as I give it its regular maintenance it will serve me even longer. I would buy another one, but I need something to tow larger loads, however I will keep my Caravan since it has been a proven durable and capable vehicle.

General Comments:

Great van for the minivan buyer. My Caravan is fully loaded and has lots of nice features for being a 1991 model. I don't think I'll be buying another minivan because I no longer require one since my kids have grown up, but I know that this van is quality at its best.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2003

31st Jul 2013, 17:48

I have one of these too, with the 3.3 engine. 325000 kms and counting, runs like a champ, drive for 10 hours straight in rush hour, bumper to bumper, no overheating or nothing.

Runs on crappy cheap gas perfectly. I bought a collector muscle car with a full tank of 10 + year old gas, drained the tank and put it in the Caravan; still ran perfect. These vans are pretty hard to kill.