1998 Dodge Caravan Base 2.3

Summary:

An unreliable vehicle prone to engine problems, and hampered with defects

Faults:

After a continuous oil leak that several mechanics were unable to remedy, the engine had finally died.

Unknown at the time of purchase, the van had the same size engine in it that the Dodge Neon was equipped with.

The oil leaks were caused by the engines inability to properly regulate it's compression. Thus, the gaskets would give way in order to allow air into the engine. In essence, the engine was trying desperately to breath and had to self mutilate to accomplish this.

General Comments:

In todays competitive car market, I feel that Dodge should produce vehicles that can compete with similar class vehicles.

The warranty covers the car for 75k miles. Expect it to die shortly after.

Dodge cut corners by putting a sud-standard engine in it's base model flagship passenger van.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2003

6th Dec 2004, 07:37

What is sud-standard? Endorsed by Budweiser? Or perhaps

Tide Laundry detergent.

30th Aug 2007, 10:44

So it had the same size engine as a Neon. How is that inherently a problem? And how is that something gone wrong with the car, and not with you, in researching the car before you bought it?

I'm not going to disagree that the Caravan is a POS, but this is 1: a non-problem, and 2: your fault.

1998 Dodge Caravan Base 3.0

Summary:

The best minivan out there

Faults:

Power steering pump rusted and had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This van is fun! With the ultra-reliable 3.0 V6 and combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission, it pulls hard in the low gears. It easily runs low 16's in the quarter mile and will smoke the tires from a dead stop.

A/C is great in the summer and everything works well. Some people complain about the transmissions, but if you change the fluid and filter like you're supposed to and use the proper replacement, they are mostly fine for the life of the vehicle. You change your oil at 5,000kms and your transmission fluid at 100,000kms? Come on people.. oil doesn't last that anywhere near that long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2003

1998 Dodge Caravan Base 4 cylinder

Summary:

Low cost, however repairs will make up for it

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 62,000 miles. This is a very expensive repair, almost every shop including the Dodge Dealership try to sell you on doing a complete head job and timing belt replacement when they replace the head gasket. It's almost avoidable they will tell you your heads are warped whether or not they are.

The minivan idles roughly, was told by the dealers service dept that all 4 Cly Caravans do this. Van lacks power, going up hills we have to turn the A/C off to make it up and over even the smallest grade.

General Comments:

This van is cheap if you buy used like we did, we paid $6,500 in 2001 for a 1998 base model. The minute we drove it off of the lot it has been a nightmare. Brake problems, head gasket replacement ($1,200), bad suspension. I just love feeling every pebble in the road when we drive, every bump is felt. Has great air conditioning, too bad when you turn it on your gas mileage will drop 35% (in our case).

The windows on the front doors work their way down 1/2 inch while driving so we get plenty of wind noise and have to keep rolling them up, we were told they cannot be fixed. Dodge Caravan = a nightmare for you!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd June, 2003

1998 Dodge Caravan Base 4 cylinder.

Summary:

A dog. My apologies to the dog kingdom!

Faults:

Whenever it rains the Check engine light comes on.

The brakes are poor. Very dusty. I had an accident as a result. Frequent brake jobs and rotor replacement.

Transmission failed at 53,000 miles.

Timing belt pulley failed at 56,000 miles.

Head gasket blown at 60,000 miles.

General Comments:

I like the layout of the vehicle. It is comfortable and fits the needs of my family.

This vehicle has been extremely costly to run. Numerous costly major repairs.

I love the concept of the car, but it has not been reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2002