2002 Dodge Grand Caravan EL V6

Summary:

Started off great, failed terribly at 50k miles

Faults:

At 53,000 miles the following happened within 3 months:

Struts $900

Battery two years old, leaking, needed tow. $250

Rack and pinion, estimated $1200.

General Comments:

This MiniVan has only 53,000 miles in 6 years. No reason that rack and pinion and struts should be failing.

I have owned Toyotas, Chevys... never these kind of mechanical issues. Very disappointed. We will NOT pay for the repair on a 2002 Grand Caravan that is only worth $4500. Buying a new Minivan with a different manufacturer. Sorry Chrysler, you blew it!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th May, 2008

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L

Summary:

For the price, don't expect a high mileage vehicle

Faults:

AC compressor blown.

Engine mounts cracked.

Check engine light - fuel evaporstor system leaks.

Air bag light on randomly.

General Comments:

My wife and I would have preferred a Honda, but a used Honda Odyssey was more expensive than a new Caravan, and it's easier to trust the previous owner if there never was one. But, you get what you pay for.

A $1,000 bill because the AC compressor blew, ruining all the components in the system makes me reflect on the purchase. Thankfully we heard it making a noise and were able to turn it off before it caused other problems - it's one belt that drives all the disconnected parts - water pump, alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump. I then pulled the AC clutch fuse to use the window defrost.

A myriad of other small annoying problems are there, but considering I saved about $10,000 purchasing this over a Honda means I still have about $9,000 to go in major repairs to catch up to a Honda, assuming the Honda never needs repairs. Of course, there's the unexpected cost for repairs, and how much are you willing to pay for peace of mind? So, if you purchase one of these, make sure you are budgeting money monthly so the large repairs don't bite you; consider it a small addendum to your monthly payments.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th March, 2008

14th Dec 2008, 18:46

I own the same van. The AC compressor has gone three times, and finally I found out why. The compressor in the dual and triple climate control caravans powers all the AC systems in the vehicle instead of each having their own compressor. Most times the vehicle is driven without turning on the AC systems other than the front one... this creates an imbalance in the system and kills the compressor very quickly. The fix... make sure to turn the AC on to equal levels for all climate controlled sections, or drive with the windows down.

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan SPORT 3.3L

Summary:

Not worth the aggravation and lack of reliability

Faults:

Repairs: Power steering hoses blew 4 times.

Pads and rotors twice, Rear wheel sensors twice.

Sway bar bushings twice, Power steering rack, tie rods.

Replace radio, Skim module replacement.

Water pump, vacuum hose leaks, struts, transmission solenoid, what's next? And oh yeah, Chrysler Canada has an extended warranty on the A/C compressor 7/115K, as Archie would say, Whoopee.

General Comments:

What can I say. Nice ride however and comfortable seats (before stow-away).

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

Review Date: 8th August, 2007

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan sport 3.3 Liter

Summary:

Too Expensive in the long run!

Faults:

My drivers side window has not been functioning since last summer 2006. I just bought the vehicle in February 2006. The other day my van started making a knocking noise. We towed it to the dealer and they just called me and said it was my engine and it would cost $5,500 to replace it. I owe a lot on the vehicle still and not sure what to do. I just want the problem gone. I regret buying this van!

General Comments:

The space it has in it is good and fit my family well. We had a dvd system in it and the kids really enjoyed that for trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd July, 2007

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport AWD 3.8 SMPI

Summary:

A faithful companion for all occasions

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the van.

General Comments:

It is my dad's van, and he traded a 1996 in for it.

The 3.8 V6 makes plenty of power at 215 horsepower and 245 ft lbs of torque, even though the 3.3 in the 1996 felt just as torquey. The advantage with the 2002 is that with the All Wheel Drive, most of it's power gets to the ground.

This van has the Sport touring group and has the original window sticker which is usually long gone.

When it was new the sticker price was 35,000 dollars. All of which includes: Sport Appearance Package, All Wheel Drive, 3.8 L V6 Engine, 16" Aluminum wheels, Power sliding doors, Power liftgate, CD/Cassette player, Radio Data System, Homelink Universal Transceiver, Side Curtain Air Bags, Wheel Locks, Four wheel antilock brakes, Overhead trip computer, and topped off with a Light Almond Pearl Metallic paint job.

Most importantly this vehicle has never left us stranded. Another thing that impressed me about this vehicle is that the interior doesn't scream, P-L-A-S-T-I-C! Once again, Dodge gets an A+.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2007