2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3 liter V6 pushrod

Summary:

One of the nicest-looking vans on the market

Faults:

Normal wear and tear: battery, alternator, brakes, tires and a taillight ($30).

The aftermarket trailer hitch electrical (connector) shorted out the taillight, and I got a used one from a wrecker.

It likes to eat the sway bar links and bushings (which cost) about $300 to repair. This is not a safety issue, but it gets loud.

Original tranny had some shifting issues, but the fluid was dark so I had that serviced. It now shifts perfectly.

Engine is sound at 130,000 kms and still performs great. Transmission shifts awesomely with no clunks or drop shifts. The only thing I can say about Chrysler is ALWAYS check the fluid levels; if they're off by a hairline, it does weird things,

General Comments:

Other than that, it has been an awesome van. The brakes are good, ABS always works well, and has great power for highway merging. It gets to 150 pretty fast; my 3rd Chrysler product and not my last.

Pretty good van considering what my friends have gone through with their Montana's; 4 of them have bought Caravans to replace them, plus check the crash tests for Montana. I would not wish anyone to get in a accident in one of those death traps. Chrysler rocks! Common now, but the inventors have done a good job of the minivan!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2008

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L V6

Summary:

One of the best designed minivans to date

Faults:

DVD screen broke.

General Comments:

Very reliable, and comfortable vehicle.

Pros:

Strong takeoff from stop, styling, reliability, fuel economy, comfort, cargo space, NVH.

Cons:

Highway acceleration, handling.

Very enjoyable ownership experience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2007

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan EX 3.8 V6

Summary:

Very dependable and safe

Faults:

I had a recall for sway bars. Other than that, it was totalled. Before then nothing went wrong at all.

General Comments:

In December of 05, I had 5 people in the van, and I was hit at about 70 mph, according to the Highway Patrol, by a drunk in a Ford F-350.

Yes the van fell apart, but I was so impressed with the way it fell apart. Engine and transmission seperated and went in the ditch. Other than in the cab, air bags did great, every one in the van went to the hospital and was bandaged up, and I had a broken arm. We all went home the same night. The guy in the F-350 was in hospital for 7 months, hurt bad, you do the math. Ladies, you can ride in this vehicle with your kids safely in all seats. Remember, kids in back, not near air bags. For a head on collision of that nature I'm very impressed.

I now have a 06 Grand Caravan SXT and love it just as well as I did my old one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2006

16th Jul 2006, 14:59

You didn't get hit head on, because if you did, at 70 mph by an F350, you would be dead. Seeing as the slope of the front of your van would send the much taller truck into your windshield and roof effectively slicing your heads off. You most likely got a front corner clip (a very aggressive 70mph one at that).

But either way, it's better than believing a SUV is safer etc etc...

21st Jul 2006, 14:16

The officer said it was a combined speed of 70 mph, and yes it was an offset head on collision. By him saying it was a combined speed of 70 mph, I'm guessing one was going 30 and the other 40 mph. Yes, I do agree if we both were going 70, yes we all would have been killed.

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Summary:

Unreliable

Faults:

Have replaced front brake pads twice.

Have replaced fuel filter, probably erroneously (see comments below).

Fuel gauge does not work properly.

Front end makes noise like something is loose, but mechanic cannot find anything wrong.

General Comments:

Very disappointed with this vehicle. Bought it after having bad experience with my Ford Windstar. Goes through front brakes quickly. Fuel gauge does not work properly after tank is below half. Have run out of gas 4 times. Had the fuel filter replaced once, because we thought it was the reason it left us stranded. Looking back, it was probably just out of gas, and we didn't realize it because the gas gauge showed over a quarter of a tank. One morning at church, the fuel filter blew out of the top of the tank, and gas was pouring every where. Cannot pump gas into tank sometimes. Gas pump keeps kicking off because the tank acts like it's full. We know it's low on gas, but we can't put gas in it! Had the dealer look into this, twice now, and they cannot find anything wrong. They blame it on the Gas Station where we buy our gas. Unfortunately, it does this at different stations too. I regret buying this vehicle, and would not recommend it to anyone. Would like to know of similar problems with other Caravan owners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th December, 2005

18th Dec 2005, 17:11

You might try replacing the sway bar bushings for your front end noise. Ours made a clunking noise whenever you hit a bump and you could feel it through the steering wheel. The noise was worse in cold weather. About $140 to have it done. I understand this is a common problem for 2001 and newer Caravans.