2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L

Summary:

Great family vehicle at an affordable price

Faults:

Replaced front sway bar bushings at 40K miles.

Replaced front brake pads twice (dealer ship installed non-factory poor quality pads the first time).

General Comments:

Peppy 3.3L V6 engine gets 27 MPG Highway/23 city.

Smooth ride from front strut/rear shock suspension.

Roomy interior, rear bench seats remove easily.

7 year/70K drive train warranty on 2003 and newer Caravans.

Transmission fluid must be replaced at 50k for warranty with OEM only transmission fluid ($20/gallon).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2004

19th Aug 2005, 12:38

Regarding the 2003 Grand Caravan Sport - I recently purchased one that had 30 000 km on it. I had a nagging steering column problem - whenever I stopped, then made a left turn, I could FEEL, not hear, a bump in the steering column. This resulted in the rack being replaced. It was great for about a month, then the exact same problem returned. Because I had taken it to one dealer several times, I decided to try a dealer in a neighboring town. It turns out the problem was a piece of equipment (I don't recall the name) that connects the lower steering column to the rack. From what I understand it acts as a shock absorber of sorts for the steering column. Once replaced it was fine. At 48000 the pads and rotors were replaced, the oil pan gasket at 30000. Good ride, nice on the highway. Good for now, won't buy another one.

5th Feb 2006, 21:34

I have a 2005 Grand Caravan with the 3.3L and was wondering how on earth you get those fuel estimates!!! For me its more like 17/25 city/highway no matter how you drive it after at least 6 or 7 checks on each. Its not to hilly here, but still you must drive down hill everywhere you go. What you've listed is way better than advertised even so whats the catch? If people are reading these reviews on a van your happy with to help them decide on what they want. Then lets make darn sure we have our figures right and help them out. WE ALL KNOW THE EPA ESTIMATES FOR CITY TRAFFIC IS WAY OFF!!! But not in your direction.

17th Feb 2006, 00:19

My wife has a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT with the 3.8L V6. Her combined avg gas mileage is 21 mpg. We have 19000 trouble free miles on it. Has been a great vehicle for our family!

25th Sep 2006, 22:06

We've had awesome service from all our Chrysler products, including one that went 240,000 miles with no repairs other than 2 timing belts and 2 brake jobs. Also, Chrysler products that we have owned have consistently delivered higher fuel mileage than the EPA estimates. They are the ONLY brands we've owned that did that. I can believe 27mpg. We got that or better in ours.