Faults:

After I purchased it used, I had to repair the sliding passenger side door handle, which had broken, apparently a common problem with these vans. The fix is a kit from Amazon ($30) and a new door handle from the dealership ($200) and a can of spray paint from Canadian Tire that roughly matched the red colour of the van. Took about an hour to do.

I also had to repair the driver's side vent door actuator which controls the hot cold mix into the cabin. When I bought the van, the rear defroster light was flashing, which I did not know meant that there was a problem with the system. The flashing will stop after a few minutes after start up as the system reboots itself or whatever it is doing.

After I took possession, the van started making a loud knocking sound behind the dash at the same time the light flashed, which apparently, was the actuator failing. I replaced that with a part from the dealership ($200) and the knocking went away, but the light still flashes and the car will blow hot air until the light stops flashing. This is apparently a common problem with these vans as well. The new actuator was a pretty easy install, at least on the driver's side.

I also had the check engine light come on after I took possession which turned out to be a bad integrity module, which was a $400 fix with my mechanic.

I budget $2000 for repairs to a used car I buy, and so far, I'm under budget.

General Comments:

There are a lot of things I like about this van as opposed to my Windstar, which I drove for 20 years. The stow and go seats are very handy for turning the van into a cargo van. The AC blows cold. Front seats are comfortable enough and there are sufficient cubby holes to stash all my junk. The music system is excellent, way better than what I had in the Windstar and superior to my wife's Mercedes Benz GLK. The ride is firmer and you do tend to bottom out the front bumper lower wind screen when going down a steep driveway, but no serious damage happens. It handles more like a van than car and there is some road noise. I chose the SE model for its simplicity, no power doors, no power lift gate, one climate zone etc. Working on it is very easy, lots of videos online and it's easy to take apart, at least the parts I've worked on so far.

I'm not crazy about the shifter in the dash, but I'm getting used to it.

I'm getting about 15 litres per hundred kilometers in the city.

Apparently the brakes need replacing often, but I got them done as part of the purchase certification, so I should be okay for a while.

I find it's a pain to back it up compared to the Windstar, just because the corners are harder to sense, but I'm getting better at it.

People complain about the cheapness of the interior and body trim, but that's okay, it means the van costs less. There are million of these things, so I will be able to get parts and keep it on the road.

Faults:

My 2010 has been very reliable with mild limitations. The vehicle drives and rides comfortably down the road. Seats are firm and supportive. However, I will have to echo the complaints of others.

1. Ground clearance is short and over time damage will likely occur to the underside of the front outer bumper. Yes, you will scrape a few times.

2. Brakes tend to wear and rotors warp faster than a carpet bagger at quitting time. This is due to the brake size limitations of the 16 inch rims. For 2011 this was changed to 17 inch rims, but 2008-2010 owners will be turning rotors forever. Rear brake caliper pistons are adjustable using the "secret" caliper piston tool. This is a dark super-secret I only recently learned. I think Chrysler repair people might even have a secret handshake or even have a special fez for midnight rituals.

3. Dodge went to a plastic key fob which falls apart. This means you could be stranded if it separates/falls off unseen. These evil fobs wear and break and replacements must be paired to your vehicle at the dealer. The ignition switch is a plastic node which is harder to find than a white rhino's horn, costs $700+ and probably 2 times that in labor to replace. Try replacing your battery with a heavy duty unit (750CCA) first. A defective node means you go down the road on a hot summer day and the A/C is no longer blowing out the vents. Who would think it is the fault of the node.

4. Right side power door actuator will need replacing eventually. Luckily a $20 part.

5. Similarly, the driver's side power lock/power window/mirror switches go out.

6. Coolant temp sensor is plastic and plastic is not your friend.

7. ALL driver's seat plastic moldings break quickly and so do the ones you replace them with. Either bungee the plastic moldings across the front or duct tape the outside of the seat. No fix will last for long. Dodge should have made these moldings from steel plate and they would have lasted longer than the first 36 months. This is true of ALL Caravan/Town & Country mini-vans from 2001-2020. May they rest in peace.

8. Engine light P0420 problem code. I can't prove this, but I think Chrysler programs the engine light to come on about 150-160K miles in. This has happened on every one I have owned. This is probably the most expensive item short of engine or transmission failure. If you can live with the light or live in a state without the dreaded yearly emissions inspection, you'll be fine. Clean, gut it or replace the converter; just know that one day that amber light will be back.

The information provided here is relevant specifically to 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. Very different characteristics are found 2001-2007 or 2011-2017.

Regarding the 3.3 and 3.8L engines: The 3.8L V-6 is nearly indestructible, producing an adequate 215 horsepower and better fuel economy with the addition of the 6-speed automatic transmission in 2008. I have found the transmissions reliable. However, Dodge has reduced the number of bolts holding engine and transmission pans as they seem to go out of their way to make the mini-van cheaper and cheaper. Ultimately, Dodge has driven itself out of the mini-van market with 2020 likely being the last year. You could say they have about ruined what has been one of America's favorite family transporters. Personally, I have put nearly a million miles on Dodge mini-vans and my opinions are based on over 14 years experience with them.

At the end of the day, shame on you Fiat-Chrysler...

These engines should NEVER overheat if the cooling system is maintained. Also, a factory radiator should be replaced at 150K. Also the heater core assemblies with a y shaped PVC pipe fitting should be discarded and replaced with a 3-way 5/8 inch BRASS fitting. Doing this will save $400 in parts and labor and last 10 times longer than the pitiful OEM fittings.

Best of all, the between the seats cargo carrier is easily removed making the 2010 SXT one of the few vehicles you can move from the front to the back of the vehicle without exiting the vehicle or climbing over the seats. This is wonderful for parents. This troop carrier's seats fold flat for large cargo items. You can also carry up to 7 sheets of drywall with the seats flat. Additional sheets past 7 will block the tailgate from closing. These vehicles have carried more families, children, dogs and groceries than the Model T. God speed to you all and happy motoring!

General Comments:

I like mine, runs great.