1997 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3L from North America

Summary:

A good bargain - if you need the room

Faults:

Front brake pads replaced - they wear quickly.

Left front tire wore out prematurely.

Showing electrical problems - low fuel light / chime activates intermittently at 3/8 full tank.

Three (3) product recalls, so far.

Has some poorly fitted interior plastic.

Trans-Axle leaks fluid.

General Comments:

Reliability seems a little better than my previous, Aerostar (so far) which I considered acceptable.

It's a little hard to work on (have to remove the fuel tank to change the fuel filter? Come on, Chrysler. Luckily, it only requires replacing at 65K miles).

The ride and sound system are very nice.

Interior space is good without mid-seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

1997 Dodge Caravan 3.0 from North America

Summary:

This vehicle is notorious for costly transmission problems

Faults:

I bought this vehicle used from a dealer. In less than three months, the power steering unit, the transmission, and the cooler have all gone out. The original transmission is so bad, it cannot be rebuilt. I am now looking at a $1700 bill to get a rebuilt transmission installed.

Buyers beware!!! Please check the transmission on this type of vehicle before you buy one!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2003

1997 Dodge Caravan LE 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Keeping this car running has been a major drain on my bank account

Faults:

I have a stack of repair receipts costing me several thousand dollars.

Multiple break work -- two only 10,000 miles apart. These two break jobs alone cost me $1,000.

Universal belt comes off when I drive through a mud puddle. This is a continuing problem.

Clock spring (air bag, cruise control, horn) failed. This was taken to the dealer, but not fixed successfully. Later the clock spring was recalled. My cruise control and horn still don't work.

Phantom electrical problems, primarily in the windshield wipers, which come on randomly and don't go off when turned off.

General Comments:

This car is a big lemon that has cost me way too much to keep running. Several of the problems seriously compromise my safety. I will trade it in soon and never buy another Dodge.

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

Review Date: 7th January, 2003

30th Mar 2008, 00:14

Wipers going on and off by themselves? I thought my van was the only one with this problem. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how to fix it?

1997 Dodge Caravan ex 3.3L from North America

Summary:

A really good family car

Faults:

We have 319000 km on the van and we have put in 2 engines.

The trans just went at 319000km.

The brakes take a long time to go on it.

The heater core went two years ago.

General Comments:

I really like this van you just have to take really good care of it.

We have 319000km on it and it is still just like new.

I would suggest to anyone to get one, but take good care of it.

No car is good if you treat it like crap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

1997 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3 V6 from North America

Summary:

A blessing...?

Faults:

Transmission seal leak. Fixed.

Front rotor's warped. Replaced.

Windshield wipers turn on at free will. Clueless.

Very loud noise in left rear wheel when veering to the right. Clueless.

Drums to be replaced this Saturday.

Left rear hub going to be replaced this Saturday due to the wheel bearing.

Rear door will not close properly unless SLAMMED...Hard!

Tire's have been balanced Twice!

I think I need another wheel alignment!

General Comments:

My wife and I really love this car and feel that it is the best for our growing little family (one 4 year old boy and another boy on the way).

However the cost of keeping it in good condition has run us a large amount of money in such a short time of purchase.

Hopefully with all the recommendations given to us by many current Dodge Caravan owners, all the work being done to the car will out weigh the HORROR stories we have just read. God Speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th December, 2002

19th Feb 2009, 14:11

I also agree with the wipers going on and off at will.

Mine has 156,000 miles on it and runs like a dream. Although we just put new suspension front and back, and a brake distribution valve just went and with all the brake lines to replace and 2 valves another thousand dished out.

Handles great in the snow.

We have to put freon in the air conditioner every summer. They can't find the leak.

All in all its been a great running vehicle and I have always loved it.

Kathy... Ohio.