2002 Dodge Caravan Sport from North America

Summary:

One of the worse cars I ever owned regarding repairs.

Faults:

This vehicle has had multiple problems with the heating and air conditioning.

The heat would only work while accelerating. That problem was fixed by replacing the compressor and vacuum hoses.

On long trips during the hot months, the air conditioning leaks into the front passenger floor. Enough to soak the carpet and squish when stepped on.

Took it for repair, an "O" ring was replaced.

The next long trip using the air conditioning, it leaked again. Debris was cleared from the drainage hose.

Next summer vacation, another leak. Took it for repair again. Was told the dash would have to be taken apart to find the problem. Left the van to be fixed.

Fourth trip, fourth leak. Can now be fixed for an additional sum since no longer under warranty.

Still leaks during long trips in the summer.

General Comments:

Good size for a bigger family.

Not worth the time spent getting repaired.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th April, 2008

9th Nov 2008, 18:48

There is an easy fix for the A/C. Get a PVC Elbow and glue it on the A/C drain line, located on the passenger side under the hood. You will see a black pipe coming out of the fire wall pointing towards the engine. The wind blows the water back in. Simply get a fitting to make it point down and glue it on.

2002 Dodge Caravan SE from North America

Summary:

Fine basic van, but would not purchase again.

Faults:

The air bag system was repaired/replaced twice for faulty lights/alarms during the first year, but no problems since.

The lens' on both tail lights came apart from the rest of the assemblies. One blew completely off in traffic one day. The other has been repaired with silicon caulk to hold it together a while longer. They were never damaged so I guess the Texas heat just caused the seals around them to disintegrate.

General Comments:

This van was purchased new to replace a 1991 Voyager that I really liked and drove for 11 years for 110,000 miles. This Caravan is nice, but has never won me over. I don't like that the sun visor won't stay put. It always flips up when trying to adjust it. Also, I didn't get automatic rear door opener and hate that a key must be used to open the back every time. Appearance and visibility are good. It has been great to move stuff and handles much better since I put Michelin Destiny tires on it. Resale isn't good even with low miles.

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

Review Date: 29th February, 2008

2nd Mar 2008, 15:20

I don’t understand the comment about needing a key to open the rear door. Unlock all the doors by hitting the remote twice, or unlock all doors using the inside switch. I don’t believe I have ever opened the rear door using a key.

7th Jul 2009, 11:26

I am interested in purchasing a 2002 Caravan. I have heard good and bad, but I think that can follow with any vehicle. I have seen enough boneheads on the road gunning and abusing their vehicles. Later they are probably claiming their vehicle they abused for several years a piece of junk.

In this instance, the review, in my belief was a bit unfair. The writer gave both good and bad credit to the van, but a good portion of the complaints were aesthetic. These are things that should have been noted prior to purchase. I am also finding many other bad reviews based on things like cupholders, squeaks, maintenance frequency (i.e. having to change the oil more than once a year), etc. All valid points but a little nit-picky in my opinion.

In my research I have found many Caravans with problems, no doubt, but I can't ignore that many more Caravans have more than 250,000 kms on them and are still going strong. It's tough to ignore that. But thanks for the review regardless.

In reply to 7th Jul 2009, 11:26

2nd Oct 2020, 20:21

I agree, this is a great comment and I feel the same way about of some of these bad reviews on this vehicle. The main things that I am more concerned about are the mechanicals on different vehicles that I am searching for. All of the other things the reviewers complain about are nit-picky stuff.

In reply to 2nd Oct 2020, 20:21

24th Apr 2022, 16:10

Most minivan users are interested in the "interior features" and not the mechanical features - hence the reviews tend to slam this van unfairly. Many vans have over 250,000 miles on them. Not bad for a vehicle that suffers from eternal neglect by their drivers.