It has been a solid dependable vehicle
Replaced Trans at 145,000.
Replaced computer at 146,000.
Replaced Starter at 147,000.
Replaced ORIGINAL battery at 145,000.
I have used (abused) this vehicle for both personal and work use. I have taken the seats out and hauled near 1800 pounds of equipment without much trouble.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2003
A useful van, but repair-prone
So many things have gone wrong. Repair cost have really added up over the past 3 years.
Like many others, the van has had lots of trouble since it hit 60,000 miles or so. I've had to replace the transmission and water pump. One oil leak was covered under a recall, but now there is a second oil leak.
The air conditioner has a slow freon leak which the mechanic cannot locate. I have to add freon every 4 months or so.
The power door lock does not work for the passenger seat.
There is a phantom who controls the windshield wipers. The wipers come on every now and then for one or two wipes.
I've enjoyed the overall comfort of the vehicle. It feels like it was tailor-made for me (i.e., driving position, controls). I also like the spaciousness for passengers and for cargo.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th January, 2003
Solid car, should last 150,000 miles with regular service -- great for families
Transmission leaked after flushing, and needed to be serviced thereafter. Not the fault of the car.
Suspension (shocks & struts) replaced at 75,000 miles.
Door locks all failed (automatic type) at 65,000 miles.
Replaced battery with optional heavy-duty sized battery after investigation revealed a couple of dead cells. This upgrade is a must in colder climates, but make sure that the new battery will fit under the hood -- some are too tall.
Intermittent electrical problem in dash -- lights all go out. Unresolved, but hasn't happened in a long time (since the battery was replaced - and that may have been the cause.)
Starter motor failed at 70,000 miles.
This car seems to chew through tires regularly (one set each 20,000 miles or so for the last 4+ years), but the suspension replacement has seemed to help out a lot, and I recently put a better quality tire on it -- Goodyear Regatta 2, with an 80,000 mile guarantee). My shop recommended getting the tires rotated with every other oil change and checking the alignment twice each year to see if we can eliminate this problem in the future.
Other items replaced or serviced include motor and transmission mounts, spark plugs, serpentine belt, brake shoes, and regular routine consumables.
None of the items that I have listed makes this a bad car. The car is great for a family with two small kids (and lots of their friends). It holds a great deal of people and luggage, is comfortable, and gets decent mileage -- better than any SUV. I would - and probably will - buy another one. In my extended family, there are now 4 Caravans, and they have all provided good service. Definitely shop for the six-cylinder version if buying used, however -- not the four! If I were looking today, I would consider a higher trim package with the trip computer and compass, etc.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th December, 2002
Utilitarian and fairly reliable
Brake rotor warp and radio problem first 36k.
Transmission leak at 80k. Repaired for $90.
Water pump at 90k.
Possible starter problem currently (95k)
We have been very happy with our minivan. Problems have been minimal and acceptable based on their frequency. It is very utilitarian, roomy and comfortable for long travels.
Not satisfied with dealer service.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th November, 2002
On board computer problem. Causing instruments to malfunction. Such as interior lamps, sliding doors would not unlock, front and rear wipers turns on by itself.
Transmission gear slipping, not shifting gears.
Air conditioning compressor went bad.
Sliding door seal leaks. rain water penetrated cabin and wet carpet.
Roof exterior paint peeling off.
Belt tensioner went bad, tensioner bearing locked.
Engine started making knocking noise at 25K miles.
The Dodge Grand Caravan SE design is award winning design. The ride comfort and interior design is also great.
However, mechanical components and the manufacturer assembly quality for this product are very very poor.
Many documented visits to the Dodge dealer for repair, most repair where repeat's, many inconvenience to my employer, and hundreds spent out of my own pocket. Most of the repairs where under warranty, however when I asked Chrysler Customer Service to buy back the van under The Lemon Law, Chrysler refused.
As much as I hate to admit that I made a wrong decision in purchasing a Dodge/Chrysler product. I really thought that problems my father had way back in the '70s with Dodge product have been corrected. "I stand corrected".
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th August, 2002
14th Jul 2004, 21:06
I bought my 1996 doge grand caravan used 80,000miles and have had a very good ride. Although some problems have occoured, belt tension pulley had to be replaced, air conditioner compressor also broke at the same time, rear window wiper stopped working (still have not gotten it fixed), and front wipers do not work as should too. But other than those problems it has been a good ride.