1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 Ltr. from North America

Summary:

I am generally impressed with this van

Faults:

I have not had anything, except the usual oil changes go wrong with this van.

General Comments:

Except for a bit lower than expected gas consumption, this van has delivered very good reliability for myself and my family.

I would definitely buy another one if the chance arose.

I have not experienced the problems that others claim to have had.

Great on the highway and handles better than than my Lumina.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2003

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.0 Litre V6 from North America

Summary:

The Dodge Grand Caravan falls far short in quality, a ticking time bomb that will break your wallet

Faults:

The minivan drives well, is nicely appointed, and is roomy enough for a family of five plus the a large dog. The first four years went relatively smooth with the exception of the caravan's ability to eat up brakes.

Then we hit 70,000 and it began. In the last eighteen months I have put $6,000 plus into a six year old car. First the air conditioning began to act up. Then while driving with the children the transmission locked up. The result was a new transmission and new evaporator installed.

A month later the air conditioning stopped working again, this time it was the condenser. The next month while on a long trip the air conditioning stops working a hour into the drive. When we return home the van goes back to the dealer, their response is it is working fine. Now that warm weather is here again the problem is back. On a recent trip home the air conditioning stops working, I drove directly to dealer. Diagnosis, a new H-valve and fin sensor (probe) are required to fix the problem.

I have been recently stranded when a belt in the engine began to shred.

It loves to eat the brake pads. Currently I am looking at a complete brake job.

General Comments:

The Dodge Grand Caravan looks nice, drives decently and is comfortable, though rear air conditioning is a requirement. Yet, I will never own another Chrysler product again.

The product quality is so lacking. To my great dismay my vehicle is falling apart around me. It is not nickel and dimming me to death, oh no, it is going for the throat. I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone, in fact, run to the closest Toyota dealer. They build a quality product that lasts far beyond the last car payment.

I almost believe that Chrysler wants me to pay for this vehicle twice, once in car payments and the second time in car repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th April, 2003

23rd Jun 2003, 23:32

It's great to see these reviews online. I am on my way to have my brakes repaired tomorrow morning... for the second time. Over a days time, they just started grinding like crazy. I also have wiper problems - they come on without my turning them on. Usually for just one "swipe." Until I read these reviews, I just thought I was crazy, asking "did that just happen??" Also, I've had the serpentine belt replaced at least once. Overall, it's been a great car, very dependable. Mine is a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport. I hope to get one more year out of it, then it's on to a Honda, Toyota or Ford. I'm a Mom of three little ones, and I need a GREAT car. We'll see which one I choose!

7th Jul 2007, 09:42

I have a 1997 Grand Caravan 3.3L. I feel that if you take care of any car it will definately last you. I have 88,000 miles on mine. I mostly use it for long trips. I have replaced the brakes twice in the rear and I am only on my second set in the front. So depending on how you drive it, it should treat you good. I haven't had any major problems with it. The starter was just replaced along with the shocks and struts. But any hauling vehicle will need shocks and struts after awhile. I have heard that if you get the transmission flushed every 100k or so, the transmission will be less likely to give you problems. Also change the fluid every two years or 30k and you should be fine. As well as not driving it hard. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Dodge.

12th Jul 2007, 11:32

We own a 1998 Grand Caravan SE. We bought it with 72,000 miles used back in 2003 and it now has 190,000 miles on it. It has been an AWESOME van for us and it has been our only vehicle for 3 years now. We take meticulous care of it and it is wonderful. we are just now looking to get a 2nd vehicle and use this van for an extra car. Hope this helps!

27th Apr 2009, 09:23

I think the 3.3 and 3.8 Chrysler engines are great, but the 3.0L Mitsubishi gets costly after 80k miles.