Faults:

The speedometer works intermittently.

The valve covers leak oil.

General Comments:

The van is very comfortable and roomy.

However, it is very, very slow. Getting on the highway is a chore unlike earlier model Caravans.

I give it high marks as a reliable, cost effective, people hauler. Out of our six cars it gets driven the most.

Faults:

Thermostat stuck open at 92,000 miles, quick cheap fix.

Driver's side sliding door lock doesn't unlock with the power locks.

Brakes squeal even though there is nothing wrong. Was told that this is a problem with quite a few Chrysler products.

General Comments:

After reading the previous reviews, I felt inclined to give you my story. We bought our 2001 ES used. We are picky about maintenance, and have not had any real major problems up to now with 97,000 miles.

My ES seems to be an oddball though, the VIN number comes back as an all wheel drive van, although mine isn't. It also has the 3.8L engine, which I haven't seen too many of, but it gives the van quite a bit of pep for the size. We also have blue leather interior, and the seats couldn't be any more comfortable, even after 4 years and 97,000+ miles.

The factory original paint still shines like new, and the only wear on the inside is on the driver's side carpet where my left foot rests.

The only real complaints I have are the poor gas mileage from the 3.8L engine and the squeaky brakes that have been replaced by Dodge 4 times since new. I think now that the warranty is up, next brake job, I might stick some semi-metallic pads on it. The dealership uses carbon metallic pads, which seem to be really noisy and there is nothing you can do about it. While the semi-metallic may not last as long, I feel the trade-off not to have to hear the squealing at every stop would be worth it.

Faults:

Knocking sound from the front end was diagnosed by the dealer to be a faulty steering rack, but it turned out to be tie-rod ends.

HVAC works erratically - blows hot one side, cold the other; Fan switch required replacing; overall the problem was not fixed.

General Comments:

Other than the problems listed above and normal wear items, this van has been very reliable. I am not happy with the HVAC at all - Mechanics don't seem to know how to fix it.

Comfort and ride quality has been improved over last generation. Squeaks and rattles are greatly reduced - seems like a tighter body structure.

Fit and finish is not very good - body panels are misaligned.

3.3 V6 is underpowered especially compared to Honda and Toyota. Fuel consumption is high.

I've owned 4 model generations of Caravan, and although I would probably prefer a Honda or Toyota, the Caravans are far less expensive when buying used and are a good overall value. I would not buy a new one - Honda or Toyota if I had the bucks!

Faults:

The transmission failed at 63,600 miles.

There was a bolt missing on the brakes.

General Comments:

This van is one of the most beautiful, sleek, and stylish vans on the road. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it!

Somehow, I still think the seats should be easier to get out.