1989 Dodge Caravan SE review from North America

The fuel regulator gave trouble after about 4 years and it was quite difficult to isolate the problem (the dealer had no clue).

Radiator developed leak after about 140,000 miles.

Paint started peeling after about 10 years (probably typical for a car this old).

Air conditioner compressor locked up at 178,000 miles. (It had served flawlessly up to this point, needing no additions of freon.)

The transmission is showing signs of malfunction at 180,000 miles. Sometimes the car hesitates before taking off and clings to some gears too long.

The only other problems have been routine wear and tear (such as timing belt went out at 119,000 miles, fuel pump at about 140,000 miles, etc.)

This car was one of the best investments I have ever made. I would not suggest that anyone buy a minivan with a 4-cylinder engine, but this one was turbo-charged and felt like it (until recently). With the exception of a faulty fuel regulator that allowed too much gas into the engine, thus flooding it, the car has never required any time at the dealer. The van has served my family well in both town and highway driving, and only recently has shown that it might be time to get another (some transmission issues). I will be buying another minivan in the next few months, and I will be again looking at a Caravan, along with perhaps the Honda and Toyota minivans. I don't know whether Dodge deserves the reputation for making products of questionable reliability; however, based on my experience with this little minivan, they have done very well by me.