1993 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America

Transmission only once, in 1995.

Paint is peeling bad on roof and starting on hood, sides are OK 2003.

Paint seems thin and isn't very glossy.

Plastic-chrome side trim deteriorated starting in 1997.

Climate control switch 2002.

RH power window switch 2002.

Air conditioning needed to be recharged several times, works fine now.

Rear wheel bearings around 110k, 2002.

Black front window trim faded to a chalky gray, I repainted them a gloss black at home, looks much better. All vans have this that I've noticed, it looks really bad.

Rust starting around lower left rear wheelwell, bottoms of doors 2000.

Radio needed to have the switch repaired, 2001.

Needed a tuneup in 2004, running rough, new plugs, wires, and K&N air filter fixed the problem.

Driver's exterior door handle sticks and does not retract, just needs lubrication I believe, 2006.

Paint continues to come off the roof.

Exhaust seems a little noisier, 2006.

Rust continues to move further onto the body from the bottom of the left wheelwell, 2006.

Rust just starting to bubble under paint below rear window though hardly noticeable yet, 2006.

Had to sell it after right rear brake cylinder blew and the shop found it needed a complete rear brake overhaul in the rear costing $400. Not worth keeping as gas prices go up and the paint keeps peeling off it.

Our family bought this van from a rental outfit in April 1994.

Enjoyable to drive, surprisingly responsive and quick, still runs as good as new.

Good on the highway if it's not windy.

It's been very reliable over the years and still is.

Stock sound system very good, but rear speaker location is dumb, behind the rear seat.

Ours is a metallic blue with white pinstripes with distinctive factory styled-steel rally wheels, it still looks sharp when it's all detailed.

Overall a well built van, not the best materials or paint, but a solid drivetrain and decent interior for an early 90's vehicle.

If I was buying a new van in the 90's (my father bought this one when I was 10) I might get a Lumina APV or Pontiac Trans Sport instead. Plastic body panels and easier to remove seats are nice features as well as the cool styling.