2001 Dodge Caravan

Summary:

Transmission problems early on

Faults:

Transmission broke down for 3rd time & the WORST customer service ever.

General Comments:

Only 28,700 miles and the transmission is breaking down again for the third time.

The ride is rough.

I am paralyzed and had the car modified with hand accessories. Needless to say my funds are tight. I called customer service and not only were they rude, but their comment to me was "do you think should have special treatment because you're paralyzed?" It went down hill from there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th August, 2008

2001 Dodge Caravan 4 cylinder

Summary:

Awful

Faults:

Recently required a timing belt but learned we would have to pay an extra $500 for the retrofit as Chrysler changed the belt for later models and no longer manufactures older version. We also learned Chrysler had a "silent recall" for a few months, and as a result, only owners requiring replacement of their timing belts during that time received the retrofit. Chrysler only utilizes "silent recalls" on expensive repairs.

So many other problems with the transmission, motor mount and other parts, I can't remember them all. I was so accustomed to a vehicle constantly breaking down.

Common practice of Customer service is hanging up along with rude behavior. Chrysler executives do not respond to complaints. No longer own our 2001 Caravan and have no intention of ever again purchasing a Chrysler vehicle.

General Comments:

Experienced several transmission replacements (6) with the Caravan and Grand Caravan.

Roomy comfortable roomy interior. Only good point.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd March, 2008

2001 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.0

Summary:

It's a piece of junk!!!

Faults:

Window motor at 3000 miles.

Battery at 3000 miles.

Air compressor at 4000 miles.

2 window motors at 8000 miles.

2 window motors at 9000 miles.

Vacuum leak at 10000.

Oil leak at 10000 miles.

Oil leak fixed again at 12000 miles.

Transmission replacement at 53000.

Transmission replacement AGAIN at 64000.

And the brakes are awful! They get changed about every 10000 miles.

General Comments:

This is the worst car I have ever owned!

I have had repeat problems with window motors and am on my 3rd. transmission!

I would never own one of these again... I was given a oral quote on the phone for the last transmission replacement... when I picked up my van the prices was suddenly $300 higher!! Then they had the nerve to tell me I mis-understood them... BULL CRAP!

I have now taken the advise of a pro and decided to write Chrysler with my complaints and attach all service invoices to them... as they told me "don't mess with the middle man" TAKE IT TO THE TOP!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th February, 2008

2001 Dodge Caravan SE 3.6

Summary:

It's junk

Faults:

2 water pumps.

Thermostat.

Spark plug wires.

Valve cover gasket.

2 cracked strut mounts bearings.

Radiator.

Power steering pump.

Crank seal.

Main computer.

Fuse box wiring harness.

2 wheel cylinder blown, destroying my shoes and drums.

General Comments:

First let me say I bought the van at 60k, in 2.5 years I am now at 158000k. In the time I have owned this van, here is a list of the issues I have had:

2 water pumps, thermostat, spark plug wires, valve cover gasket, 2 cracked strut mounts bearings, rad, power steering pump, crank seal, main computer, fuse box wiring harness, 2 wheel cylinder blown, destroying my shoes and drums.

I am sure I am missing some stuff; I can't remember it all.

On top of all, the engine makes a ticking sound under acceleration, and the dealer cannot find it.

I am very thankful that when I bought this van, I spent the cash on the extended warranty up to 160,000km. I only have to pay 100$ for each trip to the shop. The service at the dealer I go to is top notch; they really do good work, but I will never ever buy a Chrysler again. I have had 4 previous Chryslers, all with issues, except for my Dakota.

I don’t know why the American manufacturers cannot build a good car. My next purchase will be an import.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2008

17th Jan 2008, 16:34

Good review. Unfortunately, the Caravan has NEVER been a reliable vehicle. My parents had a '93 that was just chock full of problems.

21st Jun 2009, 18:29

Ditto, junk. I bought one with 43,000 - because I thought I was getting a very good deal via a private party sale. NOT.

Transmission went out at 47K. AC quit working shortly after that.

Within the space of a couple of years... wheel bearings, some computer module without which nothing worked (that was really expensive), starter went out, ate front brake pads like crazy and tires kept wearing too fast, sliding door latch broke, rear wiper quit, plastic parts kept falling off inside and it was noisy and rattly, water pump needed replaced, airbag light came on (I never bothered having it checked out)...

All this in the space of just under 20,000 miles. I sold it with 61,000 miles and good riddance too bad rubbish.

For the last time - I am DONE with domestic vehicles, I keep buying ones that are lemons yet my Nissan truck at 230K and my old Subarus and now my Toyota Sienna van just keep reliably going and going, and I feel safe driving them.

Sorry, Big Three. I tried several times but I'm done.