2002 Dodge Caravan

Summary:

I would not buy another Caravan

Faults:

The lower power steering hoses have blown out on 2 separate occasions while I was driving. The lower power steering hoses have now been replaced 4 times and the upper hoses once.

General Comments:

The van has been in with the dealer for repairs (under warranty)a total of 11 times in 29 months.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th February, 2005

25th May 2005, 16:31

A? Try a different brand of steering pump hose.

5th Dec 2006, 17:10

Warranty claims are done by the dealerships who replace the parts that are warrantied with the original part that was installed unless a recall states otherwise. These hoses were a recall item and the flaw should have been addressed. My hoses were done just once, but I'm on my second Rack & Pinion assembly in 135,000 kilometers the first one lasted 80,000 under extended warranty the second 55,000 this one I get the benefit of paying for. This is just one part of my list, but the Caravan I have now is the last one that will ever be parked in my driveway.

5th Dec 2006, 19:31

We also have a 2002 Grand Caravan. Overall, we are pretty happy with it at 75,000 miles. Maintenance costs (tires, brakes etc.) have been very reasonable. Two repairs so far: $500 emissions system and $130 sway-bar bushings. The power steering hoses were replaced under two recalls, but we never had a problem with them. Recently our P/S system was getting extremely noisy especially when cold. I topped off the fluid level from the “low end” of full range to the top of the full line and the noise has gone away. I suggest everyone check this before replacing any expensive parts.

2002 Dodge Caravan Sport d/k

Summary:

Reliable, safe, great for families

Faults:

We've had very few problems; all were covered by warranty.

General Comments:

This is a very reliable, dependable family minivan. It's gotten us through multiple family trips in comfort. The main complaint I have is with the rear heat/AC controls. The venting above the passengers puts out minimal air flow. It eventually heats up/cools down sufficiently due to large vents behind back-row seats, but that doesn't do much when you're only taking a 15-minute trip. Also, handling isn't as "car-like" as our previous minivan, a 1995 Mercury Villager that my husband continues to drive and treat like a pickup truck. And of course, with gas prices where they are today, it's kind of tough to keep filling the tank, but what are you gonna do?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2004

2002 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3

Summary:

Any Dodger dealer should be able to fix their products air conditioning or folks just will not buy!

Faults:

The air conditioning is the main problem. It does not get cold when at an idle. This makes "sitting in traffic very bad". We have had the compressor replaced and some relays, but the problem still exists. Last time we brought it to the dealer, they tightened something under the passengers feet to stop fluid from linking. I have about 800 miles left on the warranty.

General Comments:

I like many of the features, but when you pay $28,000 for a vehicle and are making payments of $725 a month, you would like it to run perfect. You would like not to have to put money into it while making these payments. Please e-mail me at pianoman@1st.net if anyone else has these problems and know how to get them fixed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th July, 2003

2002 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3

Summary:

Great power and handling, Great van

Faults:

Nothing, but I had one flat tire.

General Comments:

Great Van! I would recommend buying. Excellent driver visibilty, this is an important feature for my 5'2" wife. Van is just the right size, although it could use another 3" in the rear compartment so a stroller would fit better, however we can still get it in there. Drives great, much better than other vans we looked at. I think this is the perfect soccer mom vehicle.. I know Americans like to have the biggest and the "best", but this van drives and handles much better than the bloated Odyssey and Windstar. You hardly know you're driving a minivan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2003

7th Jan 2004, 20:54

Just traded-in my '96 Windstar for a used 2002 Caravan SE V6 at the CarMax in Vegas, test drived the Caravan & Chrysler van, the Chrysler Van was fully-loaded, but it handled too heavy like my old Windstar, I chose the Caravan instead for $2500 less than the Chrysler. My wife is 5 foot Asian and she loves it too. By the way, CarMax was great!! they work on flat commission, no more pushy salesman.