1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.6

Summary:

A reliable box on wheels

Faults:

There were not too many serious problems with this vehicle.

At around 200000 miles some mysterious problem occurred while driving on the freeway. The engine seemed like it was not getting gas and was not able to go over 50 mph at times. It was taken to several mechanics, but none could ever duplicate the problem and it was never fixed even after replacing several parts such as the fuel pump.

The car was still drivable and probably would have went longer than 285000 miles had I not accidentally overheated the engine and seized it up...

General Comments:

My father bought this minivan new in 1992 as our family vehicle. It was totally decked out with leather and captains chairs in the back.

It was driven daily and made several family trips from Michigan to South Carolina. It needed no repairs except for normal maintenance, brakes, etc..

I learned to drive in this van and it was passed on to me after I hit a deer with it at around 230,000 miles.

I drove it for another 50,000 miles after this without even changing the oil once. I really wanted this thing to die, but it only did after blowing a radiator hose and overheating at about 285,000 miles.

Its cool to be 16 and have a minivan with 2 12" pioneer subwoofers in it. It did bump pretty loud...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2004

31st May 2004, 06:40

50,000 miles with out an oil change? I find that very hard to believe. The oil would become so think it would completely block up and stop the oil filter, causing a fair amount of engine damage. Not to mention the same oil (now thicker than tar) going through the engine would cause severe damage.

18th May 2006, 01:44

50000 miles without an oil change is a bit much. My 77 Corolla would only make it 16000 before the oil was so thick that the oil light would come on going around corners.

1992 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3

Summary:

I paid $200.00 for it...Can't complain

Faults:

Front brake caliper seized up and caught hubcap on fire.

Replaced both front calipers.

Replaced Master Cylinder.

Replaced both rear cylinders.

Replaced inner and out tie rods on both sides.

Replaced front wheel hubs on both sides.

Replaced both CV axles.

Replaced the starter.

Replaced the water pump twice.

Radiator speed controller went.

Radiator fan motor went.

Reverse lights do not work.

Transmission leaks like a _____ and bucks sometimes too.

Cruise control vacuum hoses fell off.

Thermostat housing bolt holes were stripped so had to re-tap those.

Had to replace almost every hose.

Radiator was rusty, but still works.

General Comments:

Besides all the stuff needing to be replaced it is a great van. I drove it from FL to CO in the dead of winter and it was pleasant.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2004

1992 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L V6

Summary:

Good to pretty high (based on dependability and value), Boring, but useful

Faults:

An engine management module needed replacement at about 70K miles.

We have had the radiator replaced at about 100K miles.

The transmissions on these vehicles are notorious for failing at about 70-90K miles, ours lasted until 125K. This cost about $2200 to replace.

Other than that, the usual brakes, shocks, etc. type maintenance.

General Comments:

These are very practical family vehicles. They hold a lot, and travel well. The mileage on the highway is decent for a large profile vehicle, and it has surprising acceleration for it's size, type, and age.

It has a rather large turning radius, so must be manuevered with some back and forth work, but you get used to it.

It's pretty 'tinny' (lots of space enclosed for not a lot of money) so there is some road noise.

Stops well.

Is pretty easy on tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th February, 2003

1992 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.3L V6

Summary:

Beautiful, comfortable van, but too many problems

Faults:

Transmission failed and was rebuilt at 90,000 miles.

Body Controller Module failed and replaced at 95,000 miles.

Starter replaced at 80,000 miles.

Water pump failed and was replaced.

Rear window exploded.

Rear wiper quit working.

Side door electric door lock intermittent.

Stereo/cassette unit had to be replaced.

Rear hatch prop rod broke.

General Comments:

It is a very good looking mini-van. The LE package adds alloy wheels, dark tint windows, body side molding, overhead computer center, and leather seats.

The van has lots of power and the leather seats are very comfortable.

Lots of little, annoying things have gone wrong with this vehicle and several very expensive items have had to be replaced. (transmission and body controller module)

Resale value is very low, even if kept in top condition. I would have traded or sold it long before now if I could have got a reasonable price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th February, 2003

25th Jan 2004, 00:56

I had a dodge Aries k, couldn't find anything worse.

And then I have a 94 caravan, better, but have most of your problems. Solution: no more Chrysler junk products. If you are buying n. American, try gm.