1993 Dodge Grand Caravan LS 3.3L

Summary:

A reliable, practical, useful vehicle

Faults:

Under Warranty:

Had an oil leak repaired, dealer replaced the front oil pan gasket.

Had transmission looked at as it would shift late into first, when pulling to a stop and then giving it gas to pull away, resulting in jerk. Dealer replaced the engine computer (said it controlled the transmission). This was way before I discovered about the vehicles transmission legacy.

Replaced the evaporator three years ago, cost $750. A/C lasted for one summer and gave out the next summer.

Tie rod ends where replaced as one blew apart.

Just recently the Compressor clutch went up in smoke, but am able to drive vehicle with.

Engine has slight oil leak again, but only slight wetting on engine.

General Comments:

In general, for a mass produced vehicle, it has done me well. I regularly replace the oil/filter at approx 5000kms, with synthetic, and engine has not given me any problems. The transmission isn't perfect, as it shifts sloppy, but you can adjust for that. I tow my boat, with this combo, no problem with full vehicle, people and "stuff" to lake, and runs fine all day. I just use 3rd gear only, no overdrive, and it has lots of power. It is a daily driver, and except for a battery failure at 5 years has started every time.

Small things are staring to go, example - A/C, but I had it treated yearly with Krown Rust check and it is virtually rust free.

What more could I ask for?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2003

1993 Dodge Grand Caravan LS 3.3 Liter 6

Summary:

Timebomb

Faults:

At 40k miles, transmission failed. Replaced under warranty.

At 60k miles, starter failed. Replaced under warranty.

At 65k miles, water pump failed. Replaced under warranty.

At 70k miles, belt tensioner failed. Not covered under warranty.

At 75k miles, Alternator and water pump failed. Replaced under warranty (barely).

At 90k miles, belt tensioner failed.

Must refill air conditioning refrigerant once a year.

Back air unit is not draining condensation, beginning to smell.

Have had to replace several batteries.

General Comments:

If it weren't for the warranty, I would have been in a deep money pit.

After all the replacements, we have not had many problems, just maintenance. I worry that another catastrophic issue looms on the horizon.

My plan is to run it as long as possible until the vehicle is no longer financially affordable.

I will probably trade in on a Ford Windstar or Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th August, 2002

13th Aug 2002, 20:47

Get the Honda. I had a 1995 Odyssey (purchased new) until July 2002. Other than general maintenence items like brakes, tires, etc., I replaced a headlight, a taillight and a dashboard light. It was in for one recall that took 10 minutes to fix. Even though it was out of warranty, Honda did it to avoid problems. Read the other comments about the Windstars.

30th Apr 2004, 01:14

I'm very sorry to hear about your problem. I have a 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan SE and I have had little to no problems with it. I bought it used and I've put on over 100,000 kilometres on it. It's needed some repairwork, but the van seems to be very reliable. I hope for better success in your future purchase.

1993 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.5

Summary:

Very dependable and durable

Faults:

AC went out at about 60,000, but Dodge covered it even though it was out of warranty.

Got a transmission overhaul at about 69,000. Good thing we had a 7/70,000 warranty on power train.

Had some bad rust on the sliding side door, but Dodge replaced the door under the 7/100,000 corrosion warranty.

A few other minor misc repairs.

General Comments:

Very good vehicle overall. We've had it for 9 years.

Very dependable.

Always starts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2002

1993 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3

Summary:

This is the best vehicle I have ever owned

Faults:

I had to replace the starter.

I've had the tension adjusted.

The air conditioning has a leak.

The 4 back windows are starting to leak (I suppose it needs new gaskets around all the vent-type windows)

The back hatch is also starting to leak.

The sliding door had to have an inexpensive latch replaced (interior light was staying on when door was shut)

Factory installed tape player has been eating tapes since the day I bought it.

The paint is peeling off all over. I see a lot of this with the 93 caravans. Especially the dark blue ones.

General Comments:

This van has been the best automobile I've ever owned. (That includes a brand new Nissan Sentra and a Mercedes)

I've had it for 3 and half years and I've had very minimal repairs.

It has a fantastic turning radius.

The van seats seven quite comfortably.

Even without a dual air conditioner, the van cools quickly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2001

24th Sep 2005, 01:23

I agree the turning radius on these is pretty good. You'd expect it to be much wider considering the size of the vans. I too had the problem with the peeling paint. Our '93 was kept in a garage until '99 and it'd been peeling since.