1995 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3.8 Liter V6

Summary:

Dependable; they don't make them like they used to!

Faults:

Paint peeling.

Transmission went at 145k.

Minor body rust.

Seats starting to rip at time of selling.

Minor electrical faults.

Radio died.

General Comments:

Great dependable minivan for its day!

In April of 2000 we were looking for a used but reliable minivan for the family to replace our reliable but small '87 Escort. Lo and behold, on the lot there she is; a shiny white 95 Grand Caravan ES! Low miles and one of the top trims: we jump on it and don't regret it! It was safe with dual airbags and integrated child seats. Powerful, too, with the most powerful engine available, the 3.8L V6. And oh was it spacious! It was an incredible van and served our family for 15 years. The transmission conked out at 145k, but it only cost about $400 to get a new one! The radio also went out, but was easily replaced by a BestBuy unit.

In the end, however, the van was 20 years behind on safety and technology, and was starting to show its age. Body rust was reappearing, wheels and bumpers scuffed up, grille cracked. We decided it would be better to sell it than to fix it, so I sold it on Craigslist for $800 (about 1/15 of what I bought it for), and got a brand new Nissan Rogue.

Nowadays, Dodges are notorious for unreliability. I don't know what happened! They used to make great cars. At one point I rented an Avenger, and to sum it up, it was craptastic. Cheap and underpowered. It's a shame how a brand can take such a sharp decline!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2017

23rd Nov 2017, 04:31

I loved these vans too. Had a 94 Town and Country with a 3.8 and a 92 Grand Caravan SE with a 3.3. Drove both all over the country on trips, super comfortable, spacious, efficient and practical. Very well equipped for the time too.

1995 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L

Summary:

Great van, want a new one just as good

Faults:

A/C needs a couple of cans of Freon every 3-4 months, but runs cold!

Burns oil at the rate of 1 quart every 1000 miles.

Wiper motor went out at a really bad time.

Sometimes it starts, sometimes I have to hit the breather with starter fluid. NOT the fuel pump (spent 2 days at mechanics).

Side door gave me fits.. The boy next door took it apart and now it works great...

The gas mileage sucks, but she is still cheaper than another purchase.. I paid $600.00 for her.

General Comments:

VERY comfortable.. lived in it once when running from a hurricane and couldn't find lodgings.

Hauls anything I need it to haul.

A/C will freeze you out; you have to turn it down to the 2nd lowest setting.

Hauls every dog, kid and adult I cram in it.

When "she" is running good, I wouldn't trade her for anything but a new van.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2012

1995 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L

Summary:

Surprisingly sturdy workhorse..

Faults:

Door hinge on driver's door separated from body.

Sliding door unlocks intermittently.

Driver's seat back bolt stripped off causing seat to snap back.

Electronic hatch release quit 1 month after purchase.

Fuel pump starting going out after 6 months.

General Comments:

I am fairly impressed at the general sturdiness of this vehicle. I have used it for a multitude of things and have been pleased with its versatility.

I plan on purchasing another minivan, but likely not a Chrysler product.

The vehicle has never left me stranded because of engine problems.

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

Review Date: 13th January, 2005

14th Jan 2005, 19:56

Just a warning.. the fuel pump problem WILL leave you stranded if you don't replace it.. our '94 Grand Voyager with 3.3L died at a drive-through window and had to be towed. Just shut off without warning, bad fuel pump. Our '95 Grand Voyager with same engine blew its fuel pump as well a week later, luckily in the driveway this time.