1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3

Summary:

A great family van

Faults:

The hubcaps had to be replaced right after buying.

The battery cable broke in a drive through.

The climate control panel A/C and Inside Air button lights flash and other lights don't work, but the buttons work. After about 45 minutes of being on, everything goes back to normal. Caused by spillage of soda.

Right sliding door power lock assembly needs replaced.

Right power vent motor works only when it wants to.

Back hatch handle works most of the time, but not always.

Back seat recline handle shakes.

General Comments:

The van has good acceleration and handles great. The brakes are also great.

It has comfortable seats.

However, the cup holders are in a BAD position. Even in new Chrysler cars, they haven't fixed this problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2002

16th Oct 2002, 12:14

Hello...I know how to fix the flashing light thing, so send me an email at bboaz3@attbi.com and I'll tell you how to do it. It takes about 2 minutes and I haven't had a problem since.

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.3 V6

Summary:

Bad year for an OK mini van

Faults:

We got this van used and within three months had to replace the a/c condenser which was about $800.

The clutch on the a/c compressor was next to go, but that was only $85.

The rear a/c - heat unit developed a stuck valve which caused it to blow hot & cold at the same time, which was about $300.

The transmission has a steady amount of leakage, I have to top it up every few months. I keep expecting to have to get it rebuilt, but haven't had to yet.

There was a stuck vacuum part that had to be replace for about $200.

The electrics are flaky on this vehicle, in addition to the windshield wipers sometimes randomly coming on & the right rear vent window only working intermittently the display on the clock/radio sometimes flickers and blanks out completely.

General Comments:

Despite the fact that we refer to this van as "the lemon", there are a lot of things we like about it. It's comfortable, roomy and nice to drive. It wasn't too expensive, so even with the money we've had to spend it's been an okay value. We are certainly sold on mini-vans, and since a lot of our issues seem to be "first year" problems which aren't as bad in later models we'll consider another Grand Caravan in the future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2002

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.3 liter V6

Summary:

Nothing but trouble since the warranty expired

Faults:

Dead battery at 5 months. Warranty replacement.

Faulty chip causing all gear indicators to light at 14,000 miles.

Total brake components replacement (calipers, rotors, brake lines, etc.) at 40,000 miles.

Wipers turning on by themselves.

Clock spring faulty at 68,000 miles, also causing the horn and cruise control to stop working.

Belt tensioner and water pump at 70,000 miles.

Complete power steering rack replacement at 70,000 miles.

Replaced the emergency brake 2 times in the first 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

My first and last experience of owning an American made vehicle.

I gave you a chance Dodge to impress me, but I wouldn't walk across the street to get another, even if you were giving them away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002

21st May 2002, 11:33

I recently bought a 96 Dodge caravan LE. Within the first week, I have had to replace the starter, clock spring, and on my way to the transmission shop :) Nice looking and eye appealing, but Dodge needs to do something about mechanical problems!

25th Jun 2002, 17:38

Oh boy...

I have the same problems.. Clock spring went at about 70k, transmission totally replaced at 37k (dealer would NOT warranty this, only 6mths old, but 1k mile over the warranty!)

Belt tensioner and belt at 60k, another tensioner at 70k, another belt at 90k..

Has ANYONE kept hubcaps on this vehicle? Got tired after the 6th set and bought wheels instead.

Electrical is totally weird.. wipers come on whenever, turn signal turns the flashers on..

AND...now at 160k.. engine has locked up, died.. replacement 3k...debating on what to do next...

Dodge...well... looks good, when things run good, it is smooth and fantastic to drive...

However, never again!