1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L

Summary:

1998 Grand Caravan has been a reliable, comfortable family vehicle for 8 1/2 years

Faults:

Almost no problems until after 100K miles (5 yrs).

Repaired 1 power window under warranty. Passenger power window quit working 2 years ago - did not repair.

Normal maintenance (oil, fluids, wipers, serpentine belt, transmission service, etc.)

Front brakes replaced at 110K miles, rear brakes at 140K miles.

It's on its 2nd battery (4.5 yrs, 4 yrs so far).

Driver door gasket tends to separate from frame.

Radiator overheated a few years ago, but don't remember what the repair was.

We've been leaking a small amount of coolant for a couple of months; Recently diagnosed as a head leak (not sure if it's the gasket or a crack). We haven't been forced to repair this yet and are delaying the decision since it could be very expensive ($4000).

Transmission began acting up at 169K+ miles and is now being rebuilt.

General Comments:

We've really enjoyed having this vehicle. It's comfortable and roomy for our family. It's not as quiet as I would like, but I don't think many vans are.

We get relatively good gas mileage (22-23 mpg).

We didn't start having expensive repairs until it was 8 years old and over 150K miles, so that's reasonable.

My kids wish it also had reading lights on the rear bench like it does in the four bucket seats in front and middle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2006

12th Oct 2007, 02:48

Good review. So good that I don't even have to make a review myself, except to say "Ditto!"

I own the Grand Caravan SE with the Mitsubishi 3.0 litre engine. Fuel economy has been wonderful, for a minivan, at an average of about 22-23 mpg. For some reason, I like the high-revving capability of this small V6. With its 6000 rpm redline, it has a very sporty sound/feel to it. I think it's a shame that the 3.0 was discontinued.

Mechanically, the van has been sound. The one problem is the air conditioner pulley which apparently gets out of alignment and throws off belts. Does anyone have any idea of what might be wrong and how fixable this is?

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.0 V6

Summary:

It is unreliable and of poor quality

Faults:

I have had to replace serpentine belt eight times in 87,000 miles. Mileage obtained from each belt has been as follows: 31K, 25k, 5K, 2K, 8K, 8K, 8K and 498. After replacing the belt at 31K under the 3yr/36k manufacturer's warranty, Chrysler did not cover repairs under the 75K extended warranty that I purchased. The company position has been that it is a maintenance item.

General Comments:

I have had a number of other repairs on the car, but the belt is the most persistent and frustrating.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th September, 2006

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3 gas

Summary:

Exceptional

Faults:

This van has been quite reliable, although there have been some minor problems over the years.

-Power window switch

-driver's side rear window not functioning

-Water pump, belt and tensioner

-Battery. (Although the original one was 7 years old)

-Just recently, one of the brake lines let go at the front left where the braided hoses come out of the ABS module. This is strange. The tubing is perfect from about 4" from where it connects to the braided hoses right to the back wheels. I think it's a dissimilar metal problem where the st. st. hoses meet the carbon steel tubing. I had to have both replaced for the tune of $600. I told my dealer about this problem 3 years ago. I've always oiled those lines since I noticed the rust starting, but obviously, that did nothing.

BE CAREFUL!! check these lines!! The underside of my van is perfect. There is very little rust, and what rust there is is minor surface stuff. My dealer did nothing when I pointed this out.

General Comments:

Generally, this has been a good vehicle, it's no race car, but it always gets us where we're going. It's very comfortable, quiet and versatile.

Lots of room for anything you can carry.

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

Review Date: 26th April, 2006