2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L

Summary:

Great design, poor engineering

Faults:

We have had numerous issues with the power door locks. They would work intermittently or not at all. Returned to dealer at least 4 times - finally repaired.

Clunking sound in front end (sway bar bushings) - replaced twice.

Steering rack and pinion leaking - replaced.

Water pump leaking - replaced.

A/C compressor clutch failed - replaced.

Air bag clock spring failed - replaced.

Transmission downshifts hard at times, but has not failed yet.

General Comments:

We really like the features of this van. It drives good and has good power. Ours has the entertainment system with disc changer and DVD/TV, which is wonderful for the kids on trips.

The stow in go is great, it adds a lot of storage, and you don't have to remove seats when you haul stuff.

The features are great, but the quality is fair at best. Our previous Grand Caravan 1997 model was plagued with problems as well.

When we upgraded to this van, we were hoping Dodge had fixed the problems, but they haven't. Our next van will be a Honda or Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st October, 2010

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L

Summary:

Poor design - poor construction - poor overall quality

Faults:

- Both cupholders on middle Stow-n-Go seats broke shortly after car purchase.

- Tilt wheel mechanism broke at 14000 miles.

- Electronics randomly go haywire requiring computer reset by dealer.

- Power sliding doors sometime refuse to open as if parental override switch set (which it is not). Turning off car and re-starting usually fixes problem.

- A/C evaporator line leak through firewall behind front passenger carpet area developed at around 50000 miles - mold everywhere!

- Final straw - engine gave up the ghost at 83000 miles (infamous oil starvation problem discussed on various Net blogs).

General Comments:

Out of warranty. Currently looking into replacing engine with re-manufactured unit just to facilitate unloading for small net gain!

Will never buy Dodge again...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th May, 2010

21st May 2010, 11:33

...And people wonder why Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection and needed a bailout.

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SX

Summary:

It sucks

Faults:

The brakes on my 2005 Grand Caravan have been replaced 3 times. Only has 50,000 miles on it. Also had to replace the tires already.

Has been at the dealer 3 times these past 5 months.

Had to replace the ERG valve, water pump, thermostat & gasket, serpentine belt, rear brake cylinders and master brake cylinder (I do daycare and my brakes failed on me; way to go Dodge). Still under warranty; a $100 deductible each time. Cost $1,000 for me for stuff not covered.

Why is my Dodge having this many issues at 50,000 miles?

Will never buy a Dodge again. Do not recommend this car. A minivan is supposed to be made as a family vehicle; it almost killed me and cost my family too much to repair.

General Comments:

Sadly an awful car; just check all the reviews.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th April, 2010

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L

Summary:

Awful

Faults:

Had problems with the lights not working. Took it to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong with it. The lights only worked if you turned on the brights or used the fog lights.

Took it in for the scheduled services religiously. After it had over 80000 miles on it, the alternator sounded like it was about to fall out and made a weird noise. The struts in the front had went out before it had even hit 80000, and it was going to cost well over 1000 dollars to get that fixed.

Just recently traded it in for the 2010 model, because it did have over 118,000 miles on it, but you would think with the services, there would be no problems, but the check engine light was on, and came to find out it had a blown head gasket that you could not see, due to the fact there is little to no room underneath the hood to work on or see anything on the engine.

If you're gonna buy the 2005 model used, be sure you look at it thoroughly first.

General Comments:

It was roomy, that is all. Handled really good until it got a lot of miles on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2010