1997 Chrysler Grand Caravan SE review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The Serpentine belt falls apart on the average of once per year. I don't have any confidence in this car because I never know when the serpentine belt will come apart. The dealerships do not really have an answer except to keep replacing the belt and tension pulley. This is very expensive at the cost of $345...
I called Chrysler and they said they planned to do nothing about it... as if it's one of their bread and butter items. Why fix the problem when they can just keep replacing the belts at a very good profit.
This is the last American car I buy, even if it cost more to buy Japanese.
General comments?
This is a nicely designed car. I bought it and pulled out the seats. I use it like a pickup with a built in canopy, but better. Entry from 4 sides and a rack to boot.
However, the car is not reliable and the manufacturer does not want to re-design the drive pulleys to correct the constant serpentine belt problem.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 93000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Grand Caravan SE |
| Date of Entry | 5th March, 2007 |