1993 Dodge Caravan from North America

Summary:

Runs Great sometimes but overall, its garbage!

Faults:

I've had chronic problems with the brakes. Replaced them and within a month they have worn down dramatically. They also make a real loud grinding noise. Transmission slips every now and then. Oil leaks from an unknown location, however it is thought to be leaking from the head gasket. When cold it has trouble accelerating. It burns oil more than any other vehicle I've ever owned. Engine makes a clicking noise every now and then.

General Comments:

I wouldn't advise anyone to purchase a 93 caravan. They cost a lot of money to own and are not very dependable. However they do have some things that are nice about them, including: comfortable seats, roomy, nice handling, and fast acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004

23rd Aug 2004, 21:25

I don't understand why people don't look at consumer reports or online before buying anything from chrysler they are the worst for dependability and cost to own. Do some research before spending big $$$ on a lemon.

2nd May 2006, 07:21

I found this site while trying to find out what the clicking noise is under the hood. Our 93 has been a great van so far. It has over 158,000 miles on it.

1993 Dodge Caravan from North America

Summary:

Biggest pile of junk I ever had the displeasure of owning

Faults:

This Van had everything wrong with it.

New brakes and rotors at 21,000 and then again at 56,000 miles.

Electrical system shorted out at 48,000 miles. Left me at the side of the road.

The radio stopped working at 30,000 miles.

New water pump at 45,000 miles.

This van ate spark plugs faster than I can eat chips, they were fouled almost every other oil change.

The manual window handles broke on both doors.

The sliding back door would not stay open. It would slide shut on the slightest incline.

Windshield wiper motor failed, had to replace at 58,000 miles.

Engine finally threw a rod at 71,000 and I called it quits with this lemon.

General Comments:

This Van was the biggest nightmare and was the final American car I will ever own. I sold it to my neighbor for 500 bucks with the blown engine just so I didn't have to tow it away. He put a rebuild engine in the van at the tune of 1800 dollars and tried to resell it for a little profit. After a year of rotting on his lawn, he finally sold it at a loss. This van was cursed from day one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2004

1993 Dodge Caravan Base 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

At 145,000 miles I'm looking for a replacement. Fast

Faults:

Most recently, at 145,000 miles, the vehicle needed a new distributor which cost $450 installed.

It needed a new starter at 135,000 miles.

The ignition key tumbler was replaced at 130,000.

It needs new rear shocks now.

General Comments:

I'm beginning to think this vehicle has reached the end of its life. It has now stranded me thrice. Most recently it just stopped running due to a problem with a pick-up in the distributor. Of course they just don't sell the item you need... had to buy a new distributor and lost a whole day on a trip.

The second time I was stranded was due to a bad tumbler that would not engage the ignition switch. Beware: Chrysler does not sell new tumblers! They will re key a new one to match your old keys.

The third time my love left me was when the starter quit without any warning. I'm not too upset about this since it had reached its lifespan anyway.

For the past 20k miles, the vehicle has had a major oil leak. There are several opinions as to its origin which range from the rear main seal to valve cover gaskets.

I have also noticed that all vans of this vintage burn oil noticeably. I have been told that this is a common problem and that it is related to leaky valve guides that Chrysler at some point recalled.

Everyone I've spoken to who has had one of these vehicles claims that I'm among the lucky ones who haven't had any problems with the transmission. Knock on wood, not a single problem.

This is a no frills, utilitarian van. It handles poorly with 14" tires and it's very loud - when you step on it, you feel like the engine is in the passenger seat. The lack of noise insulation makes it impossible to communicate with anyone in the third row seats from whom I always hear the that the seats are too shallow. The absence of a second sliding door makes loading and unloading kids a nightmare.

Only open the glove compartment if you want everything out.

The serpentine belt chirps. I've replace it twice and both times, in about 5,000 miles, the bird returns. Also, there is an annoying (but seemingly harmless) rattle from one the clamps associated with the exhaust system. The previous owner had a replace twice with no avail. The noise is only audible on rough pavement which I've come to understand as the van saying "Oh no, this hurts."

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th December, 2003

7th Oct 2004, 15:45

I am so glad I came to this site BEFORE buying a used '93 Caravan. As a handicapped person, breaking down is really a bad thing for me, I can't just hike to the next town, and most of the reviews lead me to thinking I'll be better off with another more reliable vehicle.

10th Feb 2012, 18:10

I also owned a lot of Dodge Caravans as work fleet vans.

The 3.0 liter Mitsubishi is the worst; reliable for a while, then burns and leaks a ton of oil eventually.

The best choice is the 3.3 or 3.8 engine, very reliable; I've seen them go over 300k with no issues at all.