1997 Dodge Caravan Reviews

Whoever designed the spare tire stowage cable mechanism needs to pay every motorist that ever experienced not being able to get the tire off or up for the trouble they have had to go through. Being stranded, out in the cold, having to be towed, because the cable would either go up or down, or if the cable did go down, the tire being caught on the mechanism.

We have had 5 Dodge vans, because we like them for just about every other feature. But the spare tire stowage mechanism breaks, it rusts out, it sticks, and it is difficult to access when not working properly.

I have had to have the mother board replaced because a wire overheated on the circuit panel. That was pretty costly as the entire dash had to be disassembled and then reassembled. Also, when my service engine light went on again, I was told it needed to be replaced again! Turned out, though, that it was actually the oxygen sensor that needed to be replaced. Mopar car parts are expensive, but taking care of a vehicle gives it longer life as well!

My driver seat back also broke after only 5 years. I went to a salvage yard and purchased one from a wrecked van, but it's not the same as the passenger one, so I just put seat covers on it. I thought it would last longer.

Also, the paint clear coat is awful. Every Dodge that is about the same age as mine has the coating peeling. I think Dodge should do something about it because I expected my paint job to last 10 years or more at least! I have had other Dodge cars and they were perfect at 12 years! Now I have to get it repainted. Also, in the Arizona sun, the moldings on the side doors - the glue dried up! Funny thing is that I purchased the car from a Dealer in Sedona so it's not an out-of-state vehicle. And, it was brand new!

I have really enjoyed this vehicle. I have kept up mostly with the maintenance. It has taken me from soccer mom to my child being in college. I put a lot of miles on it, drive it all over Phoenix, and have taken the seats out to use it to camp in! It's an all-around versatile van and it better last another few years until I graduate from graduate school!

Motor uses a lot of oil, air conditioning compressor, interior lining on top is falling in, bad carpet.

We have had our Dodge Caravan for about 1/2 a year, and so far it is still running, but needs a lot of maintenance and repairs.

Air bag and other lights come on from time to time. No explanation.

Transmission went at 250,000km.

Wiper washer pump went at 245,000km. Not the easiest to replace - remove fender.

Sliding door won't open from the inside.

CD player withholds CDs on occasions.

Brake lines break often and are an absolute maze.

But most of all, the serpentine belt comes off in rain and snow. Tension pulley replaced, belt replaced-the same results. 9 times in the last 6 months.

You have to budget $1,500-2,500 a year for maintenance on any vehicle. I paid $2,900 for this vehicle, so despite my costs I am very much ahead.

At 120000km (after the warranty expired), the transmission blew and I had to spend $3000 to rebuild it.

After I got the transmission rebuilt, my power steering went.

After fixing all that, my van was fine, knock on wood.

Good after rebuilding the transmission.