1997 Dodge Caravan Reviews - Page 4 of 12

Front brakes every 30-35000 miles.

Oxegen Sensor at 75,000 $45.

Starter solenoid at 95,000 $75.

Radiator fan relay at 100,000 $60.

Headlight switch at 102,000 $80.

Interior and exterior trim is still in perfect condition.

This has been a great car. No problems until 95,000 and 9 years old and none of the problem were serious.

Very comfortable, responsive van.

Water pump went out at 95,000.

I just bought this van used 2 months ago. The water pump just went out today, which in it self isn't a big deal except... would any one care to guess where the water pump is at on these engines? No, it isn't on the front of the engine (or the side of it for a transverse motor) like a normal water would be, and quite frankly should be! the fine people at Dodge put the water pump IN THE TIMING COVER, and why not, water pumps never go out do they? What in the @#%!&*@! where the people at Chrysler thinking when the designed the Crapavan?

This vehicle has been a real dog since I first purchased it. It' currently on it's third AC compressor and second transmission.

Numerous electrical problems.

Armrests falling apart.

Luckily I've "only" spent about 2000.00 on major repairs to this van due to a independent warranty I purchased.

To say I would never buy another Dodge product is an understatement!

Poor service quality from Dodge Dealers and no support or interest from Dodge Corp.

Gotta go... time to replace the front oil seal!

Service light on, with an end result that the gas cap needed replacing at 45,500. Cost was $75.00 for diagnostics and $54.00 for the gas cap.

Water pump changed at 46,000 miles.

Timing belt went out at 50,000 miles, taking with it the tensioner. Expensive to fix.

Engine fan relay changed at 75,000 miles.

Head gaskets changed at 97,000 miles. Very costly.

Transmission replaced at 99,900,000 miles and again at 110,000. Never used for more than routine CA highway driving and carrying 2-5 people. Initial cost was $2,500 and no extension of the 3 year warranty.

Child restraints replaced at 112,000.

Air conditioner at 135,000 will need replacing.

Head gasket appears to need replacing or tightening.

The 1997 Dodge Caravan has been a fairly reliable van. It is comfortable to sit in and drive, especially after installing "Cruise Control." The Van at 135,000 miles with constant and dedicated maintenance still gets 20 to 21 miles per gallon of gas on the freeway. Handles roads, dry and wet very well.

Maintenance is very high though, especially when using the dealerships.

Diagnostics alone is a minimum of $75 to $80 per hour. Even though, most of the time, the diagnostics takes only a few minutes. The dealership lets the vehicle set there until an hour has passed.

There appears to be a trend in dealerships in the cost of parts as well. Years ago, one could go to a dealership and get a part close to the same cost as the local auto parts stores. Now parts are routinely 2 to 3 times higher.

I bought the van used. It quite a few miles for being essentially 1 year old (although I now put twice as many miles per year as that on a car).

Watch out for the belt tensioner. This thing is prone to freezing up. When it does it puts a strain on the water pump. I've had three.

There is a problem with the "clock spring" that affects the ABS light. I had it replaced and then got all the money refunded when the recall came out (safety recall).

Had to replace the air conditioner after about 120,000 miles. This seems common though.

Starting to have some rust. This seems like a serious problem for a 7 year old vehicle.

Absolutely no leaks of any kind.

Very quiet. Nice ride. Handles well.

Acceleration with the 3.3 liter is "no-problem". Would like a little better gas mileage.

I've driven this thing just about everywhere and hauled things that you probably couldn't imagine. The removable seats come out easily and you end up with lots of cargo room.

If I were to buy a new one I'd get the electric seats. Not much adjustment in the seats otherwise.