1998 Dodge Caravan Reviews

It leaks a little oil - that started happening around 350,000 kms. Apart from that, nothing!

We purchased this vehicle for $1,200 when it had 361,000 kms on it. We figured if we got one year out of it for another camping trip or two, we'd be good with that.

It is now approaching 400,000 kms and EVERYTHING still works perfectly. It leaks a little oil, and now we use Stop Leak in the transmission fluid to keep her going. We just put all new tires on her because she just keeps on ticking.

The trick is to get your vehicles serviced like clock-work. This one was babied by the previous owner, and we are doing the same. I think we'll hit 400,000 kms no problem :) Unlike my 1996 Windstar, which died (leaky head gasket, sound familiar Ford owners??) at 134,000 kms. And that was just the start of my troubles with that hunkajunk, but this is a Dodge Caravan review...

Transmission manufacturer defect at 45,000.

Tires wear unevenly.

Alternator.

Air conditioner at 110000.

Severe water leak into cabin, passenger side, from inside the dashboard. Dumps water onto feet. Soaks the carpet.

Breeding cockroaches.

Windshield wiper mechanism breaks permanently, both in the linkage and the electronic control.

Blower stopped working, too expensive to fix, the car is not worth it.

Heater - no heat in winter, heats in summer, no ventilation.

Defroster not working, does not defog windshield.

Headliner sagging.

Spare tire winch mechanism broken at 110,000~.

Tie rod needs replacing, car sways on road around corners.

Must keep steering wheel at -30deg. position to stay straight down the road.

Power steering fluid leaking a quart per month winter, a quart every 2 months in warm weather.

Power window cable threw a guide wheel. The pulley axle fell out through the door rainwater drain hole.

Driver side power window not working.

Transmission losing oil, and slips especially bad in cold weather here in south Florida.

Fuel pump replaced at 150,000~ located in gas tank.

Air cleaner is bulky and clumsy to handle. Replaced it with K&N cone filter attached to swivel stove pipe joint.

Upright seating position is good.

Cruise control has never failed.

Radio/stereo has never failed.

Engine starts readily every time needed.

Steering wheel obscures idiot lights on dash 'eyebrow' when at comfortable driving position.

The spare tire storage and tire jack/tool storage is very clumsy and fussy.

With factory tinted windows, the van does not give you confidence in parking lots, which is where mom's and dad's spend most of their life.

The power locks and the doors have never failed, including the sliding ones in back. Neither has the hatchback assist rods failed.

Cab forward design made engine access horrible and expensive.

Can't easily clean windshield inside. Arms not long enough, fingers not small enough to access window at dashboard. Too cramped to easily take care of dusting and wiping.

I never used the roof rack; it was complex to clean around thus.

The paint has held up extremely well. White paint still has shine. Has been outdoors under trees and direct sun entire life in a coastal community.