2002 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3L EGA V6 from North America

Summary:

Ugly as sin, but as tough as an anvil

Faults:

- Power steering busted at 203,000 miles.

- Ball bearing replacement at 200,000 miles.

- Brakes went bad at 174,000 miles.

- Needed a new battery at 113,000 miles.

- Minor grease monkey stops for oil changes since the 3rd year of ownership.

- Looks like hell.

General Comments:

Words cannot explain how proud I am of this van. It has been in about several minor accidents, driven to oblivion, abused, etc. and it still continues to serve my family. It's being passed down to me as my first car because I'm a drummer for a heavy metal band that needs a big van to haul my gear around, and I hope it can last me at least another year or two.

The sound system is better than any other car I've been in.

The comfort is amazing.

The quality is utilitarian and mediocre, but that's the least of my worries. It's a great van for long road trips. It's been driven all around the US with no stops at all. Gas mileage is what you'd expect from a minivan. Performance is better than any of the competition.

Reliability? Built like the Ram on the logo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2015

2002 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3 from North America

Summary:

Not good enough quality wise

Faults:

Automatic door lifts replaced due to failure. Also front door actuators replaced.

Solenoid on automatic gearbox replaced.

Some minor recall problem was fixed at the dealers.

Door open light stays on, causing horn alarm to activate at random unless I disconnect the battery. I have seen a comment that this was subject to a lifetime recall, but cannot find out how. The dealer never mentioned any such recall when I tried to book a repair (cancelled that).

General Comments:

Average fuel consumption figures for a minivan with a large engine.

The problems with the doors etc make me want to find a better make of car. Probably a Toyota Sienna, though they cost more; we need an AWD minivan.

Dodge are very disappointing for having so many issues with electrical parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2011

2002 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.2 liter from North America

Summary:

I have never owned a better vehicle

Faults:

Emission problem, dealer fixed for free at 27,000 miles.

Passenger side door auto lock stopped working at 170,000 miles.

And no others problems (seriously).

General Comments:

This car has slowly but steadily worked its way up to the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has been flawless in performance, reliability and comfort, and at 6ft 3in comfort was important.

I recently went through a horrific snow storm in Southern Delaware (2010) and the vehicle performed admirably. I would have NEVER thought the vehicle could take that kind of pounding on unplowed roads and come out still working, and it NEVER got stuck once (front wheel drive). It was a true testament to the engineers at Dodge. Mind you, this was at 170,000 miles. I've used it as a personal and business vehicle, which the removable seats made possible. I would buy another one in a second, BRAVO!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2010

2002 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3 from North America

Summary:

Good value van if it is well maintained

Faults:

Transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner. I have had the transmission fluid changed by removing the cover (not flushing) since I got it, and I check the fluid every week.

I had some vacuum hose leaks that caused the check engine light to come on. I replaced the battery before it was correctly diagnosed, but it was due for a new battery anyways.

The power steering is kind of noisy when you stop. I replaced the fluid.

Had the front brake rotors and pads replaced at 110,000 Km. The rear brakes were fine.

Had the fuel filter replaced recently, which was more expensive than most vehicles, since they had to lower the gas tank to get at it.

General Comments:

The van has been reliable so far.

It is in good shape with no rust or paint problems. The previous owner had Rust Check treatments done every year. I had it done once since I got it, perhaps every second or third years will do.

It likes to stop at gas stations, but I can't complain too much because the van was a bargain and I have had few problems so far with it.

Make sure you are completely stopped before shifting the automatic transmission, and change the fluid every couple years with a Caravan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th December, 2009