1997 Dodge Caravan SE review from North America

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!