1997 Dodge Caravan SE review from North America

Since buying the car in July, 2002 I have had the shop service the rear brakes, including replacing the shoes, turning the drums, and replacing some other hardware. This repair cost me $360.00.

At this moment the clock spring is being replaced. This device appears to affect the operation of the horn, air bags, and the cruise control. The cost of this repair is estimated at $200.00.

I like the way the Grand Caravan SE drives, the adequate power of the 3.3 liter engine, and the braking is adequate as well.

I am a little discouraged at my recent difficulty with the clock spring, but I am glad that the solution isn't too costly.

Years ago I owned a Ford Econoline that I loved for its utility. This recently acquired Grand Caravan gives me some of that utility in that the seats come out via built in rollers. The rollers make this operation easier than it would be without them, but both the large and smaller bench seats are still heavy and you ideally need two people to carry them.

The body length of the Grand Caravan is such that, when the bench seats are removed from the back the resulting area is long and wide enough to carry full sheets of plywood and Sheetrock while still being able to close the clamshell read door.

The only bummer about minivans, generally, is that they come with "clamshell" rear hatch doors. I am tall and cannot negotiate putting things in and out of the rear door without ducking my head and bending my back.

I am glad I bought this 1997 Caravan, though after reading about some of the electrical problems that others on this site have had with their units I just pray I am not heading for similar problems.

I can balance these fears because I have heard numerous personal testimonies about how long and successfully these vehicles have run for other owners.