1994 Dodge Caravan LE review from North America

Recalled for short circuit that would blow fuse and cause airbag light to come on, and rear wiper to quit.

Wiper motor pooped out at 130,000 miles. It became intermittent and annoying.

Infinity radio quit working, but CD player still works. A common problem with these radios so I'm told. Replacement will happen as soon as my wife finally throws a fit. :)

Serpentine belt tensioner replaced at 110,000 miles. (lost tension causing belt to squeal on acceleration)

Starter replaced at 120,000 miles because solenoid was intermittent.

Water pump replaced at 110,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Oxygen sensor replaced at 100,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

All hoses (radiator, heater and bypass) replaced at 100,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Alternator replaced at 110,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Fuel pump/sending unit replaced at 130,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Not included in the list are typical tires/battery/brakes/plugs/fluid & filter changes.

Very comfortable, trouble free, and roomy ride for my wife and kids.

This minivan has NEVER left us stranded anywhere.

As you can see, I replace components BEFORE they break and leave my wife stranded somewhere. I do all the work myself, save a bundle, and have a vehicle that I can trust on long trips.

I bought one with the 3.3L pushrod engine so I wouldn't have to worry about periodic timing belt replacement.

Performance with the 3.3 is good (for a minivan), and the ride is soft and comfy. Very few rattles or squeaks have developed over the years. (surprising from a Chrysler product...)

The 4 speed overdrive tranny, which is a sore spot with many - has been trouble free for me. I changed the fluid and filter as soon as I got it (second hand, from a dealer), and changed it again at 100,000 miles, and at 135,000 miles. You MUST use Chrysler approved ATF +3 fluid in these things. See allpar. com for more info regarding the overdrive trannies. I'm beginning to think that the whole thing is blown way out of proportion. I know a service manager of a private repair shop, and he says that they aren't blowing up in epic proportions. I'm not doubting that some folks have had serious problems - but I think the transmissions may not have been rebuilt properly, the technicians screwed up, or they were just abusive drivers

Fuel mileage is currently 20mpg city, and 25mpg highway. I think the figures were better when we first got it (around 60K miles.), but still much better than any mid-size SUV.

Chrysler minivans (or any minivan) are inexpensive on the used market because the "soccer moms" don't want to be seen in them anymore - and have moved on to buy big/slow/heavy/gas guzzling SUV's instead. So the SUV has now become the "soccer mom" vehicle of choice. Take advantage of the situation while you can, and buy a minivan over an SUV. (I don't care what brand)

We're hoping this car will last over 200,000 miles. Our last minivan (a 1986 Plymouth Voyager LE 2.2L 5 speed) went an amazing 304,000 miles before we sold it.