1996 Dodge Caravan review from North America

We have had the normal problems seems ever one has had with their Dodge vans. The transmission went out at 15k miles, head gasket at 20k, of course the rear seat belts and the radiator issues too. Now the transmission is going again at 75k and since it is now out of warranty Dodge wants over $2,000 to fix it. I asked them why should I pay them to do it and they said that you get factory quality (can you believe that). Right now we live with it not shifting to the last gear and the sputtering it does when it is cold. First time you drive it each day and shift into reverse, it feels like the transmission is falling on the floor. We have followed the maintenance programs and spent a lot of money doing that, but even with this, it is a piece of junk. Oh, forgot to mention that we also had the windshield wipers going on by themselves, it ws fixed for $80 (just for the part) as it was a defective switch mechanism in the steering column (there is one big switch mechanism in there which also does your blinkers and all). We don't recommend this vehicle to anyone and are concerned for our safety.

If you are looking for a family van, I recommend you stay clear of Dodge. I am not writing this to get you to consider someone else's make, it is that I don't want you to think you are getting a great vehicle with Dodge. It is poorly designed vehicle with all kinds of problems. While your under warranty it's a pain, but they cover you. Once you are out, you have a big money pit.