1999 Dodge Grand Caravan from North America

Summary:

It could only be better if it was hybrid or electric

Faults:

Transmission failed to go into high gear after arriving in Arizona in the 2001 summer. Must have been the heat and mountains. This 2002 winter, the car did just fine on the same trip to Phoenix.

Original tires failed on the summer trip also. Put Goodrich touring T/A on the van, and I get much better, controllable ride.

General Comments:

Great van. I have been running the van on Ethanol 85% for three months now. I found I need to use synthetic oil to be able to do this, but I believe it is worth it. I believe it is the least I can do to preserve national security and world peace.

Check your owner's manual to see if you can use Ethanol. Where I buy it, it costs as much as a middle grade gasoline, but it has an octane of 100. For more info, go to E85fuel.com

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

Review Date: 22nd February, 2003

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

It can't be trusted to transport my family

Faults:

Serpentine belt has been replaced every year (2000, 2001, 2002)

Serpentine belt has fallen off 5 times after tensioner replaced 3 times in 3 month period: 26-Aug-02 to 18-Nov-02 (72509-77603kms.

Brake rotors have to be replaced every year (2000, 2001, 2002)

General Comments:

I am completely shocked that Chrysler cannot or will not fix the problem with my serpentine belt and tensioner, especially given the premature belt failures after 1 and 2 years.

I also can't believe that Chrysler Canada's Customer Service line had the nerve to tell me the following: 1)that they have no similar problems documented, and 2) that it is essentially tough luck for me since I took my van to an independent service center before taking it back to a Chrysler service department.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 2002

16th May 2003, 22:38

Good review. Chrysler should have fixed your van. I bought a 1992 Grand Caravan lemon. Finally got rid of it last year at 128,000 miles. Had practically rebuilt it though - new transmission, torque converter, motor, alternator, etc,... I did buy a 1999 one back in 1998 before I started having problems with the 1992 van, and so far, I have not had major problems. Replaced started at 75,000 miles. With 85,000 miles on it, I am getting worried though about he transmission.

1999 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

The family minivan that is the most fun

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This has been the best vehicle I have ever been in. I have owned a Ford Windstar, a Pontiac Montana, and Honda Odyssey, and out of them all, this is by far the best.

The engine has lots of power and is very responsive. It is quiet and relatively easy of fuel for its size.

I found that there are so many little features on this minivan that add up to what it is, such as the overhead console, which displays the temperature, compass, fuel economy, and elapsed time.

The seats on this minivan, which were upgraded when I got the power driver's seat, are more comfortable than almost any seat I've been in. They have lots of support, especially in the front and middle captain's chairs.

The sound system is incredible. I have never seen any stock sound system in any car so good. I got the CD/Cassette/AM/FM stereo, which also has a 3-band graphics equalizer. It also has the Infinity 10 speakers. Total power is 360 watts. It will go loud enough so that you can scream at the top of your lungs and you won't be able to hear yourself. The sound is very good on highways, which, I find usually a problem. But on this vehicle, you can hear it at any speed, and it never loses quality.

The remote works at ranges of up to about 300 feet (100 meters). It doesn't flash the lights, but it does chirp the horn when locking, and the lights on the interior go on when unlocking. There is also a panic button on the remote which causes the alarm to go off.

Handling:

The vehicle has virtually no body roll when taking highway corners at very high speeds. It is more fun and handles better than most sedans. I have a Toyota Camry XLE V6, and it does not compare to the performance and handling of this minivan. The suspension is very good, and it has both front and back sway-bars.

The lights on this vehicle are very well done. You can turn them on manually, or just set it so that they go on and off automatically. The fog lamps are very bright and help in inclement weather. The lights stay on for 90 seconds at night once you lock your car.

This vehicle was meant for highway driving, particularily at night time. The center mirror changes itself automatically to day/night settings. I used to find that driving at night was more difficult because the kids would always want the rear lights on. Now, the rear lights are on the sides, for a total of 4 in the back. The front passenger can also get a lot of light without bothering the driver. It is very well designed.

My suggestion is, if you are looking for a good minivan, there is no other way to go, Dodge Grand Caravan is the minivan to get.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th November, 2002

31st Jan 2004, 12:06

I am glad you are so happy about your vehicle. I was once as enthusiastic as you. After experiencing problems with many different systems and now having to replace the alternator at 55,555 miles I am less enthused. I recommend dumping the vehicle as soon as the warranty expires. That way you can remain happy.

7th Feb 2009, 01:20

Well I've had the van for a long time now at 157,000 and running strong.