2002 Dodge Grand Caravan EL from North America
Summary:
Nice ride, but troublesome and the maintenance is expensive
Faults:
Brakes have gone bad twice so far.
Tires wear out in under 20K miles.
Body rust already showing.
Has some kind of electrical problem.
Ignition key sometimes won't turn.
General Comments:
We really liked this minivan when we first got it. My dad had an old Dodge Aspen and never had a day of trouble with it. This vehicle on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired.
The first thing to go wrong with it was the ignition key wouldn't turn one day. After messing with it for a few minutes, my wife finally got it to turn. This started happening more frequently so we looked it up online. We found a site that said to whack it a couple of times with a rubber mallet and it would work, so we tried it, and it worked. We now keep the mallet in the car and have to use it at least a few times every week.
The next problem was the electrical system. I had noticed one night that the lights flashed a few times, and the dash lighting seemed to dim and come back. Then every now and then the electrical warning light would come on. The mechanics can't find anything wrong, but it still does this sometimes.
Tires on this vehicle make me crazy. They wear out in under 20K miles. I have them rotated every 3000 miles, or else the front ones wouldn't last 10K. The tire guys always tell me the GC is notoriously bad on tires. Now I have them put on the cheapest tires they can find.
I am also getting ready to have the brakes replaced for the second time. I suppose it's just like the tire problem, the brakes wear out fast on this vehicle.
I am seeing rust already along the bottom of the sliding doors. I'm not really surprised since we live in the northeast where we get a lot of road salt in the winter.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th August, 2009
26th Aug 2024, 04:49
I have had several Grand Caravans, a 1993, a 1998 and a 2000.
Brake wear is determined by the type of driving you do, as city driving is brutal on brakes and highway is easy on them. Also the quality too. I know there are long wearing brakes that are used on police vehicles and taxis etc; you may be able to check out NAPA for availability.
Use a better quality set of tires made in USA. Have them rotated according to the manufacturer's recommendations along with correct tire air pressure. Make sure your alignment and components are good. If you do this you will get much better results.
These vans are amazing along with a 2002 Chevy Venture van that I had. Certain things are normal wear and tear. Change your oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles with a quality oil and check your oil and trans fluid every tank of gas. Check your brake fluid and battery connections also.
7th Aug 2009, 20:29
I also have a 2002 Grand Caravan. Overall this has been a very good car for my family. Front brakes last 35-40,000 miles and this seems normal to me. I have not had any tire wear problems at all. I'm on my second set of tires and they're still good with 55,000 miles on them. I rotate them every 6,000 miles or so. We also live where the roads are heavily salted in winter, but there is virtually no rust on our van.