1988 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America

The radiator had a big whole that had been patched up. It was replaced and still leaked. Always ran hot, no matter what you did. Every time it ran hot, the starter would have to be replaced. Rebuilding didn't do any good. The very last time it started leaking, I got rid of it. The pipe that the lower radiator hose connects to, carries water thru the engine to the water pump, started leaking. The water doesn't circulate thru the engine block in the Mitsubishi/ Chrysler engine. It runs thru this pipe straight to the water pump into the top radiator hose and back to the radiator. The pipe only cost about $30. It cost between $150 and $300 to have it put in. Also the spare wheel has no wholes for air to circulate and help keep the brakes cool. I have found out that almost everything that Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Mitsubishi, Nissan makes has this same wheel. No air flow to the brakes can cause them not to work, and can burn up bearings (if your vehicle has them), c v joints, etc. The tailgate wouldn't stay up, even with new shock supports.

I should have known better than to buy another Chrysler product. I've had trouble with them in the past. The body and interior were okay. If I would have had access to a good GM/ Toyota engine and transmission, or a good Ford/ Mazda setup, I would have kept it. I had nothing but trouble with this one. It spent more time on the back end of wreckers than driving. When I did get to drive it, I always had as many people with me as I could so they could help push when it quit. I would consider owning another one if I could have a good GM or Ford setup under the hood. I replaced the radiator 2 times, the starter was replaced 3 times, rebuilt 2 times, the left front c v joint once. And several other things, too many to list.