1997 Dodge Grand Caravan review from North America

The minivan drives well, is nicely appointed, and is roomy enough for a family of five plus the a large dog. The first four years went relatively smooth with the exception of the caravan's ability to eat up brakes.

Then we hit 70,000 and it began. In the last eighteen months I have put $6,000 plus into a six year old car. First the air conditioning began to act up. Then while driving with the children the transmission locked up. The result was a new transmission and new evaporator installed.

A month later the air conditioning stopped working again, this time it was the condenser. The next month while on a long trip the air conditioning stops working a hour into the drive. When we return home the van goes back to the dealer, their response is it is working fine. Now that warm weather is here again the problem is back. On a recent trip home the air conditioning stops working, I drove directly to dealer. Diagnosis, a new H-valve and fin sensor (probe) are required to fix the problem.

I have been recently stranded when a belt in the engine began to shred.

It loves to eat the brake pads. Currently I am looking at a complete brake job.

The Dodge Grand Caravan looks nice, drives decently and is comfortable, though rear air conditioning is a requirement. Yet, I will never own another Chrysler product again.

The product quality is so lacking. To my great dismay my vehicle is falling apart around me. It is not nickel and dimming me to death, oh no, it is going for the throat. I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone, in fact, run to the closest Toyota dealer. They build a quality product that lasts far beyond the last car payment.

I almost believe that Chrysler wants me to pay for this vehicle twice, once in car payments and the second time in car repairs.