1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America
"An extremely reliable, utilitarian, family vehicle with good power, handling, and aesthetics"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little has gone wrong with this vehicle during the 40000 miles and 4 years that I have owned it. The usual wear items have been replaced, water pump, timing chain, brakes, front rotors. The front interior lights are flaky, but in my experience these problems are typical of American made automobiles. With regular maintenance, serious problems are minimized and overall cost of ownership is low for this vehicle. Fuel economy is satisfactory. 16-18 city / 21-23 highway.
General comments?
An extremely reliable, utilitarian, family vehicle with adequate power and performance as well as pleasing aesthetics and creature comforts.
Dodge has had some of the nicest looking vehicles of the American brands. The Grand Caravan is no exception. The exterior and interior are both nice to look at. The plastic components are nicer and sturdier than other manufacturers.
Overall the vehicle is an excellent family hauler as well as commuter. I'm looking forward to buying my next Grand Caravan over the Japanese brands because long term cost of ownership is lower due to purchase price and comparable MPG performance.
With regular maintenance I've found this vehicle extremely reliable and affordable.
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| 1996 - Grand Caravan LE 3.3 V6 Bad year for an OK mini van |
| A high maintanance headache |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3-V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 76000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 26th April, 2003 |