1997 Dodge Grand Caravan LE review from North America
"Perfect Family Hauler"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Power Steering Pump - Replaced for around $400.
Windshield wipers intermittently run - Replaced switch myself for around $50.
Digital gauges occasionally lockup - haven't fixed yet, but just remove fuse for them and they reset to work like normal (A nuisance, but I can work around)
EVAP Solenoid went bad (Caused SES light) - Replaced solenoid for around $30 (Myself)
Serpentine Belt kept falling off when we hit water/snow/slush. This started with the Power Steering pump replacement. We went through the dealer several times on this one - no fix was ever offered... They replaced the tensioner, some bracket for the idler pulley, power steering pump, belt, and no luck. I finally found a fix on my own which I will be happy to share with anyone who would like to contact me DIRECTLY at btibert@gra.midco.net - I replaced the Serpentine pulley with a GM model (Same bearing & dimensions) - cost around $50 but made my van drivable for my wife.
General comments?
I love this van. Even with its faults. Comfort is exceptional, heating/air conditioning work excellent. Size is perfect, easy to get around with, Good performance, LE is the way to go - Infinity stereo works great. 30+ MPG at 55MPH regularly. (Verified against computer and tanks of gas). Ride is still excellent at almost 90K miles.
Drove an 03 Town and Country to consider a trade up, but definitely not worth the $$$ - Features are mostly the same - I don't need heated leather, electronic climate control, etc. for $20000 over mine. - I think they are undervalued and I will be happy to run mine until it dies.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 Liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 53000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 89000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac DeVille |
| Date of Entry | 24th March, 2004 |