1998 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America

I bought my car used with approx 32K miles.

"Service engine soon" light started coming on around 50,000 miles... the rpm gauge would shoot up tor 4000 and it would stick into gear. Took it to dealer they said it was a relay switch and charged me $700.00. A month later same problem, took it back and they said I now had ANOTHER problem and wanted $1500 just to get inside the transmission! I'm up to 112k miles and the car still has the same problem off and on.. but it has never broken down on me! I know that when it happens, I have to stop, shut the engine off then restart it and everything works again until the next time (which could be 1 days to 2 months! go figure!)

Took it to an independent transmission shop and they noticed "strange codes" on my computer, but couldn't detect anything wrong during the test drive. The care was on good behavior that day!

Tires have to be replaced often. $400 every 1 1/2 years.

There's a terrible creaking sound under my driver's side passenger side sounds like the car is going to snap in half. No one can tell me why! It's not shocks, struts, etc.

At 70,000 miles clock spring went up... lost airbag, horn, cruise control. Luckily this was covered by the recall.

At 80,000 miles driver's side power window switches had to be replaced. Bought part from dealer for $100 and repaired it myself (EASY!)

Transmission leak at 90,000 miles - parts and service + diagnostic test cost $200.00.

Front driver's side wheel bearing had to be replaced at 95,000 miles - shop wanted $300 - bought the part at the local auto repair store only cost me $115 to do it myself. (EASY!)

The A/C Compressor sounds like it's going soon. Keeps making a squirting sound after I turn my car off.

This is the most comfortable vehicle I have every traveled in. And for that reason I love it. It really can be driven all day without any discomfort. Although the seats are a pain to take in and out, the van offers a lot of flexibility for traveling. (we can remove the 2 middle seats and use it as sleeping space)

Handles more like a car, then like a van! A definite plus!

Visibility is excellent all round through the large windows, with very few blind spots.

Somewhat of a gas guzzler.

While it's attractive and comfortable I don't want to EVER be plagued with so many mechanical problems again!

My overall experience with this car has prejudiced me against American made cars.