1988 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America

Fuel Pump went out at around 80k miles.

The engine blew at around 110k miles.

Gone through 6 batteries so far.

Driver's side CV joint replaced at 156k miles.

Blown head gasket.

1/2 original lights have been replaced.

Fuel lines deteriorated at about 148k.

Master brake cylinder.

Starter.

Tail gate shocks are bad.

E-brake no longer working.

MAP sensor went out at 154k miles.

A/C compressor doesn't work.

Windshield replaced (hit by gravel)

Lube lost in driver/passenger windows.

Power steering leaks.

Bad oil pan gasket.

Seat belts no longer retract properly.

Other miscellaneous things.

This is my first and only vehicle I've had. It was purchased brand new in 1987 and used by my dad and was used to tow quite a lot of weight (5,000+ lbs) across the country in a U-Haul trailer. It has had numerous problems with it and has, on multiple occasions, left our family stranded. It received a rebuilt Jasper engine after the crank seal blew in the old engine... ultimately destroying that engine.

However, this thing is built like a rock and has survived two moderate crashes with out much mechanical damage or harm to passengers.

The handling and performance of this thing are...crap, to say the least. The highest speed I have ever achieved is 90 mph after about 2 miles. of flooring it.

The 3-speed automatic tranny is a reliable one, but not geared very well which results in very poor acceleration.

The fuel economy of this thing is just awful. Tree huggers everywhere gripe about how SUVs are destroying the earth, etc. etc., but I manage to achieve a whopping 12 mpg average... try to beat that with a Cherokee.