1997 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America

Recall on clock spring. I didn't have any problems prior to the recall, but took it in to be changed anyway.

One new battery.

Sliding (power) door lock on the left side doesn't always work. This started about two years ago.

Last year it wouldn't start, but it turned out that this was due to a faulty module in a non-factory automatic car starter that I had installed a few months after I purchased my Grand Caravan.

Two years ago I had my front brakes replaced, sometimes they are squeaky, but they have never failed me.

Front door rubbers need to be replaced.

Have never had any transmission problems.

I love my Grand Caravan.

It looks good, it is roomy, it drives like a car, is good on gas and I have never had any serious problems. But I do my best to keep up with the maintenance schedule. I will run this vehicle into the ground and I don't see that happening any time soon.

I am sorry for the people that have had problems with theirs. Apparently 1997 was a bad year for some of the transmissions in this vehicle, although I don't think there were problems with the vehicles with 3.3 litre engines.

Some of the problems some people have listed are normal wear and tear issues. For example, changing brake pads, shoes, rotors. Every car I've owned has needed a new battery at some point.

Regardless of the manufacturer, every vehicle will have its own issues. Recalls are normal in any industry, be it a car or a washer and dryer. I feel very safe in my Grand Caravan. I think that a recall not only protects the manufacturer, but also the consumer. All it means is that they have identified a problem and have enough integrity to contact the customer to rectify it.

So for those of you who are planning to buy Toyota, KIA, Honda etc., I truly hope that you are citizens of Japan or Australia because that is where your money is going. So when there are no jobs for your kids or you have to supply toilet paper in their schools, don't complain because you will be driving your Toyota, which I might add, will come with it's own list of problems.

Personally, my next vehicle will be either a Dodge Grand Caravan or a Dodge Ram truck. Though I will definitely do my research before deciding on the dealership I buy from. They are the ones that you will have to deal with and I find that if the dealership does its job properly, your experience with your car will be all the more enjoyable.