1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE review from North America
"The Grand Caravan 3.3L is designed and built to meet an active family's needs."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Vehicle was purchased off-lease. Shortly after purchase, a ticking sound was noted in the engine, and the dealer replaced "an entire cylinder", assumed to mean piston and rod, under warranty.
The dealer also, at the same time, I believe, noted the upper body mount of the passenger side front strut was corroding, and did some repair, also under warranty.
The body computer malfunctioned after the warranty had expired, the symptoms being the wipers would come on at odd times by themselves. It took four weeks and four trips to the dealer before the problem was solved, and cost about $400 to fix.
The transmission quit on us, going into "limp-in" mode on the Baltimore beltway. An overhaul at the local transmission experts cost about $1100.
The past three years, the transmission began the "limp-in" routine several times, but went away each time we stopped and turned off the ignition and restarted. As these occasions became more frequent, and no one seemed to be able to come up with a fix other than computer replacement, we finally tried just "rebooting" the transmission control module by disconnecting the battery for 24 hours. That was several months ago now, and the problem has not recurred.
General comments?
We have now put 250,000+ miles on the vehicle, and it still has the original shocks, struts and exhaust system. Front brake rotors and calipers have been replaced just once, wheel bearings never. Drive axles were replaced last year for the first time. Last week we replaced the belt tensioner, also the first time.
The upholstery has held up beyond all expectation.
Handling in all conditions is excellent. The antilock braking works flawlessly. We moved from Maryland to Minnesota 3 years ago, and have no trouble with snow and ice traction.
The Grand Caravan has been all we could wish for, having room for seven passengers as well as being able to carry most all the cargo we needed to stuff into it for building projects.
The 3.3L engine is a must, though, over the 3.0L.
We hope to find another in the same family when this one gives up the ghost.
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| 1996 - Grand Caravan SE 6-cylinder, 2.8 (?) Liter Solid car, should last 150,000 miles with regular service -- great for families |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 18000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 250110 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Van |
| Date of Entry | 8th August, 2006 |