1998 Dodge Caravan Sport from North America - Comments

Transsmission Failed at 59,000 Miles.

Differential Failed at 59,000 Miles

($2,500)

Axel Failed at 64000

($160??)

Axel Failed again at 64000

(Fixed under warranty)

Differential Found to be

bad again at 64000

(Shop fixed it for free because the thought it was the axel at first causing ALL the problems) (Diff. caused axels to break)

Rear Break Caliper Failed at 63000

$280.

Car randomly lost "elecrcity" 5 times leaving us stranded after transmission was replaced

(Tranny place fixed for free, said it was a poorly connected battery cable... even though I tightened them all)

Passneger sliding door rubs track

(Fix myself here and there)

Passenger sliding door interior panel enjoys falling off in your hands

(Just don't use that door, maybe that's whys theres 2 of them)

Passenger door panel is cracked in 3 places and seems to be held on with one screw

(We manage)

Winsheild wipers out of allignment 64000 (Hitting each other)

(ratchet and screw driver in -4 degree weather while snowing)

Our 1990 Ford Tempo with 108k Idles Just as "smooth"

(and the tempos never had a tune up)

Peppy Engine, Transmission shifts well, granted it doesn't fail.

Seats are comfortable, yet it feels like your gonna fall through them.

Paint on bumpers chips easily.

Left us stranded 200 miles away from home (No electric what so ever, just clicking relays)

Very cheap interior parts.

Front suspension isn't stiff enough, it leans you into corners, maybe some anti-roll bars would help.

Headlights are not impressivly bright when driving at night. Have had to get out and check that they were on numerous times.

All in all It's a very poor quality vehical, like every other chyrsler corp product we have bought. It has a powerful powertrain, and nice cup holders, that's about it. Expected more for $13k.

Buy a Mercury Villager, Have one with 150k on it with no problems yet.

A Relative also has a Ford Aerostar with 135k just replaced a tranny after towing a 4,000 pound vehical.

Stay away from GM and Chrysler Vans, Buy a Mercury, Nissan or Ford (except windstar). Japanese vans are overpriced, friend has had tranny trouble with his sienna and it's a 2002.

I could list so much more, but I'm tired of talking about this poor quality vehical.

~Chris.

I've had the exact opposite experience with the Dodge Caravan. I've driven a Caravan since 1991. My first model was an 84 or an 86. I can't remember. She was a tank and I kept her until she was destroyed in an accident. I was parked and not even in the vehicle when it happened. The next model was a 91. I had that until it was stolen. Last summer I purchased a beautiful 98 Dodge Caravan with 75,000 miles for $6,500. She now has almost 88,000 miles on it and there have been zero problems. I recently had the throttle body cleaned, the spark wires and plugs replaced (they were original from the factory by the way) and the rear brake calipers and pads replaced. I absolutely love my "Sheila" (that's what I call her. Nicknamed her after the first girl I ever loved). When I go camping everything fits inside. I haul either my boat or trailer without problems. I will agree that it tends to lean a bit. Perhaps stiffer springs and anti-sway bars would help, but other than that I have zero problems. I heartily recommend the Dodge Caravan line. I'll never own another type of vehicle.