Caravans

[aprild]

I posted this on the CB, but i wanted to get opinions here, too.

We may be getting a Dodge Caravan today.

I want ANY opinions, whether good or bad!!!

Thanks!

 

[adisneymama]

Hi I don't own a caravan, but Dh use to manage a mechanics shop etc. The one complaint he had was the transmissions. He said they were in the shop a lot more than other vans for this reason. I would look at Edmunds.com and go to their owner forums. You can get a lot of information there from people that actually own one. Good Luck!

 

[jenny2]

I have one.

Love it! I was reluctant to get a minivan at first, but it's fine now, lol. Pretty good gas mileage (I get about 25mpg - mostly highway driving). Good luck getting a new car!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

I don't know if we got a 'lemon' or what but we have had so many problems with the new Caravan we got in 2000. It broke down the first week we had it but was fixed easily enough. Then we started having electrical problems that continue to this day. The Dodge garage has never been able to figure this out. A couple months ago the engine went and we have had other smaller problems along the way. We had a used Caravan before this and the transmission went out on that one at 60,000 miles. I have heard that is a very common but expensive problem. Hope yours will work out better for you! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[aprild]

I don't know if we got a 'lemon' or what but we have had so many problems with the new Caravan we got in 2000. It broke down the first week we had it but was fixed easily enough. Then we started having electrical problems that continue to this day. The Dodge garage has never been able to figure this out. A couple months ago the engine went and we have had other smaller problems along the way. We had a used Caravan before this and the transmission went out on that one at 60,000 miles. I have heard that is a very common but expensive problem. Hope yours will work out better for you! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Don't be sorry! I have heard just as much good as i have bad. That's why i'm having a hard time figuring this out!

thanks adisneymama for posting that site! i will check it out!!

 

[shafke]

What will you be using the van for? Will it be the larger Grand Caravan or the standard Caravan? With the seats out you can get a full 4x8 sheet of plywood into the Grand Caravan. We have had out caravan for 6 years (1999 model).

The two biggest problems we have had is the Air Conditioning evaporator went last spring ($$ to fix) and the intermittent wipers act up whenever the control module gets wet.

 

[ntburns22]

My BIL has had his for 2 years with only minor things here or there. He really likes it. I went with the Chevy Uplander. I liked the body style better.

 

[mtnprotracy]

I truly believe we owned a cursed Caravan !! My biggest horror story is that my then 2 year old was able to pull it into gear. On the 1999 model we had, you did not have to engage the brake to get the vehicle in gear. He took it for a little drive off the hill. God was certainly smiling on us that day because none of us got hurt. I chased the van (pregnant at the time)...it really should have turned over on me, but didn't.

We now own a Toyota Sienna . My entire family owns Caravans and likes them. I would check the brake issue, especially if there are little ones around.

Good Luck!!

Tracy

 

[Mobly]

We were on our 3rd transmission by 36000. miles. Luckily all under warranty, but then sold it. Never again would I get one. I now have a Toyota Sienna and haven't had any problems in the 2 1/2 years (knock on wood).
Check into the seatbelts too. My understanding is that Dodge has generation 2 seatbelts and there was some controversy about them releasing in a crash. That was all I needed to hear and it was gone. Seen it on 20/20 or prime time - one of those shows.
Good luck!

 

[Tandyc]

No problems, it's great! I have a daycare and throw carseats and boosters in and out with ease. We have 4 buckets and my own DSs love that. The DVD player is a God send and the rear heat/air works well and is fast.

No complaints here. It's great!

Good luck!

 

[4lilpoohs]

I own a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. I LOVE it!! Before this van I owned a 2000 Grand Caravan. I never had a problem with either van.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

When we went looking we checked out the Grand Caravan but instead went with the Honda Odyssey. From what we researched, Dodge seems to be having alot of problems in the last few years. We also liked the seating better in the Honda. It seats 8 and has nicer seats. It also comes iwth just about every safety feature out there which is our primary concern. I hope this helps and good luck with your new van- whichever one you chose!

 

[staci]

We had three when i was a teenager. I had to learn to drive with those boat

My parents were pleased with them (obviously) as they kept buying them. But we are talking older models (1990, 1993, 1997 if I remember correctly). I know they had a major problem with something right away with the 1993 one, but it was before the warrenty expired so it was fixed for free. Other than that, I dont remember any major problems. We were NEVER stranded travelling with them, and we travelled A LOT (family out of state).

The finally got rid of the last one in 2003 as both their kids were grown and gone. They got an SUV, but my mom still misses minivans.

 

[aprild]

Thanks everyone!!

We are going today to get paperwork done and pick up my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan!!!

I am excited!!

 

[tlbwriter]

I've got two words for you... extended warranty.