1995 Dodge Caravan Review

GREAT VEHICLE

Written by: markandcathy on 08/16/2009

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr ES Passenger Van

Review

Bought this 1995 red Dodge Caravan (JUST LIKE THE PICTURE ON THIS PAGE)in 1996 from another person. It's been a great vehicle. Just the usual things, a rebuilt transmission, water pump, oil changes and tires. It now has 182,000 miles. The paint job still looks like new and the interior still looks good too. I love the way it sits up high and you can see out of it. Great van!

Favorite Features

Drives good and looks great.

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

It's an OK van

Written by: naimskyline on 02/13/2009

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr STD Passenger Van

Review

This car has been in my family for like 9 years and it was passed on to me as my first car until I graduate high school. It's a mostly reliable vehicle the only issue is the paint on the roof peeling in large pieces and I remember when I was 12 my dad had the transmission rebuilt after it failed. When I started to drive it my horn and wipers failed and had it replaced. In spite of the problems this car has had in the past it's actually pretty dependable and I'm sure it can go another 75k to 100k miles with 120k on the odometer without a major powertrain break down.

Favorite Features

Not much to like about it. It gets me from point A to point B

Suggested Improvements

I wish they improve on the quality of the paint. The paint has been coming off since my dad bought it in Jan 2000

Report inappropriate post

Transmission Problems

Written by: Solid Car on 09/22/2008

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr STD Passenger Van

Review

My parents bought new in 95. It has been through the family a couple of times. It's had regular maintenance. We had lifetime oil changes from the dealer, but they changed it from 3k to 7.5k, so it's about 1 out of every 3 oil changes are free. It burns 1 - 1.5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. The transmission was replaced at 150k and it had metal in it at 250k. It's having problems again, but it has 293k miles. If you change the oil ever 3k miles, brakes and tires it will run forever. I'm on my 3rd driver seat and the fr passenger is wobbly. The tapedeck quit (replace w/ CD) and the A/C went out ($1,000 fix, not worth it). Window motor peters out, only goes 3" down.

Favorite Features

Strong 3.0 V6 that gets good gas mileage and power. Overall, it's a dependable vehicle with regular maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Make a stronger seat and improve the transmission to last as long as the motor does! Make the A/C easier to fix.

Report inappropriate post

would do again

Written by: love it on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr STD Cargo Van

Review

I bought this van from a company fleet sale with 124,000 miles on it and immediately put it to work as a service van. it has performed exceptionally well with only routine issues such as oil, brakes, tires, etc. I have only had issues with the ABS ($340.00 to repair), transaxle seal leak ($250.00 to repair), and entire new brake system ($750.00, quick oil change place put wrong brake fluid in reservoir, seals all expanded. The vehicle now has 197,000 miles on the 3.3 L V6 motor and performs flawlessly. I haven't used it as a work vehicle for about 4 years now but keep it to haul college kids stuff from home to school when needed. Too bad they do not make this van as a service van anymore.

Favorite Features

Front wheel drive, peppy response, reliable, car like ride, hatch style rear door

Suggested Improvements

Proprietary relays overly expensive

Report inappropriate post

1995 Doge Caravan (3.3L)

Written by: Tim Jessup on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

1995 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr LE Passenger Van

Review

140,000+ miles, & perfectly pleased with ours. We own 2 others, one a 1985 with 199,000 miles and the other is a 2003 with 45,000 miles. With the 1995, we have only replaced the AC compressor in 12+ years (not counting a recall for the rear window wiper). Get 27 miles on hwy (2 less in summer with AC) 19-20 around town. Acceleration is strong and smooth for a van. I laugh at buyers of Honda and Toyota vans when Dodge invented and continues to perfect theirs. My nephew had a Honda Odyssey and replaced the tranny twice at 100,000 not to mention sliding door, brake and other probs. Encouraged friend at work to trade his Ody for a Caravan due to too many expensive repairs.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy (better than other minivans). Smooth-shifting four speed transmission (I know more Honda Ody owners with Tranny failures than Dodge Caravans). Good, usable interior space.

Suggested Improvements

Tighter turning radius (this was improved greatly in the 2003). Could use updated looking upholstery for the seats in our particular model. Again, the 2003 model's upholstery is greatly improved. Could use a locking gas cap with gas thefts occurring, now.

Report inappropriate post