1997 Dodge Caravan Review

my minivan

Written by: Jeanne on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr LE Passenger Van

Review

i love my minivan, i use it for both business and pleasure, fishing, camping and pulling my boat too , i love it.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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bought 1 year ago at an auction

Written by: fairybella18 on 07/26/2009

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr ES Passenger Van

Review

I have been blessed with this van, I have had no problems, and just hit 200,000 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite Features

The cup holders are in a good place, the air vent to give cool or heat in the back is awesome

Suggested Improvements

none

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1997 Dodge Caravan Sports

Written by: Song on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr SE Passenger Van

Review

I purchased my 1997 Dodge Caravan Sport new for $22K in 10/1996. 12 years later, the van has 135,000 miles on it. I heard tons of complaints from consumers about this van but I personally never experienced any problems with the van at all! Is it a coincidence or merely lucky? At 135K miles, the original transmission still shifts smoothly, no electrical problems of any knid at all! All I did was to replace brake pads every 30K miles,change engine oil every 7K miles all by myself. I did change front rotors at about 100K miles. Engine never tuned up, transimission fluid never changed either, AC still works like new and blows ice cold air. Changed 3 sets of tires in 12 years, of course!

Favorite Features

Ride comfort, car like driving, lots of room for people and stuff, very reliable to me! Zero problems so far! Caravan Sport is a beautiful van too, full body painting, even roof rack is painted to match the color of the van.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing! Hope 2008 Caravan has the same reliablity level. Thinking of buying a new van but this baby refuse to die on me. It still looks new with no rust at all!I guess I am just a lucky guy.

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Gotcha's all beat!

Written by: Unhappy and Broke on 03/18/2008

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr ES Passenger Van

Review

I just may have you all beat on the repairs, lol.One thing a little different, when I turn on my wipers, sometimes they'll come on, and when they finally come on they won't shut off until you are totally aggravated by the wiper dragging across the dry windshield. I have replaced the tie rods, tie rod ends, sway bar, bearings, power steering pump, fuses,taken it in for 3 recalls, only to find I had to replace the tension pulley, the ac doesn't work, the only fan speed left for heat is high,the head lights won't stay on,the parking lights don't work anymore (rusted sockets). Needs rotors, brakes again, this year, had a strut plate put in for the rusted housing, other side needs now and struts, door stripping.

Favorite Features

The only thing now that I can think of that I liked was sitting high. seats are awful to take out or move or put back in.

Suggested Improvements

Fix all that are common problems if you want to keep in business. I won't buy another Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth product. I just can't sink any more money into this vehicle. New motto, instead of get out of dodge; get away from dodge!

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My MiniVan

Written by: David on 04/27/2007

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Caravan 2 Dr ES Passenger Van

Review

After researching for another car I decided to look at the ratings for the Dodge I own. It was unexpected to see such lower ratings for it. I figured I would help out and show that my minivan did not fall apart like the others. I bought my minivan in 1999 when it was a 2 year old model. My wife and I have loved every minute of it, and we have 2 kids. I have the 3.3L Sport, and I get at least 19-21 mpg, with good passing power and comfort. I currently have 134,000 miles on it, and I haven't had any issues at all. The engine is still strong, and the interior looks good, even with kids. I can remove the seats, interchange them, and still have plenty of room in the rear. No complaints.

Favorite Features

Interchangeable rear seats, dual sliding doors, great mileage and comfort.

Suggested Improvements

With this minivan being about 10 years old now, all items have been improved on. I have rented newer models over the past years, and they are great.

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