1999 Dodge Caravan Review
1999 Dodge Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Class-leading design with configurations to suit almost any taste.
Cons
- Less than stellar reliability history.
What’s new
A revised front fascia is common to all models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Dodge Caravan SE 4dr Minivan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$234/mo for Caravan SE
Caravan SE
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
If there is a perfect family vehicle in existence, it is one of Chrysler's minivans. What's the data say? The average American has two kids and spends a little more than $20,000 on a new car or truck. The Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan fits into this scenario better than Velveeta in a grilled cheese sandwich.
The Caravan rides on a 113.3-inch wheelbase, and the Grand Caravan adds six inches to that and 13 extra inches of overall length. That extra length is noticed in the Grand Caravan's rear seat legroom, which allows rear passengers to stretch out their legs an extra three and four inches (second row and third row, respectively). The vehicles are identical in width and height, but the longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan offers more cargo room at 147.7 cubic feet, compared to the Caravan's 126.7 cubic feet. The big Grand Caravan also offers standard seven-passenger seating, but the third row is optional on the Caravan.
The Caravan line offers several thoughtful details; the most important are the easy-out rolling seats and the innovative driver-side sliding door--a first in the minivan class (that has since been copied by everyone else). Easy-out seats are a snap to release and remove, though lifting the seat from the rear of the van may still require two sets of biceps. Optional on the base Caravan and standard on everything else, the driver's side sliding door offers the convenience of loading kids and cargo from either side of the Caravan.
A 150-horsepower 16-valve dual-cam four (coupled with a three-speed automatic) serves as the base engine of the Caravan, but these sizeable vans benefit from a little extra oomph. The 3.0-liter V6, borrowed from Mitsubishi Motors, is standard on the Grand Caravan, and offers the same horsepower as the 2.4-liter but with an extra nine foot-pounds of torque. A 3.3-liter V6, standard on SE and LE trim, is a step in the right direction, but our favorite motor is the 3.8-liter unit, which outputs 186 horsepower and 227 foot-pounds of torque. The 3.8-liter engine (standard on AWD versions of the Grand Caravan and the Grand Caravan ES model, optional on the Caravan and Grand Caravan LE), comes with a four-speed automatic transmission which provides shifts that are neat and smooth.
Light steering response gives these minivans an undeniably car-like feel, with an exceptionally smooth ride. Highly maneuverable and easy to control, the minivan delivers just a hint that you could exceed its capabilities, as when rounding a sharp curve. The Sport package features specially tuned shocks and springs.
The Dodge brand of Chrysler minivans offers affordable transportation in just about any conceivable configuration. Buyers can choose from two different sizes, five usable doors, four engine choices, three rows of seats, two distinct suspensions, all-wheel drive capability, and a partridge in a pear tree. So mix and match to your own specific needs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Dodge Caravan.
5 star(33%)
4 star(49%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable so far
mike, 09/11/2007
1999 Dodge Caravan SE 4dr Minivan
I bought it at 56000 miles a little over 2.5 yrs ago and now it has 142000 miles and still going strong, except for the ac fan motor that went out about 3000 miles back which is a cheap fix and have only had to change the front brakes twice considering all the driving I do thats pretty good
2.88 out of 5 stars
Almost a lemon
Rich, 11/18/2006
1999 Dodge Caravan SE 4dr Minivan
This van started with major breakdowns at 15,000 miles and continued with the breakdowns after Chrysler's basic warranty period expired. Some of the major repairs needed were three serpentine belts, two idler pulleys, three trans axle speed sensors, A/C compressor and dryer, A/C evaporator core, three new batteries and a passenger power window motor. The $200 optional clear coat paint … job began fading and peeling within 3 years and now looks like crap. The headlight lenses have turned milky white. Felt headliner falling down in a dozen areas. I hate to say it, but the extended warranty would have been a real moneysaver with this car.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Rlibby Green Caravan 1999
Rlibby8866, 05/09/2002
1999 Dodge Caravan LE 4dr Minivan
This Caravan SE has been very
reliable . I have spent many hours
riding throughout the Northeast, in
snow, rain, and sunshine and I must say
the Caravan gave a very comfortable
ride. During the winter with snowtires
on all four, the road/tire noise is
abit loud...but I knew I was safe. I
have replaced the front rotors and pads
once at 90,000 miles and the condenser …
in the a/c was replaced at 95,000. The
van now has 133,000 miles andis still
running very smooth.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Reasons to buy the extended warranty
Grand Sport, 04/13/2006
1999 Dodge Caravan LE 4dr Minivan
From the very start, this van had nothing but breakdowns. Speed sensors (3 times), fan belts (3 times), idler pulleys, batteries (I'm on the fourth one), brake problems and on and on. And that was before I hit 30,000 miles. It didn't hit home that I had purchased an unreliable car until the basic factory warranty ran out. Things that have never gone bad on my other cars went bad on this … Caravan. Over the past 12 months, I've spent over $2000 to repair the A/C alone. My experience with this Caravan will be the last. This is my fifth Chrysler product but no more. I am afraid to take this van on extended trips for fear of an out-of- state breakdown. What happened to American quality?
1999 Caravan Highlights
SE
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 22.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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