1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
A complete redesign yields a cavernous interior, best-in-class driveability and new innovations such as the optional driver-side passenger door. And although the all-wheel-drive version is discontinued for now, Caravan dethrones the Ford Windstar and once again reigns as king of the minivans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr 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 Grand Caravan LE
Grand Caravan LE
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
How do you improve upon a perennial winner in its class? That's not an easy task, but despite the growing competition in the minivan arena, Chrysler Corporation appears to be on the road to success -- again.
From the beginning, Dodge Grand Caravan front-drive minivans have demonstrated carlike characteristics. That's what has drawn so many sales, and it's even truer with this rendition. In addition to a fresh, more rounded profile, the all-new models are packed with detail improvements. Visibility is even better than before, with a broader view of the ground, due to a lowered cowl and 30-percent greater glass area. Beltlines sit several inches lower. Cargo area has grown by 20 percent, with 33-percent more room behind the third seat. Instead of being fixed in place, that backseat rolls rearward.
What's gained even more attention than those "Easy Out" rollaway seats is the innovative driver-side sliding door -- a feature that makes so much sense, it's amazing that no one tried this before. Chrysler forecasts that two-thirds of customers will pay extra for the option. Also intriguing is the new windshield-wiper de-icer (standard on the LE).
Cupholders not only are numerous, they "ratchet down" to a smaller size. Except for an overabundance of climate controls, and an oddly shaped column gearshift, the attractively curved dashboard is a pleasure to consult. Seats are soft but reasonably supportive, with moderate side bolstering.
Light steering response gives the Grand Caravan an undeniably carlike 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. A 3.0-liter, 150-horsepower V6 serves as the base engine, with a 180-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 optional. The Sport Grand Caravan features specially tuned shocks and springs.
Definitely investigate the new Grand Caravan if you're shopping for a minivan.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan.
5 star(18%)
4 star(35%)
3 star(34%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(2%)
62 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Ken's critique, Dodge mini-van
ken jennings, 08/11/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
Purchased from local dealer with 50k.
At this writing (8/11/03) now has 116k
Have been happy overall. Some of the
reliability issues other raters
mentioned have also plagued me on
occasion. Luckily, I'm a shade tree
mechanic and not scared to tackle the
unknown without prints or a tech manual.
Have replaced starter, several rotors,
brake booster (what a pain!), idler …
pulley (snapped off while driving),
Front and rear AC expansion
valve/dryer.Also have intermittent
wiper gremlin where pulse wipe quits.
Even with all this, my wife loves it
and I'd probably get another one if I
weren't tiring of the design.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Good for its age
OM, 04/16/2010
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
Bought the car in 2005 with 162,000 miles. The van is very powerful, quick, and fuel efficient. The exterior styling is timeless and aggressive, something you don't see in minivans. I have a 3.8 Liter ES. The paint is slowly peeling off on the pillars and the pin striping is coming off. The car rusts very fast everywhere. The stereo buttons are very hard to press, and plastics are coming … loose. The ABS stopped working at 169,000, power steering pump leaks a little, and AC has a leak. Year by year there are more leaks and a lot more rust. Gas mileage is excellent for a 3.8 liter engine, average 23 MPG.
2.63 out of 5 stars
Do NOT try to tow anything with this
DeanWag, 07/12/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
I have an small trailer that can hold
maybe 1000#
I have destroyed in the last 3 years 3
transmissions and the current one is
showing signs. Odd electrical probles
occur intermently like front wipers do
one swipe ect.
4 out of 5 stars
The 96 Mini Van Energizer Bunny
Van-Man, 06/11/2009
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
It's funny, people have transmission problems because they just drive. You "must" change the transmission fluids at 30,000 miles, just like oil changes at 3000. I've had zero probelms with mine; now at 160,000 miles! It runs and drives like the day it was new, seriously! So if you like roomy, cadillac feel and excellent fuel economy, buy a Caravan. They are a hidden secret most people … don't realize how nice they are to drive and haul just about anything around in. I've had passengers say how comfortable the seats are, you can remove the back seats for extra leg room, what more could you ask for. The perfect van for our family has been the Dodge Caravan "We own TWO!!!
1996 Grand Caravan Highlights
LE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 23.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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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