1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge interior, slick styling, optional rear driver's side door, easy-out seats
Cons
- Not the most reliable vehicle on the road.
What’s new
After a one year hiatus, all-wheel drive returns to the lineup, available on SE and LE models. Traction control is newly available, and an enhanced accident response system will automatically unlock the doors and illuminate the interior when an airbag deployment is detected. A Sport decor group is newly available on Grand Caravan SE.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 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 $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Missouri.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Missouri
$219/mo for Grand Caravan LE
Grand Caravan LE
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
If there is a perfect family vehicle in existence, it is the Dodge Grand Caravan. 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 fits into this scenario better than Velveeta in a grilled cheese sandwich.
We like the Grand Caravan SE because it is the most flexible trim level. You can go with the bare-bones edition, or add luxury items like remote keyless entry, CD player with premium sound and a security alarm. A third way to spec an SE model is with a Sport Option Package, which includes a firmer suspension, alloy wheels, foglights and monochromatic trim. Oddly, the 3.8-liter V6 engine cannot be purchased on an SE model, which means the most sport your Sport can attain uses the 158 horsepower churned out by the 3.3-liter V6 that comes with the package. Still, a Caravan Sport is the raciest minivan you can buy, short of popping an extra four grand for the LE model and its 3.8-liter V6.
Step up to LE trim level, and you buy your ticket to a stronger engine, traction control, trip computer, snazzy trim and leather seating. At the top is the ES, which adds alloy wheels, foglights and a monochromatic paint scheme.
Grand Caravan offers several thoughtful details, but the most important are the easy-out rolling seats and the innovative driver-side sliding door -- a feature that makes so much sense, it's amazing that no one tried this before. Chrysler 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. The driver-side sliding door offers the convenience of loading kids and cargo from either side of the Caravan. Also intriguing is the windshield wiper de-icer, which also comes 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.
With its combination of innovative features and carlike ride and handling qualities, the Grand Caravan deserves consideration from anyone looking for a family hauler.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan.
5 star(32%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(5%)
63 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Loved it and miss it alot!
bmccune, 11/15/2011
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 4dr Minivan
This was my first car and I paid $200 for it in 2009. During the time I owned this vehicle the only things that I had to replace were the fuel pump and the water pump. It had just about 200k miles on it and I trusted it to take me anywhere. It never died on me and always started right up. Went to trade it in at a dealership and the guy told me he wouldnt do it because the tranny was … gonna go out of it because they are known for it. He got mad when I laughed in his face. The tranny had never been replaced and never gave me any issues at all. Would love to own another one. I had a 1999 Plymouth grand voyager and that thing was very solid aswell. Took a bad beating from the previous owner.
2.88 out of 5 stars
Whats wrong with american cars?
Warren, 08/12/2003
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan AWD
This car has major reliability
problems, I have replaced the battery,
the altenator, the water pump, the
device that raises and lowers the
driverside window, a starter, and now
I need to fix head and valve gaskets,
a 600.00 repair. we bought the
vehicle new and I haven't driven it
for more then 6 months without having
to do some sort of repair. A 7 year
old vehicle … with 65,000 miles on it
shouldn't be costing me an average of
1,000 a year to maintain. American
car companies better wake up or
companies like honda, toyota, and new
arrivals like kia, and hyundai are
going to put them out of business.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Good People Carrying Van
David, 10/13/2005
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 4dr Minivan AWD
We've just traded in our 97 Caravan for a smaller car, since gas prices has gone up the roof ! But it was a blast to drive. Power was not a problem on city or highway, and quite comfortable for all three rows of seats. Wished the headlights were brighter at night, but they've already addressed this issue on later models. I liked the removable seats instead of fold-down ones, it helps … with gas mileage if you're not using the 3rd row often, and the 3rd row bench can be slided to the middle, making it a 5-seater van with plenty of cargo space.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Long time fan
urbanrob, 05/09/2010
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 4dr Minivan AWD
This is my third Dodge Caravan and the best of them. I've been driving this 1997 for 80k+ miles and I keep it in good condition with regular maintenance. The steering rack is the only major part that needed replacing. With 4 kids and a lot of very local driving, this is perfect for mom. The car is spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. Mine is AWD, which brings additional comfort in … traction during wet or snowy weather. Very happy with it.
1997 Grand Caravan Highlights
LE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $219/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.3 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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