1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews

Maintenance is critical

Written by: Chazman on 03/05/2008

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

Drives great and has great versatility for hauling the whole family around. Gas mileage is decent and has good power. 116K miles so far. Changed front strut towers (squeeking and thumping), front engine bearing seal (oil leak). Still have the original transmission (knock on wood). I'm careful about maintenance and it seems to have paid off so far. We just took a five thousand mile, three week road trip to the Grand Canyon and the car performed fabulously. Current problem is the dashboard indications go dead intermittently. Car still runs fine, but no speed indication, tachometer, etc. My mechanic says it's the "body module computer" and it's likely going to cost $700 to replace it

Favorite Features

Driveability. Interior utility and space. Removable seats allow me to haul a full sheet of plywood in the back. I like the look (for a mini van).

Suggested Improvements

Use higher quality materials in the interior and for body trim pieces. Headlights are pathetic. Install driving lights to supplement. Make those removable seats lighter! They are killer to remove by yourself.

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So far, So good!

Written by: KeKe on 08/26/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

We are at 108,000 miles and the van is still running well. Oil change every 3,000 miles and routine maintenance at the dealer every 30,000 miles. It has never left me stranded. There have been a few problems, but they were corrected at the dealer and there were no return trips for the same problem. I feel that all of the problems, except one, were just normal wear and tear items. We have been very happy with this van and a Dodge Grand Caravan will definitely be on the list when it is time for a replacement!

Favorite Features

Dual sliding doors and dual climate control.

Suggested Improvements

Wish the rear door opened higher, less road noise, and better fuel economy.

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Belt chewer

Written by: Mr.Griz on 02/09/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

Nice minivan, we purchased used making us 2nd owners, can't complain as far as comfort, cargo capacity and fuel economy. We averaged 19 mpg city and 25 highway. The biggest gripe we have is the fact that for some reason Dodge's serpentine belt pulley design is flawed and chews up belts. I'll say this though, I was warned but decided to take a chance on Dodge but after having replaced belts 3 times in 9 months we're trading her in.

Favorite Features

Dual sliding doors provide for easy access.

Suggested Improvements

Fix design flaw.

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Old faithful

Written by: shipo on 01/08/2007

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

We've had this van since new and have performed just the basic maintenance on it. So far, other than the tranny that died at 109K miles, the van has cost us less than $300 in unscheduled maintenance. Performance wise, the van has the 3.8 liter mill, and it has more than enough power for accelerating up freeway ramps, even with steep inclines, and for passing on 2-lane roads. Our van has the optional "Sport Suspension" which makes it a pleasure to drive on the narrow & winding 2-lane roads in our area, much more so than all other vans of similar vintage. The only weakness per-se in the van is the undersized brake rotors which have a tendency to warp. Drilled rotors solved that problem.

Favorite Features

3.8 liter engine. Infiniti audio system. Attractive design

Suggested Improvements

Larger diameter and thicker brake rotors

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I love my minivan

Written by: Stephiekygirl on 08/24/2006

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

I thought that I was just buying a van because we were having another baby and needed one. We have 5 kids and can't fit them all in a car or SUV. Little did I know that I would love this van. I cannot imagine driving anything else. There is room for everyone and room for groceries or book bags and anything else we need.

Favorite Features

I love the rear air conditioning feature.

Suggested Improvements

We recently added a keyless entry and a remote start feature. I highly recommend both of these if you don't have them.

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Dodge Grand Caravan

Written by: mary on 07/15/2006

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

Currently have more than 176,000 miles on it, same muffler. Just had to have some big repairs, but not until 1 year ago. Ride could be a little smoother. Looking forward to hitting 200,00 miles on it. Will probably end up being my daughter's first car and I will hopefully add another new one this year. I drive this vehicle everywhere, and drive daily, just starting to get a little rust. I truly love this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Roof rack, stylling, room inside for carrying everything and everybody

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage and ride. Improve on pick up, a little sluggish to start

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Not the Most Reliable Van

Written by: Matt on 12/23/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand Passenger Van

Review

We bought the van with 96K and so far had a few major things that needed fixing. The transmission went on it twice while the computer needed replacing and the rain gutters in front of the passenger compartment got clogged and flooded the interior. The passenger side power window still doesnt work. As far as a daily driver it's one of the best minivans as far as the interior goes. There are lots of cupholders and storage compartments and theres plenty of room for all. The Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 is smooth and is not bad on gas. It also has adequate acceleration as long as you dont have alot of people or cargo. The transmission is a crummy 3-speed that isnt a good aide for highway mileage.

Favorite Features

Lots of room. Tons of cup holders and storage space. Decently smooth and economical V6. Dual sliding doors. Chrysler makes one of the best stock sound systems. Ours is the Dolby AM/FM/Cassette with 6 speakers.

Suggested Improvements

More reliable transmission. There also shouldn't be a 3-speed in this new of a car. The rear defroster should also come standard. Better engineering when it comes to getting rid of rain water. Seats that fold flat.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Bad Apple

Written by: Daniel Ryan on 08/22/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

Purchased the Grand Caravan in 1998. Liked the way it looked and there were not many alternatives like today. Over the years, had numerous problems with the vehicle. Most annoying was the vehicle would shred the belts about every 12 months. Dealers would say they fixed the problem. About 12 months later, the belts would shred again. Too many other problems to list. Finally, after deciding the transmission was about to go and having the belts shred for the third time in three years, traded for a Toyota. This was my second Dodge product. I should have learned from my experience with the first (Intrepid). I will not be fooled again. I will never, ever purchase a Dodge again.

Favorite Features

The vehicle was styled well.

Suggested Improvements

Quality, Quality, Quality. Rather than rely on incentives, Dodge would be better served if it concentrated on improving quality, which I would gladly pay a higher amount to obtain.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Like it, but...

Written by: TxUser on 03/19/2005

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

For the most part I've been very happy with this vehicle, I like the basic design it has a lot of room compared with other minivans, comfy, and handles well. Few mechanical problems except the belt tensioner went out once and the mirror folding detents all sprung. A/C condenser and evaporator coil need replacement now after 70K miles. Odd electrical intermittent bits including: fuel guage, ABS light, front door key lock, delay wipers. Too many!

Favorite Features

Looks good, roomy, handles nice, and is comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Electrical reliability. Mechanical reliability - keep hearing about AC/Belts/Transmissions, I've had two of them already...

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Never Again

Written by: carnegiemom on 09/29/2004

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

Dodge has replaced the main computer module three times and now it is the wiring harness. We have never had mechanical problems; all electrical. It just dies on the road with no warning. Not reliable for a soccer mom!

Favorite Features

Very cozy and roomy interior.

Suggested Improvements

Electrical system!

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