1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Review

Should have bought the big warranty!

Written by: TimfromCA on 08/23/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

Loved the new van at first - until the first transmission went (at only 50k miles). The replacement trans was bad before it even left service! Had probs with sqeaky seats, noisy struts, computer went out at 110k - and the brakes... Brakes don't have nearly enough stopping pwr due (I guess) to poor design. Went thru at least 7 pad changes and 3 sets of rotors in 135k. Lastly, the paint clear coat started disintegrating last year - apparently I wasn't the only one to experience this, just take a close look at the late 90's Green models and I'm sure you'll see what I mean.

Favorite Features

Hmmm... In retrospect, I'd have to say I loved the whole van - until things started breaking.

Suggested Improvements

Dodge finally retired that trans design with the '08 model. Need better brake design and fix the paint problem. This is a good 50,000 mile vehicle, but only the first 50.

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DODGE TRANSMISSIONS ARE THE WORST

Written by: SteveRT on 08/08/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

I have place 2 transmissions into this van, These transmissions have a design flaw that allows an internal pin break free. When it does it will bust right through the housing and then you can't even rebuild it. Chrysler knows about this. There is a repair kit that Chrysler offers that will hold that pin in place on a rebuild. I didn't find out about it until I put the third transmission in. has worked great ever since and I gave this van to my father in law to drive over a year ago. Picked up a 96 for the wife to drive . Transmission went in it too. Don't waste your time on Chrysler. this is why their new cars offer a lifetime warranty on drivetrain.

Favorite Features

comfortable ride

Suggested Improvements

Make a transmission right!

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Good Quality

Written by: valkerie55 on 06/20/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 2 Dr Grand LE Passenger Van

Review

Purchased Caravan used with 48,000 miles in 2003. Traded vehicled in 2008 with 135,000 miles for a Chrysler T&C Touring. Best vehicle we had for the long traveling for the past 5 years. All I had to do was change the oil, 2 brake changes, 4 new tires (1x) and routine maintenance. Good power, transported 4-6 people for soccer games, basketball, New York, New England area and Florida. It was the best workhorse. Hopefully, Fiat will revive Chrysler products for the future.

Favorite Features

Reliable transmission, AC, adequate room, gas mileage, gargo space and decent stereo.

Suggested Improvements

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My best minivan

Written by: Charlie on 05/16/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE Passenger Van

Review

I buy this minivan 4 years ago, I do a lot of things in there; I use it like a cargo van-I put in there 12 people and 15 backpaks-, for traveling, a few off road sessions, it's so roomy, I love all that space. Yes I had some problems, but it was my fault, so I don't think that it was a bad car.

Favorite Features

Rear air, interior and exterior design, space-dual sliding doors, good handles.

Suggested Improvements

bigger wheels, I want bigger oem rims, like 18 in.

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Don't buy a dodge all wheel drive van

Written by: SHuber on 03/07/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 Dr Grand SE 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I have spent thousands in repairs and tows, rentals, etc! I have replaced the serpentine belt (x3?),tensioner- recall- defective x2, tranny x2 (always unstable) recalibrated modules x2, idiot lights on (electrical sensor??)Dodge built this all wheel with their exact 2-wheel tranny from their Chrysler LeBaron CAR!! Not enough strength to last!! Plus underneath sits so low, it rips the belts off every winter in water, snow... and that belt runs everything, another tow! Radio is intermittent, electrical problems with windows also. You have to take apart the whole dash to fix. Can't wait to get a nissan SUV!

Favorite Features

room, a lot of doors, comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

tranny, electrical, protection for underside of vehicle and consumer complaints honored! No More Dodge for me.

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