1997 Dodge Ram Van Consumer Reviews

Nice Van for the Money

Written by: Scott on 07/14/2005

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Van 2 Dr 2500 Ram Van

Review

I leased this van as a used conversion van from the dealer in '99 with 20,000 miles on it. We have taken it on 2 trips to Florida and 1 to Green Bay Wisconsin from NY. It has been very reliable with the 3.9 V6 and 3 speed auto tranny. The ride in higher wind gusts is much better than that of the Ford or Chevy. Most who drive a full sized van probably have been blown all over the road, but this van is much more stable.

Favorite Features

I love the ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better seats would be the only improvement I could suggest but I think these were chosen by the conversion company. The captain's chairs could be a little more supportive in the lumbar area

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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i miss this van

Written by: JLJones on 12/07/2004

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Van 2 Dr 1500 Ram Van

Review

I purchased this van 1 year old used, a former fleet van. I have owned a 1991 dodge van previously. 1997 van had 3.9l v6 and 3-speed automatic trans. drivetrain not high on power but reliable and the transmisson worked well only problems were a cracked catalyst caused by using bosch platnum plus-4 spark plugs. ran this van overloaded most of the time and regularly exceeded tow rating bu 1500-2000 lbs van held up well to 3-years of my abuse then i traded it for a new 2001 dodge van. my 1997 sold to a friend of mine had 56,000 miles at trade now has 130,000 with no trouble while my 2001 van has been a nightmare 38,000miles 3 sets brakes weak 318 v8 and terrible tranny, eats rear tires, leaks, junk. will buy a ford van next time

Favorite Features

1997 dodge ram van the old 1978 dash design, 3.9v6 3speed pulls as good as my 2001 5.2v 8 both 3.55 gear, old 777 3-speed auto rock solid reliable

Suggested Improvements

dodge B- series vans have been around a long time since 1971, it id time to retire this design. i have noticed a decline in quality since the mercedes merger and the new sprinter van is too expensive and thin skinned.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Grand Caravan overall review

Written by: Phil Balyeat on 11/30/2002

Vehicle

1997 Dodge Ram Van 2 Dr 1500 Ram Van

Review

Just got new Michelein tires and paid $277 to stop a couple of little oil drips under van.Otherwise this has been a very reliable vehicle to drive.

Favorite Features

Comfort of the seats and sitting up high whee you can see the roadway ahead

Suggested Improvements

Lighted keyholes or bright colors around keyholes so you cn see at night.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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