Used 1993 Dodge Caravan Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1993 Caravan, so we've included reviews for other years of the Caravan since its last redesign.
Dodge Caravan Transmission Warning
EW, 03/20/2003
1993 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This was the first of two Dodge Caravan purchases. The 1993 has 192,000 miles and the 1996 has 152,000 miles. Both have the 3.0 engine. In both vehicles, the engines are extraordinarily reliable with VERY FEW repairs. On the other hand, both have needed transmissions within 70,000 miles and each van has had three transmissions (two replacements each). Neither vehicle was used in towing or hill climbing nor have they been overloaded. Both were used for daily commuting on the FLAT Chicago area roadways. If it weren't for the poor transmission quality, these would be outstanding vehicles.
Fairly Good Van
lbritain, 01/10/2004
1992 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it brand new in 1992 - been through 3 fuel pumps, 1 oxygenator thing; kept losing power (took 7 years to find this problem) 1 water pump and numerous smaller things. It's been pretty reliable for 12 years and 95000 miles. It squeals all the time while running causing considerable embarrassment at lights - transmission is starting to slip.
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See all 0 listingsGreat MiniVan
GreytHounds, 07/13/2004
1993 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This has been the most reliable and versatile vehicle we have ever owned.
Okie Dokie no Smokie
Chasjaz, 10/15/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
134K miles and it's been pretty much bullet proof. 3.0 L engine leaks oil like crazy (doesn't burn it) but just keep it topped off. Wife loves to drive it. Decent gas mileage, plenty of power.
Reliable
dtorma, 07/31/2003
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle from a friend who loved it and was getting a good deal on a newer model Caravan. Very few problems and never left me stranded. Lots of seating for our 3 young kids (and their friends) although very cramped in the back for adults.
high maintenance
Blowngasket, 10/24/2004
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While it is a practical vehicle, there are some design flaws that have proven costly. I've had multiple blown head gaskets (costly repair) that apparently are the result of incompatible metals used in the pistons and the cylinders. There were numerous other repairs, but the heag gasket is the back breaker. I would not recommend this vehicle or any Dodge van from the 1990's.
TIME FOR A CHANGE
NEWVANTIME, 08/19/2002
1993 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Now at 108K miles. New transmission at 70K ($2500) The trans was never right on this car, but dealer ignored complaints and kept "resetting the computer" til it blew out after warranty. major engine work needed by 75K. A clunky car since day one. Recall notices in the mail about every month-I stopped paying attention a few years ago. Off to the Honda dealer soon for a 2003 Odyssey...
after 10 years
anonymous, 07/22/2003
1993 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
1 owner, leaking oil, new shocks, new transmission, new front brake rotors and calipers, new windshield, been stolen once, failed aircare twice this year after 10 years of abuse. the air conditioner doesn't without making a loud screeching noise. engine makes a ticking noice when idling. automatic transmission shifter feels uneasy.
A great vehicle - I hate to let it go!
Roger, 12/06/2006
1993 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What a great vehicle. I bought in '98 with about 45,000 miles and "commuted" from LA to Vancouver - up to 10 times a year! 2 long days of driving. I am tall, lowered the driver's seat 2 inches, took out the back seats and made a comfortable, almost queen size bed, good for a "micro motor home". Good fuel economy with the 3L engine. The a/c pump is about all I've had trouble with. Engine and tranny are great, after 13 years. Change brakes and tires, oil & tranny fluid - that's it. Thanks, Chrysler, for a great vehicle.
Check for blowby and trans problems
cgijobs, 03/08/2005
1993 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
At 70,000 miles it started leaking oil; was told the problem was blowby, which can only be fixed by replacing engine (I have been told by more than one mechanic that this is fairly common for Caravans like mine). I've been able to live with the oil leak, but now at 133,000 miles the transmission is going out. Talking with other caravan owners, transmission problems are very common. Before buying an older Caravan I would make sure to have a mechanic check out the transmission carefully.
After 120K miles My Caravan doing great!
Happy inHawaii, 05/15/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not all 91 caravans bad. I got an SE w/ 3 speed auto w/ 3.0 liter mitsubishi engine. 4 spd caravans had a greater than 20% risk - problems. Early on - some electrical problems. Paint is doing well, wax twice a year. Last year I replaced my radiator , the distributor, as well as my muffler 2 years ago. Transmission original. MPG is 23 mostly highway at 55-60 mph. Air conditioning original and doing well. I changed spark plugs a wires twice. Throttle body adjustment once a year and have rebuilt/replaced brakes/pads twice. There have been numerous recalls but most were small . Today performancee same as at 40,000 miles. One squeak from the left mid rear panel.
Paint Is A Pain
Luke Smith, 05/25/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the paint is almost gone on the hood of the van which makes it look awful, besides that it is very reliable.
Don't make the same mistake!
johnnymac, 02/04/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stay away from these vehicles. 2 known issues - after around 80,000 miles a problem with the valve guides develops requiring the engine to be rebuilt. Next time you're at a stop light near a Chrysler vehicle, watch for a puff of smoke as the vehicle takes off. The paint will come off in sheets on some vehicles due to the use of an inferior primer called Uniprime that breaks down from UV rays. If you pay attention, you'll see a lot of Chrysler white vans with paint peeling in spots.
Great vehicle
traveler, 10/05/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is 3rd Caravan, after 245000 miles still runs strong. Body has held up well, interior still draws comments on how nice it is. AWD has quit working but otherwise this is a strong running vehicle. All my Caravans have been exceptional.
300K and still going ...
Min, 09/13/2003
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought mine new in 1991 ... 3.0 V6. many problems (replaced tranny twice, engine gasket, radiator twice, a/c never seemed to work). however it is nearing 300K but is still going. great shape although paint is in bad shape.
I love my Caravan!
AHansen, 12/20/2006
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van is an allround functional and reliable vehicle that doesn't look half bad. I wish they still made a model in this body configuration. The short and boxy design makes it easy to park and roomy for cargo. It's a great value as a used vehicle and parts are readily available. I live in Mexico where the roads are rough and rules are ignored. This van gives me confidence on the road and its proven to be easy to maintain, extremely practical, and resistant. I love using it for camping because I can fit a ton of gear plus friends in the van and a queen sized inflatable mattress fits perfectly in the back (with the seats out) for secure sleeping.
Starts pretty, ends ugly
markej, 03/29/2003
1991 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this van with the hopes of having a good quality vehicle that would last many years. We've made it last many years, but at the expense of replacing the transmission (twice), the water pump, the alternator, the radiator and other items as well. The interior is falling apart, the paint is peeling off and the electrical has given us fits. After the water pump failed a second time, we've given up and sent it off to retirement. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Never again with a Dodge minvan.
Great vehicle
Traveler, 10/05/2002
1991 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is 3rd Caravan, after 245000 miles still runs strong. Body has held up well, interior still draws comments on how nice it is. AWD has quit working but otherwise this is a strong running vehicle. All my Caravans have been exceptional.
Not that many issues
Alex, 08/07/2008
1992 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Easy to maintain Lasted 252,000 miles and still is going. Never was rebuilt. Comfortable seating, plenty of room. A great car, considering it's sat for over 4 years, and is now going to be my daily driver.
Cargo minivan
Peachydad, 02/08/2010
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Cargo Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it used from truck dealer, cargo minivan with 3.0 l v-6, and more reliable 3 speed transmission. Ugly but generally reliable. Not that good of gas mileage for such a small van, but useful for small catering business. Almost zero resale value when traded for full size pickup, given the reputation of 4 speed trannies on these vehicles. Had an earlier 3.0 l v-6 passenger van with 4 speed and was rebuilt or repaired three times under warranty. Would not purchase Chrysler product again after that lemon, but this cargo van was cheap and didn't have that terrible trans.
Dodge Caravan 1992
vanman, 09/30/2002
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned Toyota's & Honda's & people look at me funny when I tell them that the most reliable car I have ever owned was a Dodge Caravan. This vehicle while not the sexiest or comfortable vehicle has always performed for me & it has been extremely practicle in hauling kids, adults, refrigerators-you name it.I have had alot less repair trouble with this vehicle & the Dodge waranty was so good I had very little expense. Good Car.
Bad Tranny
Walnut Willie, 10/10/2002
1992 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These Vans are "OK" but thats about all you can say for them. The tranny failed at 85000 and I understand this is common with all Caravans. 3.3 engine has used oil from the start too. Recently went shopping for a new van but Dodge has them priced too high considering the reliability. So we test drove a Honda Odyssey and fell in love with it. Bought it on the spot . We love this thing , it is a luxury van. Made in USA too and you cant say that about Dodge anymore. If your shopping for a minivan try an Odyssey.
GET THE 4 CYLINDER!!!
LP, 07/20/2003
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a very reliable van with cold a/c and even though it's not very quick, it is very reliable. 150,000 miles and the 2.5 liter 4 cyl. engine runs like a top. I've heard the 6 cyl. is plagued with problems!
"Good Van"
jacturn, 04/01/2002
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although I am the third owner of this van, I am truly satisfied with the performance etc that I have received over the 3 years I have had it. Prior to my being the owner, my mother drove this van for seven years without any major problems.
92 5 speed still going
Dave, 01/11/2024
1992 Dodge Caravan 3dr Cargo Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Gotta say, this is the 3rd one. First was a 89 5 speed turbo then a 94 voyager and now a 92 5 speed. 187k miles still going strong. Did water pump and timing 8 yrs ago, new muffler new fuel pump and sending unit, plugs and distributor. Never left me stranded. Paint of course is gone which happens to these and I have the red interior which is still looking amazing. Great little vans.
- Safety
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Great Beater & Mobile Tool Box
mike, 06/05/2008
1993 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this van for handyman business. It has been a reliable mobile tool box since the purchase. Van now has 160+K Miles. It burns oil, but still hauls plywood and lumber w/out the cost of a V8 pick up.
Not bad for a 16 year run
Alex, 02/19/2009
1993 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Generally, this car has been a trooper. I got her from my parents in December of 2001, they bought her almost brand new as a program car in 1993. She took us on several 200+ mile trips to visit family, a pretty lengthy journey to Disneyworld, an even lengthier trip to Kentucky - and this was all mostly during her first 60,000. After that point, as I've heard was common with this particular model, the transmission gave out and we had to have a new one dropped in. Since owning it, I've had to have a new compressor installed, and she's having trouble with oil consumption and struts. But for her age, the fact she's still running is quite impressive.
Well worth the investment
virginianx10, 07/27/2003
1993 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have bought several of these and they have all performed well. This one has broken down only once in ten years. We are keeping it as a pick up vehicle for our company. We made the mistake of getting light blue paint, which failed, the only real problem with the vehicle.
All good except the transmission
Lance, 04/29/2007
1993 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My van has the 3.3 litre V6 engine with the 4 speed trans. with overdive. It's not a good tranny as you've read here. The rebuilder said it's similar to unit fitted in the old Dodge Omni and Horizon compacts from the 80's. Guess they had lots of spares. You can expect to replace it about every 40 000 miles. The engine is very good actually, I never had much trouble with it other than a head gasket being replaced once. The ABS system failed at around 150000 miles and it was under warranty for life, low cost repair.
best vehicle ever
Ahhhhhh, 12/03/2002
1993 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is a great van
This beats an SUV any day, more room/ visibility
Terry, 08/10/2018
updated 02/18/2020
1993 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Dodge Caravan. I purchased the first one new in 1988, with the 2.5 4 cyl. and 5 speed. These engines are basically a Slant 6 with 2 cylinders removed....ergo....high durability. I lost the first one in a divorce and searched for a long time for a replacement. I finally found this '93 used, 10 years ago, with 81,000 original miles. I'm approaching 100,000 miles with no issues. It achieves the EPA fuel mileage rating of 20 city/30 hwy. My '88 got the same mpg and even after abuse by those who owned it after me, it still ran 200,000 miles before the trans axle went out. As expected, these are somewhat anemic on hills and I have to shift down often, from 5th OD. But, I am all about optimum mpg, over speed. These vans will cruise comfortably at 70 mph. Overall very pleased as this van is comfortable and can go anywhere. It came with A/C, CC, a full interior light pkg. and a nice after market CD radio. No issues in the 10 years that I've owned it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value