Used 1995 Dodge Caravan Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1995 Caravan, so we've included reviews for other years of the Caravan since its last redesign.
Transmission Problems
Solid Car, 09/22/2008
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
My parents bought new in 95. It has been through the family a couple of times. It's had regular maintenance. We had lifetime oil changes from the dealer, but they changed it from 3k to 7.5k, so it's about 1 out of every 3 oil changes are free. It burns 1 - 1.5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. The transmission was replaced at 150k and it had metal in it at 250k. It's having problems again, but it has 293k miles. If you change the oil ever 3k miles, brakes and tires it will run forever. I'm on my 3rd driver seat and the fr passenger is wobbly. The tapedeck quit (replace w/ CD) and the A/C went out ($1,000 fix, not worth it). Window motor peters out, only goes 3" down.
1995 Dodge Caravan
Dodge, 12/19/2004
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought the Caravan used & I am very impressed with the look the ride the comfort on long trips. I have moved twice since I purchased the van. It has been a pleasant purchase. I keep telling my friends that if they want a vehicle that won't nickel and dime them to death, get hold of a Dodge Caravan and don't worry about it. I also tell them a little TLC and it will be a member of the family forever!
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See all 0 listingsGood Choice
wt.pm, 06/06/2010
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the 5th Caravan/Voyager I have owned, all but the one with the 3.0 engine have been excellent vehicles. My first one had the 2.5 4-banger, the rest have had the 3.3, and I have averaged between 190k-300k miles on them. I have back problems, and have not found a vehicle that rides and drives as good around town, or on long trips. I have never had the trans problems associated with the vehicle, but I service my trans, every 75k-100k miles.
would do again
love it, 09/17/2008
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Cargo Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this van from a company fleet sale with 124,000 miles on it and immediately put it to work as a service van. it has performed exceptionally well with only routine issues such as oil, brakes, tires, etc. I have only had issues with the ABS ($340.00 to repair), transaxle seal leak ($250.00 to repair), and entire new brake system ($750.00, quick oil change place put wrong brake fluid in reservoir, seals all expanded. The vehicle now has 197,000 miles on the 3.3 L V6 motor and performs flawlessly. I haven't used it as a work vehicle for about 4 years now but keep it to haul college kids stuff from home to school when needed. Too bad they do not make this van as a service van anymore.
GREAT VEHICLE
markandcathy, 08/17/2009
1995 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this 1995 red Dodge Caravan (JUST LIKE THE PICTURE ON THIS PAGE)in 1996 from another person. It's been a great vehicle. Just the usual things, a rebuilt transmission, water pump, oil changes and tires. It now has 182,000 miles. The paint job still looks like new and the interior still looks good too. I love the way it sits up high and you can see out of it. Great van!
Faithful Horse
paulfreda, 07/27/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought it off of a private owner in 1998 with 68,000 miles. We've run it up to 148,000 with no major problems or expenses. It was always ready for a trip to the store or out of state. It's always been serviced "by the book". Only parts replaced in the 5 years of ownership were: Water pump, EGR valve & solenoid, battery, one tune up with ignition wires and a 4 wheel brake job. Pretty darn good for 148,000 miles.
1995 Doge Caravan (3.3L)
Tim Jessup, 06/08/2008
1995 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
140,000+ miles, & perfectly pleased with ours. We own 2 others, one a 1985 with 199,000 miles and the other is a 2003 with 45,000 miles. With the 1995, we have only replaced the AC compressor in 12+ years (not counting a recall for the rear window wiper). Get 27 miles on hwy (2 less in summer with AC) 19-20 around town. Acceleration is strong and smooth for a van. I laugh at buyers of Honda and Toyota vans when Dodge invented and continues to perfect theirs. My nephew had a Honda Odyssey and replaced the tranny twice at 100,000 not to mention sliding door, brake and other probs. Encouraged friend at work to trade his Ody for a Caravan due to too many expensive repairs.
reliable because of stick shift
shimmy4, 07/24/2009
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I still have one of the very rare stick-shift Caravans, discontinued in the mid-90s. So I never had the tranny problems most other owners had. Also, the paint peeling problem was fixed just prior to the 94 models, so, although there's some paint deterioration (hood and roof), no peeling after 180,000 miles. The 2.5 4cyl engine has been very reliable, the only problem being an ongoing (but not major) oil leak. A/C went out a few years ago, not worth fixing. Now trying to cope with fixing wheel bearings. They don't make the rear hubs anymore, so it's uncertain how much longer this van will be on the road. Too bad they don't go back and do this configuration again. Stick-shift vans rock!
All Around Performer
Eric, 05/09/2010
1994 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased from private party with 97K miles. Now has 233K miles and still running strong and body still solid. 3.3L engine has plenty of power to pull my 16' boat. Hauls kids, plywood and sofas with comfort and ease. Can't say enough great things about it. The new 2010 models aren't as nice as this one. It will surely be missed when it comes time to part with it.
A VERY BAD CHOICE
Christine, 02/02/2010
1995 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this caravan at 170000km.... And it has been giving our family numerous of minor and major problems.... minor problem such as the jumper opening the rear has broken twice already. Major problem is the transmission.... According to technician of BCAA, caravan have 11 weakness that can makes the car become broke down on the road.......
Best (only) van I ever owned
Stephen James, 10/19/2008
1994 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had been keeping my eye out for transportation and found this on the lot of a local Dodge dealer - bought it for 1400 less than their asking price. It doesn't leak nor burn oil - between every 3k miles. Excellent power and a good cruiser. I do most of my driving around town on the freeway and consistently get 22 mpg! I think that's great for a Grand Caravan. Took a long weekend trip last spring and the speed limits are 80 mph in west Texas - also climbed a few mountains and still got 25 mpg on that trip. I knew of the reliability issues; but found the positive recommendations out numbered the negatives. Glad I went with my gut feelings about the van.
Has been very good
KC, 10/28/2009
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Caravan SE bought in 1994 with 10k miles from Thrifty Car Rental. Has been a very good car. 3.3 is peppy and fairly economical. Nice and roomy. Not 'sexy' but love the practicality. I don't use the third seat since I usually don't have passengers. Had a starting problem a few times and replaced starter. Air bag light came on but it was just fuse #13. No problems, just regular maintenance. A friend bought a '96 and had many major problems. Strangely, this Caravan has been more reliable than Honda and Toyota of same year/mileage in the family!
Love this car!
jeffrm, 01/23/2013
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've put 230,000 miles on this van since I bought it new. It's been fantastic. As a geophysicist I carry lots of heavy equipment in place of the middle seat. I can easily work at a small desk I velcroed in. It has been super reliable. The only repairs have been the usual tranny problem, a water pump and starter (rebuilt). I still prefer driving it over our newer Outback wagon. I like sitting jp higher than in a regiular car. It's a good size, too. Our dogs like it. Canoes and sheets of plywood fit on the roof.
Bad Transmission
dodgedupe, 06/17/2002
1994 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought vehicle, had only 19,000 miles on it. Within 2,00 miles had to replace the torque converter. At 40,000 had to replace with a manufacture rebuild, the transmission w/torque converter. at 54,000 had to have the rebuild replaced. Now, only 24,000 miles from the original manufacture's rebuild being installed I have to have it replaced again. Also note that this next replacement will only be warrantied from the original purchase of the rebuild, leaving me with only 12,000 miles of warranty on this transmission w/torque converter. Is this good old American built reliability or what?
dodge tough
ryan newmen, 02/25/2010
1994 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just a really fun car i like it.....
Nice, nice van
Sniperlg, 06/28/2002
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this van brand new in 1994. We have 137000 on it and never had a tune-up or changed spark plugs. We just changed oil, replaced the battery every few years and service the brakes once. It just keeps on going with mininum hassles.
Old Faithful
Petworthian, 10/02/2010
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this van on eBay in 2003. It had 73,000 miles on it, and I bought it thinking I'd use it to take the dog to the park, make Home Depot Runs, and take stuff to the dump. I ended up driving it across the country twice and on numerous vacation trips. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is plenty peppy (my van is a five-speed stick) and can return 30 MPG on a long road trip. Now has 105,000 miles and aside from maintenance items I've only had to replace the starter and the clutch and recharge the A/C. This thing is as rugged (and simple) as an anvil, is comfortable, gives decent performance, can haul lots of stuff, and gets decent gas mileage. I intend to drive it for another 10 years.
Great Vehicle
FMTracker, 09/25/2002
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used from neglectful owners with 60k miles. Replaced oil in engine and tranny and since have added another 131k miles without a problem. Always a good habit to replace fluids at recommended intervals. Fun to drive, comfortable and cruises like a dream. Large cargo space and plenty of power. No engine or tranny problems in spite of abuse by original owner. A
The Truckster
kenzen, 10/09/2002
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our first minivan and I'll never be without one in the family. It has the 3.0 V6 and not a problem in 2 years. The transmission shifts a little hard, but no problems with it. It has plenty of power and room although the roof rack could be a bit stronger. Without seats it holds a lot, but getting the seats in and out is no small task; they weigh a ton.
nice
wiggles, 01/17/2003
1994 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 95K on it. We have a very basic caravan. Only options are AC, tilt, 2 built-in baby seats, rear defog, tint glass, and cruise. it has a 3 liter V6.i installed bosch platinum 4's in it and increased my MPG by 2.
STAY AWAY
dodge NO MORE, 02/03/2003
1994 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm now on my third minivan, I can only say that I'm the jack--- that continued to buy these vans. the first van: replaced tranny, two air conditioners, two evaportor cores, and finally a blown rod=$25.00 from junk yard to haul away (at 114,000 miles) The 2nd one a 93, air compressor and tranny b 4 55000 miles (sold it) The 3rd, well alot worse than the first!!!
Reliable
Stevenff, 10/14/2003
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this van used in 1998 with 65000 miles on it, now has 138000 and it keeps going. Just completed 3000 mile road trip with no problems. It is very comfortable for a small van. Has the 3.3 engine which performs very well. We use it to pull a small utility trailer and it is adequate for the job. It has just been a "good" van, period!
Base Caravan
Rhonda Diercks, 03/02/2003
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been extremely happy with the performance of this vehicle. I did have to have the transmission replaced at 69,000 (which is common for this vehicle), however the dealership was very accommodating. Also at 69,000 miles, I had to have several engine oil leaks repaired. Again, under warranty, the dealership replaced all seals and gaskets. This vehicle is maintained with regular oil changes and maintenance, and to this day, even with 105,000 miles, I am extremely comfortable taking long extended trips in this vehicle.
Goodbye, Old Friend
MinnesotaBob, 02/13/2004
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a great family car. Comfortable on long trips, yet nimble enough to drive around town. It sure came in handy, too, for those couple times a year when I went to the lumber yard, or my wife went to a garage sale. It treated us pretty well except for two cracked heads ($1600 each), one at 65K, and another at 103K. Just came back from donating it to a place that'll fix it up and give it to a needy person. Even with that major engine problem, there's more right with it than wrong. We thought about buying another minivan, but since our kids are pretty much grown now, we opted for a sedan instead.
so-so
ssb, 11/01/2004
1994 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
transmissions (2) a/C (2) axel (1) other moderate repairs also needs new gaskets and seals 138,000
Why change?
Joe, 11/15/2007
1994 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this van with 53,255 miles & B-4 the 7 yr/70K was up, transmission failed. Our local dealer only offered a factory rebuilt, so I decided to have Aamco repair it & pay for repair myself, + get their "life time warrenty" as my experience with Chrysler rebuilts was not good. No more problems. This is a handi-cap van & does not handle in winds as good as my previous non-handicap van, but with the 3.8 it runs out great. I've decided to have it re-painted, upgrade suspension, brakes & just keep driving it.
Duct tape helps
still runs, 03/16/2008
1994 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the van i have has been fairly reliable with only some minor repairs. nothing to major has broke yet, still waiting for tranny to go, it does slip now and again. very comfortable seating, love the room inside for my kids and dogs. I bought the 94 over a newer 99 design because i really don't like the ext. style or the poorly laid out interior of these vans. I also love the ext appearance with the right package of skirts and rims the van does look some aggressive. Handling sucks but it is a box on wheels after all. fuel eco. is not bad for my 3.0l about 450 to 500 km tank still. Very good passing on the highways and comfy to drive very long distances. still going after 300,000 km. hope for more!
Reliable except for transmission!!!!
joeye, 04/03/2002
1995 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am not exactly sure what model I have. It's a unique combination of the 3.O, 6 cylinder engine with the very terrible, 3 speed auto transmission. Other than the 4 tansmission rebuilds including one replacement factory reman., the van has been extremely reliable. The engine has been wonderful, I get 23 mpg average, and other than the $4,000 I have spent on the tranny, and an occasional problem with the throttle control sensor, I love this vehicle. I have 143,000 miles on it, use it for camping with seats removed, and would continue to drive it indefinately if I was sure that the last rebuild would last beyond the 6,000 mile warranty!
It's an OK van
naimskyline, 02/14/2009
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been in my family for like 9 years and it was passed on to me as my first car until I graduate high school. It's a mostly reliable vehicle the only issue is the paint on the roof peeling in large pieces and I remember when I was 12 my dad had the transmission rebuilt after it failed. When I started to drive it my horn and wipers failed and had it replaced. In spite of the problems this car has had in the past it's actually pretty dependable and I'm sure it can go another 75k to 100k miles with 120k on the odometer without a major powertrain break down.
Great Auto
Eyesgreen, 06/23/2002
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am an original owner. It has never broke down. Regular maintenance only except SBS fix, and a few leaks fixes. I am still using to pull my coleman folding trailer.
The Original Minivan
dthomas, 11/04/2002
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Cargo Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Used this C/V as work vehicle, drove hard in northern winters. Unit held up impressively well considering I was hauling maximum gross weight and pushed it to the service limits. Yes, the transmission failed at 98,000 but after o-haul no other significant problems aside from the routine maintenance of tires, brakes, shocks, sensors. V6 is an excellent engine. Had more problems with my 2000 than with this unit. Wouls consider another used van for winter and hard driving conditions.
Never Again
Mr. Transmission, 10/05/2002
1995 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love the spacious interior for a mini van. This was our second mini van. Our first was a 1987 and went through 3 transmissions. We were told that the transmission problem is no longer a problem with newer vans so we took another chance. We were on our way back from a fishing trip to Canada and the transmission went out 500 miles from home. 3 days and $1950 later, we were home. We now have 150,000 miles and the transmission is again starting to slip at times. Thinking about a Honda or Toyota with good track records.
Old Reliable
Vee racer, 02/27/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my van with 71K on it and now have over 195K. Other than tires, brakes, O2 sensor, and regular oil changes, the transmission (rebuilt once) has been its only Achilles heel. I put about 6000 miles a year towing and it has been an excellent vehicle. It has good power, more room than most SUVs due to the removable seats, and gets better gas mileage.
Long-Time Owner - 1995 Dodge Caravan
Honyok, 11/01/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Basically, a good vehical.. I have gone through 2 head gaskets, but the dealership took care of the problem. The second time it happened after only 29000 miles, well after warrenty expired. Dealer took care of the problem and only charged a minimal fee - they didn't have to do that, so I'm pleased. Car tends to idle rough after rainy period. Had it checked, but nothing helps. Not a big problem, but alwasy there. Most other problems were small, like the radio going belly-up and ash trays falling out of the back passenger area. Gas milage is not very good at this point. 15 city, about 20 hwy.
Still Running at 150 K
Johnny DEZ, 03/05/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My old Mini-van has crisscrossed the country many times. At about 135k miles, the water pump went, I have heard this is puite common for this yr and model, when that happened I lost thehead gasket. I almost retired old Betsie, but I decided not too. And after those repairs she is now running fine again. I have heard that the next thing to go will be the transmission. this usually happens at about 160 k or so former owners have told me. I am gonna ride her til she can't ride no more, then I am gonna look into a SUV. Envoy, Pathfinder, Or Volvo
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned!
JamesG, 03/06/2004
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had many cars. Bought Caravan at 40K, now at 125K. I'll never give it up! Just back from 11th Florida trip, 2500 miles. Family prefers van over the newer BMW7 Series for comfort and room. 3.0V6 more powerful than you expect up to 90mph. 30mpg on trips. 80 is still effortless. Upgraded struts and shocks made it fun to drive! Change antifreeze every 2 years. Add BarsLeak, head gasket won't go. Change oil at 3,000 miles, synthetic. Add stop leak every other time and engine seals won't leak. Service trans every 30K. Chrysler has a hidden trans warranty to 100K, ask. Mine went at 70,000 miles, well after warranty. I now have lifetime warranty! Good van.
We were pleased
Dan Morris, 03/28/2004
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Despite Consumer Reports about the Dodge Caravan, our experience has been nothing but very very good. The only exception has been the transmission, which is giving us trouble at 143000 miles. And I heard that we might have been able to avoid trouble if we had been more on the ball taking care of transmission fluid levels after 50,000 miles. Other than that, this car has been very reliable.
Just keeps on rolling
jrpurcel, 05/10/2004
1995 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this van for the past two years and it just keeps on rolling. The transmission is as smooth as new and the engine cranks everytime. The air blows cold and it is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. I bought it with 113000 miles on it and at 140000 it is just ticking along. I said I was going to drive it until the wheels fell off. They may never do that.
Could be better re:tranny/materials
Space1999!, 05/27/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Caravan has been very reliable outside of that much-too-common transmission failure. Fortunately ours only required new seals and internal parts and we "convinced" Chrysler to pick up 1/2 the $2000 cost. It is a real shame that Chrysler didn't resolve this problem MUCH earlier as it seems to be a problem right up to 2001 models. It must be noted that many other companies have tranny problems in their mini-vans including Honda, Ford and that Toyota has severe engine sludging and failure issues. Fortunately our paint, air conditioning and most features have been very good and had minimal problems.
'95 Dodge caravan
Bill Adams, 06/01/2003
1995 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great van... very reliable, good fuel economy... 3.0 engine has been great. Trans. had a few problems early on however was taken care of by dealership. Van has only been back once to the dealer.. Changed oil every 3,000 and does not burn oil between changes. Exterior is in like new condition.. the champagne color is OK.. not particularly my first choice however in view of whats available.. it's fine. Liked it enough to buy another. have owned 3 so far.
What a lemon!
AlohaDave, 11/04/2002
1995 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Before I bought the '95 Caravan, I researched it via Consumer Reports and found that the Caravan's were improving into the mid-'90s. That being the case and the Caravans being significantly cheaper than comperable Japanese vans, I bought it. This was the first American-built vehicle I had purchased in many years. From the moment I took it home, it began to rattle, tho mechanically, it worked pretty good for about 4 years. Then I had problems with the breaks, the AC, and the transmission went out at 45K miles. Based on this experience, I won't buy another Chrysler vehicle (nor an American one) for a long time, maybe never.