Used 1996 Dodge Caravan Consumer Reviews
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Grand Caravan- Good design, poor quality
stofman, 04/17/2006
1996 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought this van new. Pretty much one problem every time we drive it! Great design, but very very poor build quality! So far, the tranny went out at 60,000, A/C at 62,000, coolant multiple times, etc etc. It's been in the shop more than it has been on the road. Would NOT recommend anyone buy this van!!
Loved this minivan
Suzie, 01/23/2010
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My uncle loved his 1996 Dodge Caravan and gave it to me when he bought a brand new one the year before last. This minivan has been great. It drives itself and has been as reliable as any older car would be. I regularly got 27 mpg and the seats are really comfortable. This car was old enough to have personality, but if you don't mind windsheild wipers turning themselves on now and again and the loud knocking noise coming from the glove box, then this could be the car for you. Ours, unfortunately, just hit the end of it's road. But while I was reading reviews about new vans, I thought I'd write a good review for our old one.
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See all 0 listingsR.I.P. Beastie
rstlne, 06/19/2010
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. Granted, this vehicle isn't perfect, but it is a tank. My dad hit a deer at 45 mph head on, and she didn't even need repairs. A/C hasn't worked since 2004 and you had to kick under the glove compartment to turn on the heater but it ran. Forever. I bought it with a bad tranny, replaced it, and have needed only oil changes all the way up until her death at 283,841. It might not be the prettiest, sportiest, or most exciting car on the road but it goes. Forever.
Beware
Help from Paradise, 01/24/2004
1996 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought for dbl sliding doors and integrated child seats which no other minivan had in 1996. Mechanical features like 3 speed trans, 14" wheels, no std ABS, no power windows except on high end models were below adequate. But, for intended use of kids to school and games <6,000 mi/yr it was doable. Vehicle has been maintenance nightmare: transmission $1,200@ 40K, electrical and engine problems, locks failed, rear door gas struts failed, ... Not only does it need many parts, they are expensive (ex fuel injectors, fuel pump) and this is before they were Mercedes parts. Will never buy another Chrysler no matter how long they increase the warranty.
Keeps on going by Dadman
B Clark, 02/04/2007
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this van used in 1999 with 108,000 miles on it. It now has 210,000 miles on the same 3.0 V6 engine. It now smoke some at startup (worn valve guide seals) but Maxlife Valvoline oil has stopped that. The engine is from Mistubishi and it is as strong as when I got it. No electrical problems, great exhaust system, suspension is wearing, durable interior and great to drive. Now for the trans and a/c. Tranny was rebuilt at 120,000 miles for $1800. Ask for a upgraded rebuild kit not a factory kit. Worth the money. Torque converter started acting up at 190,000.A/C new compressor installed at purchase. The system needs recharging every year. Invest in own recharge kit (cheap).
Worst Trade Ever
rgb, 10/14/2009
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My brother, mother and I have all driven this thing at one point and we all hate it. The repairs done to this thing are too numerous to post. The transmission went out on it for a second time and I resolved never to buy another Dodge. I won't even look at things made by or associated with that company. When I see anything made by them no matter how cool,new and shiny I think about how this van was a leper in disguise. Everything thing on this van broke: gauges, hub assembly, wiper motor, electronics. Even the paint job was toast. There is truth behind all of those Dodge jokes on Married with Children. My Dad's a mechanic and even with free labor this rust bucket wasn't worth it.
Caravan 3.8L LE/ES 4-dr has been great
michaelrh, 06/28/2009
1996 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original owner, second mini-van. Short wheelbase w/3.8L engine can be a hot rod (at the expense of gas mileage.) Very comfortable for long drives, excellent visibility. Exterior styling is timeless -- I still think it is an attractive design 13 years later! One $200 transmission problem at 70,000 miles, but the car has not been particularly expensive to maintain.
1996 ES Minivan
J. Johnson, 01/21/2010
1996 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used in 1998 with 79,000 miles. Owned for 12+ years with only routine maintenance problems. Put snow tires on front ever winter with no problem handling in snow up to 8 inches deep. 3.8 L V6 engine has lots of oomph if needed to pass cars on highway. Love the cruising comfort with 4 captains seats. Just completed a round trip from MA to NC with no complaints. Averaged 23 mpg. Used around town also with 3rd row seat removed for extra cargo storage. Can fit up to 10 foot long pieces of lumber inside if needed. Enjoy the trip computer with built in compass.
No Way!
Pitts, 08/22/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the caravan new in 1996 and we will NEVER buy another Dodge again. From the start we had problems with the transmission (twice rebuilt), constant brake problems, AC (twice), radiator problems and so many other smaller brake downs - I can't name them all. We even had an extended warranty, but after so many times in the shop, it's our time lost and loss of confidence in this vehicle that was suppose to be dependable that we will choose to never buy Dodge again.
Mine's Not So Bad
Platinum60, 09/28/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my van used a few years ago but it has been pretty reliable. I did have to have the master computer chip replaced though, because of the wipers (which cost about $390 with labor)Other than that it has just had to have normal maint. like tires, oil change etc.
Redesigned Lemon
pensionman, 10/25/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Experience has been awful. After one year 1997, the engine was replaced. Later in 1997 the transmission was replaced. In 2001 the transmission was replaced again. The second transmission had only 60,000 miles on it. This vehicle has had numerous repairs including electrical problems. The slider door power lock just broke, breather elements etc... Total repairs since 1996 have exceeded $20,000. Every yeat the car costs approx 800-1000 in repairs.
Well Designed, Poorly Made
Paregoricforthemind, 10/14/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Van has been a pleasure to drive. It is very roomy, well laid out and the right size for four young kids. I especially like the quad seating and second sliding door, but it is a pain to keep repaired. It infuriates me to take it into the dealer and have the desk guy knowing my problems (and the cost to fix them) before I even describe them. Electrical system is poor and I refuse to pay them to fix the damn wipers which switch on for a few wipes every hour or so. I keep it as a reminder of all the other problems so I remember to buy the Toyota Sienna next time.
Unreliable minivan
Greg, 10/08/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The minivan has great design interior and exterior, but very bad reliability. Every month we need to fix something, begining with minor electrical problems to major transmission problem.
Great Car
Netman, 12/24/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the best vehicle I have owned. 80,000 miles and have not replaced anything except tires and brakes. Great car.
terrible
cfrustrated, 12/31/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van has been a lot of trouble- leaking engine gaskets/seals fixed 3 times and is currently leaking again, ac fixed 3 times and is broken now, fuel gauge sensor, air bag sensor,check engine light on due to bad catalytic converter, and transmission going bad. Front wipers turn on intermittently. Bye bye dodge!
Just give up on staying cool and its ok.
looseacl, 06/19/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this was the second mini-van of three owned. Why do I do this to myself???? OK, the car is VERY functional--roomy, not bad handling (next vehicle is AWD), always got us where we were going. BUT! beware of A/C problems!!! I have put over $600 into AC repairs every single year! 3 major parts, each costs $600 and they go out in rotation. Taken it to dealers, AC shops, specialists ... same story every year ... and--the next version... the 2001 AWD, just blew it's first compressor. stop the insanity
Buyer beware
Robert Dennington, 08/23/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has been trouble from the beginning. Chryler couldn't fix the problems while it was under warranty and now since it is out of warranty the problems keep growing.
I dont see what the problem is..
MDozer, 08/26/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car seems to get such a range of emotions from their owners. Me for one have only had 1 problem since this van was bought, and the previous owner said they had not problems at all except replacing the tranny at like 90k. About 2 months ago the Air conditioning went out completely, I will admit that we have had a few small issues with the a/c. Other than that the car is great everything is placed well on the inside, the dash is easy to read, and contrary to other reviews NOTHING falls off, yeah there's a lot of plastic but it's all attached very strong. Overall the performance is average, the 3.0V6 is a little slow
Bad Choice
Mike R., 03/26/2005
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
About the only good things about this vehicle are the wheels and stereo, which I purchased separately. Too many things to mention that have gone wrong, but I'll try. Transmission, W.S. wipers, suspension, belt tensioner, air bag module, air conditioning and 3 recalls. No more Chrysler products for me.
Mechanical Challenges
dcbeckster, 12/23/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While the Dodge Caravan is a very popular vehicle the experience by many has been less than adequate. The same problem seems to frequently appear at about 100K miles. The first is usually with the air conditioning not functioning correctly. Equally, the automatic transmission many times will need major repairs. This seems to be fairly consistent with this model.
Just try to tear my wife away!
rickaroo, 01/23/2004
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have read a number of very negative things about this vehicle but our experience has been pretty positive. In 60k miles of ownership (60k-120k) the only problem outside routine maintenance has been the air conditioner.
Good Idea, poor execution
JAZZ1151, 04/05/2004
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The design is very innovative, however the quality and reliability left a lot to be desired. We purchased a 7 year 100k mile Dodge warranty and used it. Multiple major problems with the transmission (4) including a complete replacement, cooling system, A/C (5) and a belt tenioner that fails like clockwork every 20K miles since new. Many more less critical problems too numerous to mention here. Except for being beat to death with $50 warranty deductables after 36k miles long warranty enabled us to keep the car longer than we would have if we were footing the bills.
Not so bad
M Gulley, 09/21/2005
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used 2 yrs. ago at 68,000 miles. Living in Michigan, I have driven my van to Florida and California and back. It has been very reliable I would say. I am currently at 117,000+.I have had a problem things breaking in the inside of vehicle, like cupholder cover and other little plastic parts. Also recently the A/C went out. I also just replaced the radiator. Otherwise I've been o.k with the Caravan.
Mistake!
VTmom, 05/14/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our 96 Caravan new. It was a great van UNTIL it hit 50,000 miles and the warranty expired. Then everything that can go wrong with a vehicle has gone wrong. I am afraid to drive it because it is so unreliable. After having it die on my 3 times (once when I was over 8 months pregnant), I refuse to drive this thing. Daimler chrysler could not care less. The warranty has expired so we are on our own. We have now put so much money into the van we can't afford to get rid of it. We can't stop kicking ourselves for keeping it though. We will NEVER own another Dodge vehicle.
Great Car
MCSE, 01/19/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my 96 Dodge Caravan for going on 8 years and have had no problems with with that required it to be in the shop. Changed tires, brakes, and did normal maintenance and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned.
I plan to quit this trade name!
King, P, 02/12/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have spent too much money on this van, I now need to pay $2400 for a new transmission that I have complained about for a year!
Unreliable minivan
GREG, 10/08/2002
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The minivan has great design interior and exterior, but very bad reliability. Every month we need to fix something, begining with minor electrical problems to major transmission problem.
Don't buy
Never Chysler, 06/07/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Last car, Dodge Colt. Had it for 10 years. Thought the Caravan would be the same. Mistake! Came with defective window seals dumping water on the passenger side floor when it rained 1st 1000 miles-oil leak and shift indicator broke stranding me 100s of miles from home. Belts don't last. I've lost track of the number of times I've replaced them. One broke without warning. I've had oil leaks, antifreeze leaks, squishy brakes and occasional stalls. At 85,000 miles the windshield wipers turn on intermittently, the belts are squeaking, the brakes need to be replaced again, the horn is broken, and the airbag has been recalled. I'm not bothering to repair it
Best vehicle I've Owned
etta, 02/20/2003
1996 Dodge Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very dependable; comfortable on long distance trips w/great mileage; superb family taxi, too.
Godd van
bernard judd, 07/21/2016
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had it long time is great van i got good van at the time
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice family van
Bernard. Judd, 04/25/2017
1996 Dodge Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's been good van I trust it been good van
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value