Used 2003 Dodge Caravan Minivan Consumer Reviews
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SXT?
JSlezak, 02/02/2005
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Caravan late in the '03 model year (there were already '04's on the lot) and paid about $19000 brand new. Our van is labeled as an SXT even though it is actually an SE with some extras. An end of year model change-up? I am really happy with the van and over the past year it has held up well. Only one small problem, the drivers side power window has failed on two occasions. It seems to happen during cold weather and once the vehicle is warm it is fine again. We looked at Toyota and Honda but both were much more expensive and didn't offer the same features without purchasing big packages. For the price you can't beat Dodge. A very good family oriented vehicle.
never had a problem!!!!
carol, 10/09/2015
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have had this van for 12 years. never had any major repairs. great on gas. would not trade it in.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great vehicle
miller1980, 02/12/2014
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
I got my caravan at 78,000 miles I've only had a couple problems since owning the car. First the O2 sensor went out (kind of an expensive fix for a single mom) and the power steering pump is going out. Other than that it has been a gem. I've driven it in the snow and curvy mountain roads for two years with no issues. The car is now at 130,000 miles and still running even after hitting a deer really hard.
Old faithful
Patricia Patterson, 08/22/2018
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
We bought it at 6 years old. We have had it 9 years. It has held up very well. The engine is still going strong. We are having to replace older parts wearing out and it has minor rust spots. The AC leaks on the passenger side floor but my husband puts AC fluid in and that helps. For a Dodge it has very comfortable seats. Three mechanics have told us to keep it and just continue to replace the parts. We have to say that for being 15 years old it has done us well!
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Very happy with 2003 caravan
heatherj, 06/25/2010
2003 Dodge Caravan CV Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
This is our 3rd van, and it has been terrific. 3 teenage sons all learned to drive on it, so there has been bodywork done, but no major repairs have been needed. :) have always had recommended maintenance carried out on schedule, though. It starts in -35 degree weather without being plugged in (it's in Canada) and air conditioning works like a dream when we have +80 f temperatures. It has been ideal with two kids playing sports and lots of trips to out-of-town games. This is my third Dodge caravan, the first being a 1983, the second a 1999, and I would buy another anytime. Great family vehicle, affordable, good mileage. Very practical vehicle.
clarkfrtzmachine
clarkfrtz, 11/12/2002
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
overall vehicle is reliable, and very dependable, is very child friendly and has good set up inside for children to ride in the back or for adults toenter the rear seat.
Never again
bmorecopper, 08/19/2009
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is absolutely the worst vehicle I ever owned. We bought it with 46k miles on it. At 115k the transmission completely seized up. The vehicle was routinely maintained. After talking to several transmission shops we found that Dodge Caravans are noted for their bad transmissions. $2800 fix. Dodge knows/doesn't care. Yesterday the engine started banging loudly. 3 separate mechanics said the engine would need to be replaced. Avg estimate $2200. One mechanic commented we should feel lucky to have got 154k miles out of it. Do you research before buying. Call some transmission shops and ask about this vehicle.
Bought for temporary/ kept love it
Jackie lee, 11/01/2016
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought 6 yes ago with 105000. Miles now has 230800. Very dependable regular maintenance ..replaced air co dition compressor for $700 2 yrs ago. Luv this van taught gkids to drive in it..like style can't find anything I like better even like old body style. Go to mountains every yr in it..4cyl no problem climbing those mountains in north Carolina.. Would recommend to anyone
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Comfort Ride
Dodge Caravan SE, 06/19/2006
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
We love the comfort of our Dodge Caravan. The van's seats were extremely comfortable on a 2500 mile trip we took out west. This is our second Dodge Caravan SE.
Bulletproof Minivan
greg, 02/14/2010
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought this minivan 2 years used and I was very reluctant based on the ratings I've seen online. I'm not a Dodge fan based on past experiences. Boy was I wrong. We just turned 160,000 miles on it and it has been bulletproof. No major issues other than routine maintenance. I couldn't have asked for more for the money.
My Minivan
David &Rebecca James, 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a very well made and well though out van,the designers had parents in mind when building it.
Mopar
Bonehead, 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan CV Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Prior Caravan owner. Feel the 3.3 engine is the most proven and reliable. The SXT package is awsome. Only Fault Chrysler has in its interior design is the column shift when in drive is right in the way of the Stereo volume control.
Love my Caravan
Sue B, 08/10/2008
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had a 1988 Plymouth Voyager I bought new and just loved it so I bought this 2003 Caravan. Love it as well. I'm short 5'2", and I sit very comfortably and can handle this very well. It steers precisely and is very easy to park. Easier than my Honda Accord I traded for this. It is a lot quieter than my Honda's have been. I would of tried a Honda van, but they were too expensive and I'm trying to lower my debts. The Van looks sporty as well. Nice wheels. My mom has a caravan and loves it too.
Best Value on Highway
Hpedigo, 10/04/2004
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought this "03" Sport off lease for $16,000 with 13,000 miles on it. Have driven it over 12,000 trouble free miles in 7 months. Average 20-21 mpg in a 60/40 city hwy mix. Looked at Oddesys and Siennas but they are way too pricey. Honda has too much road noise and can't get good features on the Toyota with buying items you may not want. Build quality and reliability for these Caravans has really improved in past 4-5 years. I highly recommend them!
Best Van Made
Dale In Florida, 10/15/2009
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Best vehice I have ever owned...I,M 62 AND HAVE OWNED TONS......
FAMILY VAN
LAWRENCE, 08/16/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There are two 98 Caravan SEs in the family. Air conditioners have went out on both at around 98,000 miles. Cost is over $900. to have one fixed. Other than that, Caravans are reliable. 4 cyls re low speed on take-off whereas the 6 cyls are great. The iterior and exterior hold up vey well in wear. Van is grat on a long trip - with air conditioning.
Not as good as 2001 Model
JOE Q , 09/02/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just bought a new 2003 and traded in a 2001. Both were SE vans. The 2003 seems to be of lower quality and some of the nice features of the 2001 were removed/no availible in the 2003 model. For instance, 2001 van had external key locks on the back sliders whereas 2003 does not. 2001 SE had a locking drawer under the passenger side seat, 2003 does not. Seats in the 2003 van do not seem as well made and the 2003 van seems more noisy than the 2001. Seems dodge chose to cut corners on the 2003 model to keep the price low. I can't help but wonder what other corners were cut in the building of this van.
POOR QUALITY
lyndaw1, 05/11/2013
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
Everyone on here talks about how great there van is. Mine is a piece of junk. The automatic side doors do not open. The a/c has been broke for over a year. The automatic trunk door doesn't open. The driver side door for the passenger doesn't open up for my daughter to get out now. Now the transmission is starting to slip. Should I go on with the problems??? We bought this van for something reliable not for something that would break down. The van has been a big disappointment to say the least. I will never buy another Dodge. Now I am stuck with it. I do not have the money to go out and buy something new.
New Car
glass, 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
So far I am generally happy. I like some features not available when I purchased my last van 9 years ago. There were a few quirks. For example, a hose was not tightened at the factory and I lost AC, and overheated-great billows of steam! It happened in front of the dealership, and I pulled in, I was immediately given a loaner to go on to work, and it was fixed for pick up on my way home. A recall was fixed at the same time. The service of the dealership, and my salesperson have been extordinary.
2003 Dodge Caravan SE
Dashiki, 09/25/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth van built by Chrysler. I purchased each one new and have enjoyed driving them. My new 2003 Caravan SE to replaces the 2000 model I had. This van is wonderful for making long distance trips and for transporting my small family members.
Good Value, Looks Like a Keeper.
Siyu 28, 10/18/2008
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Thousands less than the Odyssey & Sienna, this was the choice. With kids, saving thousands to have it trashed was worth it. SXT package had aluminum rims, capt. chairs & tinted glass, that was all was needed. Rides & handles very well & decent gas mileage. Interior a little cheesy, but who cares, everything was functional. Had an early minor steering recall & had a rack & pinion leak at 30K. Back row difficult to take out/in. All in all a decent van that I'll probably keep til it (knock on wood). Unfortunately, these vehicles don't hold or have any value over time. If I get over 100K on it, I will consider it a bonus. Sadly, this is probably Dodge's top vehicle, a van, but it's a keeper!
THE BEST !!!!!!!
TYNESHA , 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT, AND I LOVE IT TO DEATH. MY KIDS LOVE IT ALSO. I HAVE THREE BOYS, AND THE TV/DVD PLAYER IS EXCELLENT! THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VAN IS GREAT ALSO. I THOUGHT I WOULD LOOK OLDER DRIVING THE VAN, BUT IT IS NICE AND SPORTY. I STILL FEEL YOUNG. MY HUSBAND LOVES TO DRIVE IT ALSO. WE ALMOST FIGHT ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO DRIVE.
Great Van, Better than Honda & Toyota
Tim Jessup, 06/08/2008
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have 45,000 miles of trouble-free miles on this van. Own a 1985 Voyager with 199,000 miles (still have original alternator and most other original components in the 2.2 L engine) and a 1995 Caravan with 140,000 miles (only replaced AC compressor in 12 years). Get over 27 mpg on trips (using Mobil I motor oil. Get 18-20 mpg around town. Gotten better service than coworker who has a 2002 Honda Oddysey and has had transmission, breaks, and AC problems, already with barely 50,000 miles (so much for Honda quality!). Acceleration is smooth and runs well and regular grade gas, unlike many imports. Our van also runs on E85 fuel, though this is not available in our area. I recommend highly for you
pure junk
john-d, 01/01/2010
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
tranny problems...underpowered..wiring problems,constant motor noises, almost no get and go , overall a junk made van , after owning a ford wind-star this van is far from the quality of the ford
Excellent, dependable
brosun, 09/28/2010
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 25 people found this review helpful
Bought at 39,000. Gave to our son as a wedding present with 165,000 in 7/10. What a car! Best quality American car I have owned in 40 years. Replaced a the water pump myself for $30 at 120K. Washers never worked, corroded pump but I don't think I washed the windshield by hand once a year! Absolutely nothing to complain about. Comfortable to ride in. Plenty of power, roomy, exterior was like showroom when we let it go after 7 years. Engine and transmission superb. ps: NEVER allow anything but Chrysler ATF 4 or 5 in your car. You WILL have transmission problems. You've been warned! This Caravan raised the bar for any future cars I should buy!
CARAVAN RATING
MICHELE STASKEL, 09/14/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I OWN THE CARAVAN FOR ABOUT 2 AND 1/2 MONTHS. SO FAR SO GOOD. WE ORIGINALLY WERE TO PURCHASE AN SUV, BUT REALIZED IT WOULD NOT FIT OUR NEEDS HAVING TWO KIDS AND TAKING FRIENDS WOULD NOT BE AS EASY. WE FEEL IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND THE EXTRA SPACE OVER A CAR IS GREAT. VERY HAPPY WITH OUR PURCHASE.
blown crankshaft at 200 miles new
D.Brown, 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
our van blew a crankshaft after 200 miles, hadn't even made the first payment. the dealership we purchased the car from Accardi Dodge, totally ingored my calls and correspondence. The car was towed to another dealership (Arrigo Dodge West Palm Beach, FL) who contacted the factory rep to get us a new engine. We were never offered a loaner car, our car was out of service for a week. I am totally dissatisfied with the dealer we purchased the car from and will never buy another car there.
its grrrrrrrrrrrreat
saint, 03/17/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan CV Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this van. I never intended on buying a minivan but 3 kids later here I am and i LIKE IT! It drives great a handles like a car plus i covered on the powertrain for 7 yrs.
2003 Caravan Sport
Thomas Churchman, 11/02/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A solid value, it gives us 4 spacious bucket seats, we removed the rear bench and installed a power wheelchair winch, it has ample room for a large power chair, cargo, with space left behind the 4 seats, all which recline. My model has ample pickup, and very easy to manuever.
the economy way to go !
williams infante, 08/17/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was looking for an inexpensive minivan but also reliable and comfortable. When I test drove the Dodge Caravan, from that moment I knew that a better minivan for the price I will not find.
Love Affair with my Van
musha, 08/13/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just love my caravan...Love to drive it and everything else about it...I can not say enough good things about the Dodge Caravan....I will never go back to a car again...
Best regular lenght minivan
Ozzie, 01/23/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I needed a short wheelbase minivan that would have excellent both excellent ride and handling. Test drove the Mazda MPV,but it rode like our Escape mini SUV, noisy and uncomfortable. After test driving the Caravan, it surprised me with its ride , handling, low noise and agility for its size. being the widest minivan helps too, in being able to fit so items that otherwise would not fit in other minivans in its class. The biggest surprise is that it is more economical than our V6 4WD Escape. Checked the Edmunds longterm grand caravan before deciding to buy this van, thanks Edmunds for your longterm test.
Vary Nice
guy 1968, 10/17/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
well i bought this van because of the family and well we all love it
Nice when new
hertze, 01/30/2007
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Wife wanted a minivan and we settled on a Caravan SXT. It was fine when it was new but many little issues have cropped up. One power door lock doesn't work, annoying whine from the power steering, clunky sounds from the rear suspension started with only about 38Km miles on it. One side of the windshield washer will not spray fluid, left blinker will not cancel itself etc. Brought to dealer with several of these issues when still under warranty and they supposedly could not find any issues. Poor service. I have also owned a Dodge truck and a Jeep Grand Cherokee and had no issues with either of them. Seemed to be better built. May be a good used buy due to poor resale.
13 mpg
db11464, 03/31/2010
2003 Dodge Caravan CV Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Clunky shifts from transmission 3.3liter only gets 13 mpg (60% city-40% highway) front end parts don't last.
Dodge Sport Grand Caravan
RADM1, 08/21/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very happy with this vehicle. I have the large engine and it handles hills, mountains etc very well. The interior allows for very comfortable long and short trips. One minor problem is the difficulty in removing and returning chairs to their position in the van. The chairs & bench seat are very heavy and require two to remove them with out damage or injury. Other wise I just love this van and would buy another. Plaza Dodge in Holiday,Florida are the best. Tried to deal with AutoWay Doge first what a mess!
Great Van For The Price
tiger, 08/28/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had our caravan for 5 months and so far it is great. It rides and drives great and the fuel economy has been good. (19-26mpg)
First Impressions
dennisrd, 12/06/2002
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had van only 10 days but I am very impressed!I've recently owned a used Lexus LS and a new '93 Town and Country van and Chrysler finally got it right! Fit and finish almost as good as the Lexus and this thing is quiet.Interior is well designed. Handles like a small car,outstanding brakes and reasonable pickup.This thing was 8 grand less than my '93 van and twice the car.Now the question is how well it holds up but it looks really good at this point.
Great Van
Lady, 09/24/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cool looking sports van Drives really nice
The Best Minivan there is
hydro, 09/25/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just love this minivan, I would rather drive it than my Jag. It holds the road great, has lots of room, noise is quiet, looks good inside and I love the power door options.
Never buy another chrysler product
flanders, 07/23/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have been buying chrysler minivans since 1989. Last 2 models have had nothing but one tramsmission problem after another. Kids complain about stiff seats. Have to have the belt replaced too many times. Would not recommend to anyone until Chrylser decides to do something about its transmission problems.
very happy...havent yet had problems
singlevanmom, 07/25/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I guess time will tell if I'll have problems, but so far I love the van. Its not too large, and is a little roomier than the small suvs which I looked at. The vehicle seems quiet, comfortable and drives well. I had several added options to my model so it makes it more like the sport model. I think it was the best vehicle I've owned so far including my honda civic
Chrysler is falling down!
Richard E. Lysek, 03/02/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just returned the rental to Payless. The dash lights didn't work, no auto-down function on the drivers door window, very hard drivers right arm rest, no auto-remote for opening of the doors, 12 mpg overall.
Dodge Caravan 2003
1stvan, 07/29/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Towed two times in 8 months. Replaced burned up computer twice and then fixed wire that rubbing. Had power stering rack-noise with stering, leaking fluid.
A Bargin for the Price
Hpedigo, 08/30/2005
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a rock solid piece of machinery. Reliable and very dependable. Now has 39,000 miles and only failure has been the CD player which was warrantied.
Not a bad van
William Hendricks, 04/16/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the van 3 weeks now and it is certainly the quietest engine i've had in some time. The comfort inside is great and the view of the road is perfect. Car drives great. Not the best car at taking turns and can be slightly shaky in poor weather conditions. Not good on gas. Other then that its slightly above average.
Nice Fan!
skkrobie, 03/17/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are totally thrilled with this purchase! It looks nice and drives nice too!
my car
zachpolandboy, 08/02/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my car is awesome
good car
no1chubs, 05/27/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is a great car at affordable price
SATISFIED
Jim, 04/17/2003
2003 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this van for 13,999. I plan to drive it to work everyday. Its been great and the dealer was great too.
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