Used 2004 Dodge Caravan Consumer Reviews
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SXT?
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!!!!
I have had this van for 12 years. never had any major repairs. great on gas. would not trade it in.
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- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,998807 mi away
Great vehicle
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
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!
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Very happy with 2003 caravan
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
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
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
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
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Comfort Ride
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.
Nice family car for most parts
I had this car (model 2004) for 5 years and drove 64k miles on it (56-110k). The car probably had some prior frontal damage before I bought it, which may have propagated into some of the maintenance issues I ran into. We had to replace a number of things (radiator, alternator/battery, window motor, rotors, tail light, etc) and had the check-engine light on for most of the time, due to some emission codes which could never be figured despite a few tries by the local dealer and another garage. But the great thing about owning a Dodge in the US is that spare parts are easy and quick to get and we probably only lost a couple of days when we would have needed to use the car. Overall likable car.
Bulletproof Minivan
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
This is a very well made and well though out van,the designers had parents in mind when building it.
Best Reliability You can ever get
i bought this car from the US and took with me to Russia, it had 90k miles and ive been using it for 3 years, it has been SUPER PERFECT CAR i abuse the car by not changing the oil or the brakes n not warming the engine when its -30 degree and still the car never stopped or had any problems i just change the oil every 8 month and thts it, i never spent any money on it maybe because it has no options other than the CD and Airbags i want to change the car but im afraid that if i bought something else it wont be as reliable as this one
Love my Caravan
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.
Mopar
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.
Best Value on Highway
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!
FRONT END FACTORY TOLERANCE AT LIMIT
This is our second Plymouth/Dodge van. We bought both new. The 98 was great. This van will not align without changing the toe-in to make up for the left veering. The front right side of the axle, is at the factory limit of degrees forward of ideal, the the front left side axle is at the factory limit for back of ideal. Consequently, when aligned, properly, the car is 3 or 4 degrees out of straight and veers left, a lot. The dealership kept it running straight when it was under warranty. It left the factory, driving straight. Both had to set the toe-in off to do this.
2004 Dodge Caravan
I have always been a "Ford" person but after riding/driving the Dodge Caravan I don't know if I'll ever go back! It fits me and my family like a glove and is so quiet. I just love it!
Best Van Made
Best vehice I have ever owned...I,M 62 AND HAVE OWNED TONS......
FAMILY VAN
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.
Happy Camper
Overall a very good van. Our brakes are sqeaking, but no other problems. I like the smaller version over the grand.
Not as good as 2001 Model
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
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.
Happy with my van
So far I am totally satisfied with my van. The only problem I have had thus far was about 2.5 months after I bought the car it started cutting off on me so I took it in and they said that it was my spark plugs I dont know why after that short period of time that a new car would have that problem but it did it was fixed of course with no charge to me and the tires I think I have cheap tires but I can buy new one but all in all I love my mini van it seats all 6 of us comfortably
Buy a Dodge today
for the style, comfort, durability, quality, and price, this van can not be beat. excellent warranty options, easy to handle and priced very affordable for those on a budget
New Car
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.
greatest minivan
awesome van, better than ford, chevy, gmc, anything this is the van to get
2003 Dodge Caravan SE
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.
A GREAT RIDE!
AFTER MUCH SHOPPING AND COMPARISON, WE DECIDED ON THE DODGE CARAVAN FOR OUR FAMILY. WE ARE THRILLED WITH OUR PURCHASE, AND 0% FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS IS HARD TO BEAT!
I love my Caravan
I have not had one single problem with my van. It handles well, accelerates well, in the city and on the highway. The interior is comfortable, the climate controls easy and responsive.
Good basic family hauler
I bought this vehicle used about six months ago. I discovered the day before my twin sons were born that I could not fit a car seat behind the driver's seat in my Toyota Matrix and still drive it comfortably. I couldn't afford a new van right then, but I needed something I could fit car seats in and still drive. I have the base SE with the 4-cylinder, AC, & CD Player. The only option it has are the side airbags. So far no break downs, though sometimes the transmission behaves strangely when the heater is on, shifting erratically. It's only happened a couple of times, but its disconcerting. I just bought a new 2009 Kia Sedona at a hefty discount, so the Caravan is now around town only.
gramma's minivan
These are utility/people movers. Luxury? Nah...
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The Minivan King
This is the fourth minivan from Chrysler Corp. in our family. We were naturally cautious because of the amount of money involved, but chose the SXT. With incentives, including an extra $1000 for current owners (we have a Neon), our SXT cost appx. $18k. Great van with reasonable power, good handling, plenty of room, and good features.
we love our new carravan
this is my 3rd carravan and we love it.
Good Value, Looks Like a Keeper.
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!
From bad to worse
Our first one was 1997 Plymouth Voyager 3.L, Transmission went at 20k and then again at 100k.Had it rebuild by specialty shop and traded the van at 270k with no further issues. Mitsubishi 3.l engine never needed a tune-up! This one is 2004 special edition with 73k and transmission went without warning. A $3,000.00 repair cost plus towing. We do not complain, paid little, got little in return. Chrysler delivered as expected another poor quality product.
Unhappy Consumer
I am overjoyed today as I just traded in my mini-van (at a loss of 4500) for another vehicle. I had the van for 2 years and in that time had the brakes replaced twice and now the power steering was going out on it. Spark plugs had to be replaced twice and the vehicle just did not drive very well at all. The cloth interior was not very kid friendly. The mileage was okay. I was also concerned about the vehicle breaking down. The seatbelts never fit my children"s booster seats very securely.
THE BEST !!!!!!!
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
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
2004 SXT
So far so good. This fan has been fantastic in the snow, despite the fact we did not get the AWD version. The seating flexability hs great. Controls are well placed, and there is room for everybody and everything. Paid 25K loaded (no sunroof though)
Don't buy it
i live in Puerto Rico and I have spend more than 5,000 dollars in it. It still gives me problems. I really don't know why people say they love it because mine has been really bad.
Excellent, dependable
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!
My 04 Caravan
This van has some great standard features. Sound system is very good for a factory make.
CARAVAN RATING
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.
a good choice is you need a minivan
My new caravan sxt is a company vehicle. Certainly beats the typical sedans.
blown crankshaft at 200 miles new
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.
2003 Caravan Sport
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.
its grrrrrrrrrrrreat
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.
My Caravan
Very fun to ride and very comforable and a good family vehicle.
STX is a SMART BUY
Have had van for 10 months, aside from taking it back to dealer for a cracked vacuum line and a leak where the oil filter mounts to the engine the van has been trouble free. This is our second Sport model and we love it. Rides great and is the perfect size for our 2 kid family. Love rear split seats. Love price and styling. Would buy it again.