Used 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Paint and Tranny problem
We have had this van for 6 years and have put around 80K miles on it. It has never left us stranded, and has been great except to the transmission and the paint. This van was garaged all its life and the paint is coming off in sheets. Lucky for us, the previous owner choose the 7/70 warranty, because we are on our 4th transmission. Thankfully we haven't paid a dime yet. Over all it is a good van, just has cheap, thin paint, and terrible transmission. Come on Dodge!
transmission
have owned this car since new, have 103,000 miles on it. it was great for hauling the kids to and from college (our 1 college trip is 625 miles one way). the 3.3 v-6 has performed wonderful. i've changed the oil every 3500 miles and it doesn't take any adds between oil changes. the big draw back has been the transmission, i've had it rebuilt twice by aamco transmissions,the first time was at 75,000 miles the next time was at 102,000 miles so i don't know if it's the tranny or aamco the 2nd time. aamco tells me that the cooler for the transmission is too small. besides for the transmission this vehicle was a very reliable family vehicle as i have hauled 4 daughters around with it.
Never Again !
We bought our Grand Caravan used with 30,000 miles. Shortly after purchase with only 35,000, my wife and kids were in an accident as the tie rod snapped, sending the vehicle into a spin. Since that time, we've had many problems including a leaky transmission, broken sway bars, defective front fog lights, a faulty fuel gauge sending unit and even the motors on the rear power windows have gone out. The quality of this product is poor, and it's safe to say we've owned our last Dodge product.
When going to a car lot "Dodge" this junk
I put more money into this vehicle then what it was worth! In just 4 months I replaced 2 ECM units, 2 alternators, EGL valve, battery, brake pads, and starter. The worst Dodge product I have owned. I'd rather drive an ice cream truck then a Grand Caravan!
Pat's Money Pit
Purchased used from private party w/90k miles. Engine would stall constantly, paid $1000 in repairs first 6 months. Eventually had to replace A/C condensor and water pump. Four months ago started leaking brake fluid. Total rear brake rebuild, another $400. Last month, quit running again. This time burnt computer, distributor and battery (another $800). Engine leaks a quart of oil a week. Every Caravan owner I've talked to had transmission problems. Even my van had the transmission replaced just before I bought it. Luckely the rebuild has held up. Overall this is the worst vehicle I've ever owned.
Grand Caravan Cargo
I have had this van since almost new, first as a company van and then I purchased it for personal use. I now have 162500 miles on it and it still has the orig. engine and trany in it. I have had to put a battery and tires and rims on it in the last 4 yrs and the egr valve and tune-up this month. Not bad for a 7-8 yr old van with 162500 miles on it. I would not think twice about getting in this van and driving from FL to Chicago and back again.... John C
it's but better than the newer
I have had fewer issues with this 14 year old van than I had with my 4 year old van. In my opinion although not perfect they are a good BEATER van as long as they were maintained properly when new. I have 2 more of these vans plus another one in my family as well. as long as you get a 3.3 w/o abs or rear climate control you have a reliable van for as long as the transmission is maintained PROPERLY. Most people do not use the correct fluids in the transmission so it fails. I am lucky in that all of mine have good engines and transmissions plus these vans are cheap to buy. Just don't get a 3.0 powered one.
Serpentine belt
This van has serpentine belt issues, if you look at other web sites you will see the constant problems. The 1994 has no fix at all, so you are stuck. If you have a 96 or later there is a fix, because they didn't fix it in production, so you still had to fix it on your own. I will NEVER buy another caravan, and I am renting a vehicle to go on a family trip because this is so unreliable in the rain. I was offered a 2004 caravan to rent. I don't know, who knows if Dodge was ever responsible enough to fix a problem in a vehicle that is major, and in a vehicle that usually carries a number of children.Live and learn, wish I did more research
Fun for a Mini-Van
Bought the van from my in-laws in 1998 with 60,000 miles on it. Transmission was replaced before I bought it at 50,000 miles. Currently has 180,000 miles it. Transmission has been great. Have enjoyed the 3.8 liter engine. Recently repainted and detailed van for $1000. I am not a motorhead or a particular fan of American cars. I think it has been a great value.
Great dependable van
I've had this Van for over 6 years, bought it with 108 K miles from the first owner, it now has 190K. The transmission was replaced under factory warranty at 90 K. I am very fussy with oil changes, transmission service and tune-up, other than common wear out and maintenance issues this van has treated me very well. The 3.8 L is rare for a 1994, and the transmission is a 4sp auto, with cooler as the vehicle had a towing package option from the factory. The galvanized body was a big plus for me when I bought it. I will drive this van until I need to spend $1000 at one time. I would probably only get 300-400 trade in on another used vehicle and that new used car could be a lemon.
Dodge van is a tough hauler
Our 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan is very reliable and trustworthy. The engine and drivetrain are quality, the electrical gadgets on the van are the weakness but for a few bucks to repair our local mechanic keeps it in good shape. It is as good or better than our former Nissan Quest that was a headache. I have to laugh at the other reviewers who are shocked at having any repairs on this vehicle. Did someone tell this guy that vans will never need some amount of fixing? This vehicle is a bargain for the service it offers.
Give me a Caravan....
We've really enjoyed this vehicle. We bought it used with about 75,000 miles on it. We've put about 76,000 more on it. We did have some problem with the electrical wiring--a small fire in the door and a squirrel ate the electrical harness--but, other than that, repairs have been pretty minor. Unlike many others we have not (touch wood) had to rebuild the transmission. The transmission is a little temperamental (you would be too with 151,000 miles on you!) but I've found that starting gently from a stop helps solves the problem. My mechanic says that there is a lot of weight that it needs to pull, so being gentle on the start from a stop will stand you in good stead.
Served me well
A good van. I really liked it. Roomy, comfortable. I had the Grand Caravan. Amazing how much stuff I could load when I removed the seats. Better than renting a small van from Ryder. Minor transmission problem at 80k. Replaced seals about $450. Seems hard to stop, especially in wet weather. I should have ordered ABS and saved myself many close calls. Unfortunately van was stolen and totaled, otherwise I would never sell it.
Solid used van
We didn't want a big payment, and went with a used Grand Voyager. With a 3- year loan and our trade, the payment was only $116. At that payment, occasional repairs wouldn't be a big deal. The van has been very reliable, and with the exception of a problem with the AC system (still not fixed-- plan to trade up in the spring), no problems have come up. The mileage is about 16 average, which I wish were higher.
Our Grand Caravan
This is the best vehicle I've purchased new, and I started buying new vehicles in 1971. I've never had a vehicle remain in such top condition after so many driving miles. This vehicle has always been there when we needed it, and performed above expectation.
My 94 Dodge Caravan Experiences
My 1994 Dodge LE Caravan has had many major repairs made, fortunately all under the extended warranty. They were; Air cond. evaporator replaced for corrosion,engine mounts replaced twice, transmission overhauled, both front CV axles replaced 2 to 3 times due to vibation at 45-55 mph. Also the hood and roof paint peeled and had to be repainted. All of these under 60,000 miles. Then the vibration reoccured at 45-65 mph, and dealer said not CV axils fault. Tires replaced and balanced, aligned, 2 wheels replaced, all of no help, they (the dealer) could never find the cause. So I will never buy another Dodge.
Nebs Review
This vehicle has preformed very good for me during my ownership.
Do not buy this vehicle
The vehicle was nothing but a problem for the duration of my ownership. Build quality was the second-worst I have ever owned, a 1971 Chev Nova was worse. The transmission never actually worked as a tranny ought to, in addition the itnerior fit and finish was deplorable and the exterior finish was typical '90s american poor quality. My only memory of this van will be that I constantly had to take it to a garage to have a repair made. It was a balck hole for money. The one brght side is that with all my money it lasted 11 years.
Excellent family hauler
Vehicle was purchased used with 92,000 miles on it. Now, at 146,000, it still runs strong. I did have to replace a transmission, but the horror stories about 3 and 4 replacements are due to shoddy rebuilds. Upgrade the trans cooler when you replace the transmission ($50), and you shouldn't have trouble. Trans aside, I've beat the heck out of it, and it's still going! 90mph hauling 1,500 lbs of crap is good performance in my book. People expect a lot from their Caravans, and they do have their problems, but overall they're a good car. There's a reason you see them as taxis. Important -- get a tune-up & fix any emissions probs to save on gas. Also, use quality replacement parts!
I'll never buy another Dodge
Back hatch release stopped working at 40,000 km, Steering rack and Head Gasket replaced at 90,000 km; New tranny at 112,000 km. Radio stopped working at 120,000 km. Paint peeling badly on the roof (you can rinse it off with a garden hose!) I wish Honda had sold minivans back in 1995!
Fantastic Long Term
This car's 3.8 L 6 cyl engine has been fantastic... still drives like the day we left the dealership after 133K miles. I think it will go several more years.
Solid van served us well for 11 years
Bought a loaded 3.8L LE 2 years used, drove the tar out of it w/the family, then a daily driver to work for a few years, now my teenage son has been driving it for 1.5 years. Will finally sadly part with it, as my son upgrades. Has been a real workhorse, generally very reliable, always started and ran smooth and quiet to this day. Had to rebuild tranny at 70K (who didn't?), but tranny still good today at 225K miles. AC went out about a year ago. Otherwise, very little went wrong. Surprised by other reviews dinging this vehicle, as they were all submitted when the car was 10 years old! What do you expect? Most other 10yo cars are in the junkyard or some canal somewhere by now.
Disappointed
I bought this car used with low milage. It was checked out by my mechanic, who gave it a clean bill of health. Within months I had to sink over $1500 in repairs. Now that it is appoaching 100,000 miles, it is in constant need of repair, despite being taken well care of. To top it off, the green pain on my hood an roof is peeling off badly. I've started noticing, it seems to be a defect with the green paint. All the green dodge vans in my area seem to be loosing their pain on the hoods and roof.
Bad Van
This van was given to us by my father-in-law when it was 12 years old with 71,000 miles. It had been well maintained and always garaged. I first noticed that the power rear windows only worked some time, the rear windshield wiper motor was out and the electric liftgate opener did not work. In the year we owned it the water pump, drivers side window motor, and the front wiper motor had to be replaced. Then the track on the sliding side door door broke and the side window latch came apart. When the transmission went out at 82,000 miles the van went to the junk yard. I should have known because I had the same experiences with the 96 Caravan I bought new.
Go foreign
I had my van for 6 years, it came with the 3.3L automatic which gave us 4 years of good service. It is at this point you might as well get rid of it because your opinion will change dramatically. The tranny gave up the ghost at 92,000 at a tune of $1,600 and I found out I was real lucky. Dodge doesn't build anything to last. We used to buy Chrysler products, but never again!
Don't do it!
The van was fine for about the first year. The next summer the air conditioning had probs......and the same thing happened summer after summer. Was told by my car repair shop that caravans are notorious for air probs oce the van experiences probs, it will continue year after year, $ and $. At just over 100,000 miles, the transmission went out. Amazing. Found out later too that transmissions do go out on the caravan as well. Paint lso started to peel. For a van I kept maintained, I'm very disappointed. Going back to a toyota!
It works but not great
The grand caravan fitted my need ok. The capacity is great. The engine i have had no probloems except having to replace an engine mount. The drawbacks to this van is it has very poor suspension. It feels like your driving a truck but much worse because it rocks horably for a van. the side door also doesn't work right it needs constant repair due to design flaws. A better buy would be to get a aerostar which is much better
The Last Chrysler
Reliability has been the biggest problem with this vehicle. To date, we've had the following problems: - three transmission failures - water pump - front brake calipers - fan belt - shocks and struts - two out of round wheels - gives nice highway ride - cruise control out Although an older vehicle, the poor reliability of this and our Intrepid has made us import buyers.
car
very good car and drives well and came with a very good warrenty, and we are happy with it
family van
The van has been fantastic for eight years. Great power and hauling capabilities. Super family vehicle.
From our view point
We were the only owners of this vehicle and never had any trouble with it. Other than normal wear-and-tear repair/maintenance work we did not need to have any major work done on it. A truly great van for the family that took us 207,000 miles. We loved it so much that we bought a new one to replace it!
tHIS VAN SUCKS!!!
What a piece of crap. I think my 9 year old could build a better vehicle. Lets see where do I start. Oh, the brakes failed COMPLETELY while my wife was driving. thought that was solved in the early 1900s? The trans failed COMPLETELY. The DIS (ignition) failed. The engine only revs to 1/2 rpm and bucks wildly (started at 110,000 mi). The driver door hinge has ripped the metal out of the body and the drivers door latch has now COMPLETELY failed as a result, The interior has fallen apart at 80,000 mi. I replaced the front struts and springs at 90,000. Buy a new Honda Odyssey. (Like I just did!!!)
Good Value, following repairs
New transmission after 36000 miles. Covered by Chrysler. Starter replaced. Body in excellent shape after 8 years. Interior like new. Well kept.Have never had MAJOR problems as car has followed the manufactures service book. Chrysler has been more than supportive of their product. Oter than transmission, only minor, normal repairs, brakes, tires, etc. Has been an excellent investment for the past 8 years.
My Caravan
Overall great vehicle. Could have done better with the transmission, and the paint shouldn't peel off in whole sheets. If you are willing to recondition the transmission and repaint after 5 years, it's worth keeping.
Experiences With A Caravan
I'd wanted a Caravan since 1988 when I first drove cross-country from California to Connecticut. Fourteen years later I had my car. It has been very good to me for five years. In the past few months however, the interior lighting system has gone awry, the transmission slips badly when starting up in the morning, the headlights have become dim due to discoloration of the lenses, but it is still a good riding car, with 203,000 miles on the odometer. I'm looking now for a newer model because I've heard from friends and relatives that they've continued with Dodge through the years.
Daves review
bought this van when it was 5 years old and had 109,000 miles on it. have had it since Jan 2001, and this is June 2003. Now have 198,000 miles. Had to replace serpentine belt, a water pump, and the driver's CV boot needs replacing, but has given very reliable service. The hinge on the driver's door needed welded. The sheet metal gave way around the hinge. I understand that this is not uncommon. We are planning to buy another grand caravan when we decide we want something a little newer. This is our main family vehicle.
Great Van for it's time
My Husband & I Have enjoyed our 95 Grand LE. With the proper maintainance and serviceing this van has been great. We enjoyed our Grand LE soooo much that we just recenly bought a 2001 Grand Sport. There are 6 in our family and we all enjoy it's comfort and the Quad seating it has kept fights to a minimum. Our LE has 111,XXX right now and is still going great nothing has broke for fallin apart yet. We however we do enjoy our 2001's 4 door capabilities and they are powered as well as a power lift gate. That would be the only grip I have for my 95 is 1 sliding door. But like I said for it's time it was the Van to have. They have definatly made good sound impovements over the last 6 years.