Used 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
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Ken's critique, Dodge mini-van
ken jennings, 08/11/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased from local dealer with 50k. At this writing (8/11/03) now has 116k Have been happy overall. Some of the reliability issues other raters mentioned have also plagued me on occasion. Luckily, I'm a shade tree mechanic and not scared to tackle the unknown without prints or a tech manual. Have replaced starter, several rotors, brake booster (what a pain!), idler pulley (snapped off while driving), Front and rear AC expansion valve/dryer.Also have intermittent wiper gremlin where pulse wipe quits. Even with all this, my wife loves it and I'd probably get another one if I weren't tiring of the design.
The 96 Mini Van Energizer Bunny
Van-Man, 06/11/2009
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's funny, people have transmission problems because they just drive. You "must" change the transmission fluids at 30,000 miles, just like oil changes at 3000. I've had zero probelms with mine; now at 160,000 miles! It runs and drives like the day it was new, seriously! So if you like roomy, cadillac feel and excellent fuel economy, buy a Caravan. They are a hidden secret most people don't realize how nice they are to drive and haul just about anything around in. I've had passengers say how comfortable the seats are, you can remove the back seats for extra leg room, what more could you ask for. The perfect van for our family has been the Dodge Caravan "We own TWO!!!
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See all 0 listingsDo NOT try to tow anything with this
DeanWag, 07/12/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have an small trailer that can hold maybe 1000# I have destroyed in the last 3 years 3 transmissions and the current one is showing signs. Odd electrical probles occur intermently like front wipers do one swipe ect.
Good for its age
OM, 04/16/2010
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car in 2005 with 162,000 miles. The van is very powerful, quick, and fuel efficient. The exterior styling is timeless and aggressive, something you don't see in minivans. I have a 3.8 Liter ES. The paint is slowly peeling off on the pillars and the pin striping is coming off. The car rusts very fast everywhere. The stereo buttons are very hard to press, and plastics are coming loose. The ABS stopped working at 169,000, power steering pump leaks a little, and AC has a leak. Year by year there are more leaks and a lot more rust. Gas mileage is excellent for a 3.8 liter engine, average 23 MPG.
DODGE HAS A WINNER
VEPARIC, 03/05/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Smooth riding, Excellent performance from 3.8 Litre V-6. Average 19-20 MPG!
Transmissions and A/C are expensive!
IWantAHonda, 04/13/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the ride...but WOW the Transmissions and A/C and random electrical gremlins are killing my bank account. Dodge can't be making money on the Transimissions because they can't seem to make them last through the 2nd and 3rd transmission warranty unless the Dealer tries to say you "abused" the car...
Looks ain't everything
CYA Dodge, 02/01/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The exterior body has held up well to the salt and grime of Chicago winters. But, too many irritating flaws to consider purchasing this model again. Casper the ghost operates the wipers for no reason. Transmission was replaced at 75K (Chrysler did share the expense leaving me with $200 deductible). A/C blew air...sometimes it was actually cold.
Must have got a good one.Very reliable!
llonman, 07/19/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Caravan when our third child was born. Van had 82K on the odometer and was on the second owner. The van now has 156K and still runs okay. The 3.0 engine has burned oil since day one due to the leaking seals. But it is managable. Idler pully is worn out but is cheaper to just replace belt with the next smaller belt to fend off squeeking. One of the resistors in the fan switch also went south at 130K, so we just choose the other 4 speeds. Tranny is the 3 speed model which is rock solid. Overall good van for the daily abuse it takes.
It's Dead in my Driveway!!!
The Curves, 10/13/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was great for the first 10 months until I noticed the transmission kept leaking. It also burned oil a lot. I had to put a quart in every 30 days. I had the transmission leak fixed and about 9 months later it literally came apart! The gears went through the bell housing! It cost me $2000.00 to replace it! Then 6 months later the engine threw a rod and now it has been sitting in my driveway for the past 2 years. I refuse to put another dime into it!!!!
Dodge on the dodge
meatbkr, 07/24/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 96 Caravan new, and it the time to see it was when the warranty ran out. Transmission problems, air conditioner problems, brakes and rotors are always giving out. I just replaced the master cylinder at 80,000 miles, the engine and exhaust are the best features, no problems there, yet.
Understand what you are buying.
MarkB, 08/21/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle for moving the family round, spacious & comfortable. Pity about the reliability. I bought it with 60K on the speedo and now its at 104K. I have had a blown head gasket, the A/C fail, starter & water pump replaced. This excludes recalls on the radiator fan relay, fuel tank seals etc. I was fortunate to have a warranty which covered most of the above. If you want something you can rely on, look else where.
Not a bad car
stekicar, 07/19/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it used with 99,164 miles on it (3.0 liter engine). After 102,000 miles, oil started leaking (real reason: valve cover gasket). Serpentine belt ran off the steering servo. Put on a Goodyear belt, and now everything is OK. Water pump started leaking at 134,000 miles. Got totally mad and fixed everything by myself. I am affraid of transmision problems but nothing so far. Van runs like new now. Average 18/24 mpg.
Lemon Lemon Lemon
DebaFra, 03/19/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this van because we wanted to upgrade from our other van we wanted to have the sliding door on the driver's side and rear air. What a mistake to buy this van. I had the transmission replaced twice. The air conditioner has one speed now. The starter has been replaced three times. It leaks gas there is just no end to the problems. Now the dash is cracked. I think it is the worst. I would never buy Dodge again.
great design, poor quality
candy man, 11/27/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has had numerous repairs from the start. Most have not affected reliability, but performance and inconvenience are at stake. Many sensors, egr valve, and frequent battery replacements have been serviced. I like the design and space but can't reccommend due to poor quality.
dodge gc
conniev, 06/07/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
major mechanical problems-all major components had to be replaced at @ 95,000 miles, transmission failed twice, in addition engine, ABS, front brakes problems
The best we've ever owned
mafraziersr, 07/10/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our 1996 came to us with 106K on the odometer. I don't know about the previous owners experience. It was leased. We purchsed it at the bank auction. It now has 240K miles with no problems. It still looks great and is in daily use along with our new, flawless 2003 Chrysler T&C (21K trouble free miles). Our only complaint is the brakes. The rear brakes are weak despite our best efforts.?? No transmission problems or engine problems. A fantastic van. In fact, this was our third (86 & 88 previous)Chrysler van. Both had 200K+ miles when replaced. We've never experienced the transmission problems that seem to plauge other vans.
Greatfamilyvan
ja/kreager, 08/16/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Repetitive problem with inside rear view mirrow coming loose. Average battery life 2 years. Rides and handles exceptionally well, even after eight years. Retains its stylish looks. Bought a 2005 for the 'sto & go seating' option.
256K and transmission died
stekicar, 02/10/2011
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
SE 3.0L 3 speed Bought it with 99640 miles on it on 08/2002. Since then, I was free of any problems. Taking care of it, oil changes every 3000 miles, transmission oil every 30k, tune-ups every 50k. And finally, transmission start hard shifting from first to second a week ago. Currently in the shop with $1950 to $2200 bill waiting for fixing transmission - total rebuilt. Plan to drive it for two more years minimum. Engine is still strong. Average is 22mpg. On freeway, with 65mph it reaches 24-25mpg. Rust is everywhere. My friend tells me that soon I will not have to open the door to enter inside :). Construction is still solid.
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
Patrick, 07/04/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is not the first Chrysler Van that we have owned. All in all the only thing that worries me about the van is the transmission (4-spd auto) whichis known to be trouble. Fuel economy is very poor, well below the Chevy Venture. But all in all, this van is worth the extra money at the pump. Ride quality, design, and comfort is tops with us. We have owned 1993-2002 Chrysler vans and have enjoyed and have had good luck with all (trading most in with mileage above 150,000). We all reall love our Caravan!
Great Van, best I've owned
ZakS, 03/17/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have compared and tested a lot of vans and this one by far has the highest quality out of the domestics. It's gas mileage, acceleration, and ergonomics are excellent. I would recommend this over any other vans.
Great Van
Jerry, 08/23/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wouldn't own another American made van. It has served our family well, has taken some abuse and keeps right on going.
BUYER BEWARE!
dissatisfied, 03/01/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has proved to be the WORST vehichle I have ever owned. I have had to rebuild the transmission, replace the fuel pump, water pump,and battery. That was all within two months of buying the van, when it was 4 years old and only had 54,000 miles. Now I am faced with a bad A/C, a squaling powersteering pump, and a leaking gas tank. What ever you do, protect yourself and do not let someone inflict one of these vehicles on you or your family!
Buy something else--- run run
Shelly, 01/29/2006
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently got rid of this vehicle after owning it for 7 years, anxiously waiting for the day we could get rid of it for the last 3. The transmission failed at 147,000 miles. The worst part of it was this was the 3rd transmission. We had one replace right after we got it at about 38,000 and another at 87,000... both were covered by extended warranty purchase.
minivan
bobpaul, 10/24/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great vehicle for our family. We have 4 captain chairs and a back bench seat, with rear heat/air. We have taken some great family trips in this vehicle. Also, I like driving sitting up in the captain chairs.
Never Again Will I Buy A Dodge Product
C Paul, 09/13/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst car, and worst service, ever encountered.
bad car
nomoreamericancars, 12/02/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Anything that can go wrong went wrong with this car. VERY POOR reliability.
Great Van
MMMMMM, 03/02/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love having a mini van it great and very pratical. Ive put 50k on it, but the van has 148000. Just starting to leek fluid. Only repair was a water pump. Great family vehicle and travel vehicle.
Nice Car - Bad Track Recored
memoj, 07/12/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice over all vehicle but has had numerous electical failures, (wipers, sound system, cruise, ABS, a/c fan) We had to rebuild the transmission at 80k miles. The maintenance and repair record make this an expensive veh to own. Maybe that is why Chrysler is going to a 7 yr/100k mile warrant, to encourage people like me to come back.
Well worth the $$$$
SARCARS, 03/30/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owning over 20 different vehicles, none Dodge before this one...I'm a converter. This van 112K and going stron has absolutely been excellent! Usually I avoid 1st year new model runs, and especially a Dodge! The ride is smooth - good performance & gas mileage and no Major repairs thus far. The few recalls have been minor stuff and we are just very pleased! I would highly recommend this 96 Grand Caravan SE 3.3Litre to anyone who asks.
Junk
lmollstl, 01/18/2009
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this van new and have had nothing but problems with it. It has 170,000 miles on it and the things I have had to replace would take up this entire column. The major replacements are; the transmission twice,water pump, power steering pump, gas tank, radio, wiper motor, power windows, door locks, door hinges, etc. The only thing still working is the engine. No wonder the company is going out of business. I will never buy another Dodge
Don't Buy without a Warranty
Stacey L, 05/17/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this nice looking, comfortable van mostly due to what we thought was a good rep for Caravans/Chrysler and nice interior design - what a nightmare. Thank God we had extended warranty! Repair/replace tranny 4 times since we've had it. Water pump twice, new a/c, weird brake troubles 4 times, blown head gasket, weird wiring gremlins that we had to bypass to make our headlights even work. A/c switches burning out - I will never buy another Chrysler product after this nightmare. Would have sold, except it's paid off and the extended warranty paid most of the engine work - but we laid out $2k plus on other work.
Van or sports car?
Jeff Ross/, 01/27/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I sometimes forget I am driving a van as the speedometer reads over 100MPH on the ineterstate or when I corner with sports car handling thanks to those sixteen inch tires. Overall I love the van. I hate the minor break downs. Of course with 115,000 miles I should expect them. The 3.8 liter is a remarkable engine. It performs well even with a seven passengers.
Unreliable Junk (My worst Nightmare)
CHW, 08/24/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The transmissions are poor design and only last about 12,000 miles. This Van has gremlins too. It has electrical problems too. We finally parked it at 80,000 miles after My wife refused to drive it anymore. She bought an explorer and has been happy since.
Not too pleased
trencher, 12/14/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the car used at 45,000 miles. In three years, we've had numerous major repairs including one where the engine had to be totally disassembled. The transmission needed to be replaced at a hefty expense. The radio has been replaced FOUR times in three years. We've also had trouble with the ABS light, cruise control has failed, wipers go on and off spontaneously ... the list goes on. This is the least reliable vehicle we've ever owned, and we can't wait to get rid of it.
1996 Dodge grand caravan se
chili-mac, 08/02/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good Van, in three years only maintenance item, tires and breaks.
Reliability Issues
Sani, 02/09/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My dad bought a new Honda Odyssey this year and sold me this car, since I couldn't fit a car seat for my new baby into my 1992 Toyota Celica. He had the transmission rebuilt and then drove it up from Florida to Missouri with a trailer of furniture - well under the 3,000 pound limit. Now, the car needs a $3,000 ABS part, and the transmission needs to be rebuilt again, after less than 5,000 miles. The wipers operate randomly, which others in the reviews have noted, and the Infinity radio/CD/tape doesn't work - the buttons have to be pushed very hard, and then they sometimes operate other functions. I'm fixing it and selling it - and buying a nice, reliable used Camry.
Love/Hate relationship
CanUSayBad, 09/22/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After my wife totalled our MPV last year, I had to find a quick replacement. This van was a good price and had been well-maintained, so I took a chance. Within 12 months the transmission died, the clear coat started peeling and bubbling on top and one side, the serpentine belt jumps off every 4-6k miles and the passenger side power window just fell out. Okay, so even with all the repair bills, I still haven't paid as much as I would have for an Odyssey or Sienna, but what a hassle. Only buy if you are a motorhead able to do your own repairs.
Stay Away
No Way don't do it, 07/17/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't do it. Listen to me. I drove this van for 75,000 miles. I Will Not buy a Dodge again. Had the deductable warranty but it doesn't pay for loss time taking it to the dealer, towing, or looking stupid by asking for a lift to pick-up the van again. I went through a transmition every 12,000- 20,000 miles. They put a brand new one in every time. I could not take it out of town in fear I would get stuck. I bought this van brand new. Even ordered it with the 3.8l engine, trans cool and block heater. I never towed anything heaver than a bike carrier. Stay away, stay away!!
My Dodge Van
Randy, 05/06/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have loved my Dodge Grand Caravan since I have owned it. It is quite comfortable and I average 20 in the city and around 23 on the highway. It has the 3.8 V6. I've driven a number of other vans by other manufacturers and none compare to the ride quality of the Dodge in my opinion.
Grand Caravan Truly Great
L B Room, 10/15/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1996 Grand Caravan 3.0 Engine I purchased in August '96 has really been a fun vehicle. Reliable until 250,000 when I put in a lower priced transmission - mistake. At 300k I changed it for the original again and the vehicle is going strongly again even with occasional light towing. Another thing to watch out for is the fuel pump which went at 306K Kms. The Forest Green with tinted glass remained stylish and ahead of the competition in my view. Great job! Still looks and drives as good as new.
The worst van ever
ROTCGirl, 11/18/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the worst van I've ever owned! We have put THREE transmissions in there so far. 1 water pump had AC fixed twice and maybe a third time. The ghost wipers happen, the rear window motor always runs out and the window washers are horrid.
almost perfect
tar rat, 02/12/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van is nearly perfect, except for one major flaw; the transmission. We had to have it fixed three times and, if I wasn't trading it tomorrow, it would be going in for a fourth time.
First Year
LEJ, 08/02/2005
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice looking, but poorly engineered vehicle! The old saying about not buying the first year of a re-designed model is true. The torque converter, A/C compressor, and all 4 brakes were replaced (twice) by 35,000 miles. There's a reason why the factory warranty for brakes is only 12 months/12000 miles!
Grand Caravan: Latin for Money Pit
dotweasl, 09/17/2003
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought I was the only person who called it a money pit. I bought it from my SISTER who had maintained the car flawlessly for 6 years. After 2 weeks the AC went out. 4 weeks later it wouldn't go into reverse. A week later it wouldn't shift out of gear at 30mph. Then the AC went out again and now it's not shifting gears. RUN AWAY! RUN FAST! DON'T LOOK BACK! Did I mention the strangulation sound it makes when the automatic door locks engage? Explain that when you're driving a client to lunch. That's easy: IT'S A MONEY PIT! RUN FAST! My transmission guy said if it weren't for the Caravans, he wouldn't have any business. RUN AWAY!
Not my best purchase
cfmeme, 01/03/2007
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I an the only owner and I have put in a new motor and 2 transmissions,and many other major repairs. The van looks good but not dependable.
Comfortable cruiser
peter, 03/19/2006
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my LE for 10 years. Very comfortable on long trips, decent mileage and good power with the 3.8 engine. Seats are actually more comfortable than the stow+go seats on the new models, also interior much nicer on the '96LE. The new ones have an overall cheaper feel. Reliablity is only fair although the engine and tranny have not given me any problems. If you can find one that's been well maintained, especially with a 3.8, it might be worth buying.
Better than expected
Thomas, 10/17/2008
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought it with 72K miles and it's close to 200K now. We've had to replace the transmission and the body control module, but nothing else. We drive it a lot and with 5 children, it gets a lot of use and abuse. It's held up very well considering. Overall, we've been very satisfied with it.
Bought used Grand Caravan
Happy with Caravan, 01/21/2009
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We neded a van for our family due to an accident which totalled our previous Plymouth Voyager. I bought a '96 Grand Caravan (Dodge)with a 3.8L V-6. A ton of room! Five of us, plus grandpa, ride comfortably with pleny of cargo room. Interior lighting is excellent with well-placed lights. We haul furniture, and bulky loads by removing the rear seat. Handling on freeway is superb. Have replaced battery, brakes and a set of tires at 159K, & change fluids regularly. We got a good one!
Caravan 1996
PWC, 10/02/2002
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Every problem that could be experienced has been experienced. Chrysler would not correct a sinlge defect post 36,000 miles no matter the severitiy (transmission, etc.)
Not too bad, but not too good either
stekicar, 02/16/2004
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 96164 miles on it. Except for intermitent wipers I didn't have a sinle problm until I reached around 120000 miles. First, my engine started to leak oil, every 300- 500 miles I have to add 1 quarter. My AC compressor died (don't know what's wrong with it, maybe it's just bearing), power window's electric motor on passenger side burned out, . Don't have problem with transmission.