Used 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
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1999 Dodge Grand Caravan ES AWD
Despite all the warnings not to buy one of these, especially with all- wheel-drive, I can now say, with 152K miles of mostly around town driving on the clock, that this van owes me nothing. Yes, the serpentine belt went out at 70K miles and the speed sensor went out early on, but both are minor. The transmission is just now starting to slip a bit between 1st and 2nd, but otherwise this has been an incredibly reliable and well thought out vehicle. I'd be hard pressed to improve on my van (office, pickup, camper, taxi). I am most impressed with the ergonomics and space. Unfortunately, for me, there is no longer any vehicle on the market that can meet all my needs as this van has.
This vehicle should have been recalled!
Where do I begin? This van has been a nightmare to own. It should have been deemed to be lemon status and Dodge should have given us our money back or corrected many, many flaws with this model. The serpentine belt has come off at least 10 times, with the tension idler replaced half of those times. Also, the ignition locked up twice with over $700.00 in repairs each time. Having this van towed was an eye opener when the towing guys were aware of our problems based on the number of these that they tow. Adding insult to injury was the way Dodge treated me over the phone - never acknowledging the problems although the internet is full of these problems... look it up and learn from my mistake.
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $7,887238 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $999998 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,9952,011 mi away
Utility out the wazoo
This van does everything we need it to do. Haul kids, groceries, vacation, camping gear, plus dozens of other things. When we bought it my wife and I said we would probably never be without one again. I still stand by that statement. The comfort and utility of this vehicle is unmatched by even the most expensive autos on the market. And it's MADE IN AMERICA! Isn't that a refreshing idea!
Good and bad
The good, it's roomy, works great as a truck with both bench seats removed, can haul 4x8 sheet rock, good on long trips. Now the bad, it's American made, which means, it's poorly made. It's garage parked, yet there is rust, even under the hood where the struts mount. After 3 years and 30,000 miles, needed a new transmission(expensive, and a notorious problem with Dodge) Replaced starter, heater core, window regulator/motor twice, also very expensive. Replaced power steering pump because IT RUSTED OUT! Basically it's a hit or miss with these Caravans, more misses than hits, so be very cautious when buying used even with low miles, Dodge dealers will not cover you.
Reliable
I bought mine used with already 150,00 miles on it for $750, the interior was not in excellent condition but drives good and the sound of the motor was great with good acceleration. Took it home and later it wouldn't crank, my husband jumped it and put a new battery, that was almost 6 years ago, in that we had water pump replace around $200, radiator $300 cuz I run a board on a high way at night no way to avoid it and it slapped my radiator, radiator fan went out med summer day on our trip to South Georgia back to South MO thank the Lord it didn't bust out radiator, I have a good honest new Mechanic replace the fan relay really cheap, the heat/ac fan went out, it would have cost me $300+ if I had took it to my old croaked Mechanic but I order the fan including the motor for $47 from rock auto and installed it myself, that was four years ago. If I have to get another van it would be another dodge minivan preferably between 1999 to 2005, im still driving this van with 265,000 miles, I would never suggest to buy a used Honda van. It makes me puke to think my bad experience with honda.
- Safety
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
I would not take it even if it were free
I bought this van new and cheap. Thought I was getting a deal. I should have checked this web site first. This van had transmission and engine problems and the back door latch was broken. I owned the vehicle three months and it started to act up. The worst vehicle I've ever owned. I will never buy another Dodge/Chrysler product ever again. Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest or Mazda MPV is my next choice. We have a transmission place in our area where the owner got rich from repairing Dodge/Chrysler transmissions. This vehicle is dangerous and I feel Chrysler's repeated production of this vehicle exploits women and children.
Great Long Term Value
Purchased used w/17K miles in 2000. Has been a great long term value. Minimal cost to own. ES model has everything available at the time. 3.8 ltr has plenty of power @ 180hp. Hauls 7 comfortably. Great on long trips. Live in TX, van has been to CA and back and Orlando, FL and back plus many trips to surrounding states. Avgs 23 mpg city/hwy. Gotten 29 mpg on hwy, avg 25. As of 5/09, have 229K. Rebuilt Trans. at 190K. New Cat. Converter at 185K. No other major mechanical issues, just stuff that wears out-alternator, water pump, pulleys misc sensors and switches, etc. Would buy again but wife wants something different after 10 yrs. 1999 ES model still best looking w/17in. wheels.
Grand Caravan
Generally this has been a very good people hauler. Problems encountered in 9 years were: transmission sensors, when brakes needed new pads also had to replace front rotors. Rust is an issue. Passenger door, rear wheel wells and body attachment points for front suspension towers were rusted. I thought they built this with galvanized steel?
Electrical / Head Gasket
18 months old and would start and not run. After several days, dealer found short near top of engine. Dealer very good about not charging us a lot. At 5 years and 62000 miles, the head gaskets started leaking coolant into the cylinders. Dealer estimate for repairs exceeds $1000. Engine should last longer than that.
Baby Hauler
This is by far the perfect vehicle for our family. (Three kids under 6) With relatives we often haul 7-8 people around. It is smooth and quiet. However we seem to constantly have small things going wrong, 4 brake jobs at 50k, tensioner&serpentine belt, rear calipers and now no heat (we live in arctic Minnesota). Has anyone else had problems with the thermostat or radiator?
Works well
Have owned this Dodge Grand since new. Has worked great. Very few problems. If used for city driving can be hard on front brakes, check them often. Have serviced the trans regularly, and had no difficulty.
This was the best minivan in the 90's?
This minivan was advertised and reviewed as the best minivan of the 90's. Thank goodness the 90's are over. This van has been unreliable. We were a block from home heading to the airport and both the input and output transmission sensors gave out. This was at 4:00 a.m. and we had to catch a plane at 6:00 a.m. We have had to replace all four power window motors, and we have had to replace the driver's window motor 3 times and it just went bad again. This vehicle is totally unreliable, and it is a shame, as the concept is quite good. Unfortunately, the reality is, this vehicle sucks!
Van needed major work
I currently have 87000 mi, so far I have had to replace my transmission and blew the head gasket. Over $4000 in repairs and I have only owned it for 3 years. Although there are not any major repairs on the horizon (knock on wood) the van is simply falling apart with all the rattles in and out of the vehicle. It has been wonderful to have such a pratical vehicle, however I hate to drive this car any farther than 1 hour,uncomfortable on long trips. This was my second Dodge and the second Dodge that needed a transmission. Any loose bags of stuff roll around in the back, other makes have a well for the seat and that prevents the rolling of stuff. Look at the Toyotas or Hondas.
Very pleased
Very surprised at the reliability of this van. We have 135,000 on it and have taken it out west 7 times and to Florida 3 times and never a problem. Tires, brakes and shocks so far. One secret is that we change the trans fluid every 30,000 miles. I think that is why the transmission has lasted so long. The engine is smooth. 19 mpg in town 24 on hiway. It is a great value. Can't believe it has lasted so long.
Long term Grand Caravan Sport
Owned the car for 10 years now. Got us through 2 kids, friends, 20 Nascar events to Texas Motor Speedway. Car has been garage kept for 10 years, spent its whole life shuttling kids in a 10 mile radius. Just now starting to have oil leaks. Belt tensioner was fixed 2 years ago (loud-but did not effect performance or reliability) and is starting to make noise again. We have the sport, it's comfortable as far as vans go. Went through 3 sets of tires in 10 years. Ignition cylinder locked out 2 times in 10 years, both times had to be dragged out of garage. Overall, a good local kid hauler for 10 years. Time for a sportier Volvo next week! Goodbye minivan!
Very good vehicle
Have to say this van has been VERY reliable. Has 225,000 miles and only minor problems. Replaced alternator about a year ago. Recently the cooling fans went out causing the radiator to crack. Replaced the radiator, still haven't found out whats wrong with the fans. Gas mileage got bad about a year ago. Wierd story. Used to go from east georgia to north alabama on 3/4 tank of gas. It got great gas mileage. Took it to get a routine oil change one day and when I picked it up I had to put gas in it 3 times to make it to florida. Ever since then its had the worst gas mileage. Weird? Yes. Other than that I've had no problems with it. Very roomy, comfortable, drives great.
Best vehicle we've ever had
Sorry to read that some others don't share my opinion. We bought this Grand Caravan from a rental car company in May of 2000. It had 47,000 miles on it when we got it. It now has over 131,000, and has been nearly troublefree. From memory, the things we've had to fix: two speed sensors, one window regulator. Everything else has been normal wear and tear. I've kept up with the factory maintenance schedule, and have changed the oil every 3K-4K miles. Just a week and a half ago we did a 900-mile round trip to attend an out-of-state wedding. We've also made many trips to Florida, most recently this past summer. It's been a great van.
Mechanical issues
Overall very sturdy and comfortable, with a smooth ride, but significant mechanical issues: Engine head blew at 34,000 miles. Partial transmission failuire at 47k. Speed sensor failure at 54k. Tensioner pulley locked up, and water pump failed (bearing). High-speed side of radiator fan unit locked-up, resulting in overheat condition, resulting in oil boiling and sludging the engine. Electronic window motor locked-up. Temperature readout of trip computer stopped functioning. All of this and more just four years after buying it off of the showroom floor. Repairs after the limited warranty expired have been costly.
Good Looks, Bad Problems
I bought the van because I like the looks, but it didn't take long to find out that I bought a piece of junk. I have talked to other owners of this van and they all have the same problems. Here is a list of my problems: 1. I have had three sensors go out at $125 ea. (Car will not shift gears when the sensor goes out) 2.The drivers side brake caliper has been replaced 2 times and still doesn't work right. 3. Most of all, even though I had the transmission serviced every 35000 miles, It still cost me $2000 to replace it before the van hit 100,000 miles. On top of everythings else, these vans have such lousy resale values I can't even get rid of it.
10th Year... still running
Decent vehicle. I've had same problems as others: Speed sensor ($150), drive belt & tensioner ($400), new cooler lines ($500), leaking master brake cylinder & brake work ($600), side window motor ($200). At 5 years the transmission started "lunging" between 1st & 2nd gear. I've heard many people needing new trannys at this point. I've gotten another 5 years by easing (not pushing) the car between those two gears. Still working. I'm hoping to get another 2-3 years out of it.
Great affordable vehicle
This was my third Caravan and was the best and most reliable. Change the oil regularly and tires when appropriate. I enjoy the vision and the height of the seats. It is not a luxury automobile but quite functional. Many long trips went by quickly.
Bills worst nightmare
The mechanical aspects of this van is terrible.
1999 Grand Caravan Sport
Initially we loved this vehicle. It performed well and was an excellent family hauler and trust me, we have a clan to move! Over the past year we have experienced several problems including the drive belt tensioner, having to replace the front brakes twice in 13,000 miles, needing new front brake rotors, exhaust sensor replacement and speedometer sensor replacement. A little too much to swallow in such a short period of time. Our perception is that the vehicle is falling apart after just a few years of use. We are ready to jump ship and move to a new, different brand vehicle.
Leased-Costing much$ before I return it
Stay away from this vehicle! I have had to replace a speed sensor, master brake cylinder leak repair, brake pads and have had strange electrical problems. All right at 36,000 miles (avr 12K a year) when warranty expires!
What a toilet
100000 miles and many of them to and from the shop. Fuel pump failure, belt tensioner failure, starter failure, brake jobs every 15K; its one thing after another. Interior is nice, comfortable, but the wind noise necessitates cranking the volume to hear the music. Brakes are terrible, feels like the car isn't going to stop, and handles like a truck. Has a lot of room for hauling, and when you step on it, it has power (3.8L eng).Wife likes it though the mechanical failures have put us in the market for a new van--NOT a Caravan. Anybody want to buy a Sport model Caravan?
Would buy another one!
We bought this car just after the birth of our third child. The sliding doors on both sides were the best feature at the time. It has been reliable with the exception of having to have three speed sensors , a water pump, and a belt tensioner. The van rides great and the seats are very comfortable. We get about 24 mpg on the highway and 18 to 19 around town. With about 65000 miles on it, I have no major complaints.
Very satisfied overall
Bought used from a friend (off lease) with 36K mi. Owned for almost 7 yrs. Other than expected and reasonable maintenance/replacement items (brakes, batteries, tires, belts, tune-up) had no major mechanical or electrical problems, and it never left us stranded. Finally traded off at 135K mi, but only because we were getting a little nervous about frequent road-trips to remote rural areas for family obligations.
Aaaack!!
We've had the brakes repaced 4X in 48,000 mi. Also, replaced sensors 2X in the last 3 months. Drive belt tensioner is about to go. We had a Subaru for 7 years with 1/2 the problems of this van :(
Grand Caravan Sport
Quiet,smooth ride with plenty of room for the kids. Has been extremely reliable with only a couple of minor problems. To date, 92,000 enjoyable miles. The front shocks started to squeak at 40,000 miles, but still function o.k. and are still on (with the occasional squeak). The clockspring coil pack was replaced at 84000. Each of the two transmission speed sensors out at 45000 and 55000. Total repairs (I did some of the work myself) is under $500. Not bad for a vehicle about to hit 100,000 and still drives like it was new!
Wow this car has suprised me
I purchased 7 years ago at 70,000 miles and now have 196,000. Only changed oil, brakes, starter and water pump. Car just keeps going and going. The paint is peeling off, but the engine keeps humming. Seats seem impossible to stain. everything comes off.
If safety is what matters
We owned a van just like this one, and my husband was hit in the passenger side door sending the van spinning 360 degrees. All of the tires popped and the van hit another car. Needless to say, it was totaled. HE WALKED AWAY with nothing bit a case of jitters. If he were in our Honda I don't think he would have been as lucky. The CHP couldn't believe he was walking. We have 4 kids and no matter if we have to repai it (which we haven't had to) we will ALWAYS drive a Dodge Grand Caravan SE. Of Course until the kids are older then its a 2 seater:)
NOT TOO BAD SO FAR
I HAD ONLY ONE PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASING IT USED..I HAD A SENSOR GO OUT THAT KEPT THE VAN IN 2ND GEAR..IT HAPPENED 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING IT SO THE DEALER REPAIRED IT AND GAVE ME A RENTAL CAR..10,000 MILES LATER..ALL IS OK
prarie schooner
van has been real good ,and real bad. tranny serviced as required,but popped at 113000 miles $2000 to fix. shocks&struts at 96000 miles.brakes at 70000 miles. no other problems at 125k.the van has been reliable and worryfree the rest of the time. i had bought an 05 gc to takeover for this one,kept this to run around town. no complaints. many comfortable road trips.
Wonderful Van
I purchased my van used in 1999 with a little trepidation, but I could not have been more pleased. It drives wonderfully and have done 0 repairs only routine maintenance.
Great Reliable Vehicle
I bought this van about 3 years ago. It was a certified pre-owned vehicle with about 45,000 miles on it. I must say it has been a great family hauler. It is very comfortable, and reliable. I never had to use the pre-owned warranty which took it to 80,000 miles. I currently have 102,000 troublefree miles on it. Chrysler/Dodge really is number one in mini-vans. I have only had to replace oil, battery and tires. I have the 3.8 litre engine which is quite powerful.
Very reliable car
The only problem I had was the air conditioning. Went out at about 150000 miles. However, I never had any other mechanical problems. It has 232,000 miles and is still going strong.
Sue's review of Dodge van
AC problems...replaced with non Dodge Condenser coils, etc...Works perfectly now. All else with van is great.
Reliability w/ COMFORT
This has been the best car I've owned - Perfect for the kids & all that that includes. Comfortable - Great in the SNOW with the AWD blows both of our 4 x 4 's away Love that both passenger doors open. We put in a TV & DVD player & it's great. Other Family members always call to borrow our Van when they go on long distance trips. Highly Recommend
Sportiest when it comes to minivans
These vans are pretty cool when it comes to a minivan. I like it alot and there's plenty of room.
Good but not Great.
I do mostly interstate driving ~17K/yr. I currently have 65K miles right now. I have replaced the brake pads once 5 months ago. I have not had any problems with any sensor or belt tensioner. I did get a recall letter about a possible fuel O ring that might be a problem in the engine compartment. There are some electrical problems..windshield wipers can be fickle. The transmission has had a rough time getting in gear at first at very cold temps (10 to -20F. I bought this car brand new..and i had a small transmission leak..a poor seal. I fixed it myself. I also seem to be losing some oil more recently.
This van stood up to a lot of abuse
So, the junkyard comes to pick up my Grand Caravan tomorrow, and I'm very sad to see it go. I bought it with 30k miles on in 3 years ago, and it now has 190k on it. It has been my band's tour van and the main vehicle for my cleaning company. As well as heavy daily driving. it's gone across the country 6 times (plus a tour of Mexico) loaded with about 1600 lbs of band equipment. It also survived getting stolen by some teenagers. It showed wear with age, but it was amazingly reliable and had a very low cost of ownership especially for the way I treated it!
Regrets and Concerns
Purchased the van used with 54,000 documented well cared for and maintained miles. Transmission was replaced at 44,000 miles - I thought ok, I have a van with the bugs worked out. Within two weeks it cost me $900 for a computer and auto stick handle! This van scares the bucks out of my wallet. Now I have a metalic sound when the van idles that concerns me. Beautiful van FOR SALE!
Very pleased
One of the best vehicles (all makes and models) I have owned. Very stylish, comfortable, reliable and cost efficient. A pleasure to take long trips for my wife and I. Sooo much room!!! My wife recently drove alone from Houston to SC.... non-stop!!! Gas mileage is 24-26 with 3.3L. Looked at the new models, but I can't justify getting rid of this gem!!!
3.8L Grand Caravan
The van has been a good driving vehicle and handles much like a car. Earlier Dodge vans we drove had squishy brakes but this year's model was improved and brakes well. The infinity sound system sounds muddy, not high fidelity. Our major complaint has been major mehanical quality, in our case at 55000 mi, requiring a new engine despite proper engine care. This alone might not be a concern except for other nagging problems: transmission control module, engine ducting, engine mount problems, water pump, idler pulley replacement. Mileage has averaged 23 Hwy, 18-19 Cty
99 Grand Caravan serves our family well
1999 Grand Caravan SE with captain seats is perfect for our 4 children ranging from kindergarten to high school age. We like the overhead console with compass. 3.3 liter is right amount of power. Maintenance is reasonable. Follow manufacturer's schedule and the transmission will work great.
I bought another one
This thing has been great. At 114k miles there are some minor leaks, and this was 99% fixed with new head gaskets. The van is fun to drive if you can say that about a minivan. It is totally reliable, very comfortable. It has enough room for 6 adults with a little storage in back and no one feels the slightes bit cramped. It even hauls my light pop up tent trailer/camper without a problem. I bought another since this one has been so good.
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
This is a wonderful vehicle my child thinks it rides like a rental car and all my children have long legs and love the fact that there is so much leg room and are very impressed by the feel and the ride of the car. We do alot running around and it is so nice to feel so comfortable in our new 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan.
DODGE SPORT GRAND CARAVAN
GREAT TO DRIVE ON TRIPS DEALER SERVICE UNACCEPTABLE. BRAKE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITHIN TWO YEARS OTHER WISE REALLY LIKE THIS MININVAN
99 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
I used to really like this van until the problems started shortly after the warranty period....A/C repair (1,400),transmission sensor(140), back door latch(150),fan belt tensioner (130). It seems like after the warranty period is up the vehicle starts to fall apart. Poor quality typical of most American products. It will definitely be my last Dodge/Chrysler purchase and probably my last American vehicle purchase...EVER!
Fun to drive - when working
Love to drive this van, especially on long trips. Can get 24mpg at 70mph. Unfortunately the van is in the shop alot, and I may trade it. Biggest problem has been the master brake cylinder. Have had 4 in 36K miles. The dash dials have stopped cold on numerous occasions, and one time some swith broke and the van was stuck in 2nd. Have my own coffee mug at the dealer.