Used 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
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Not too bad, after 8 yrs and 160k miles
Purchased in 2004 with 20k miles on it. Swore I'd never own a minivan. LOVE the carrying capacity, although removing the bench seats to make room for plywood sheets was a pain. The built- in kid seats (2nd row) was very handy after the kids got out of car seats. Love all the power outlets. Multi-zone climate control was nice. Very comfortable overall. Mechanically, the brakes/rotors got worked on more than I'd have preferred. It needed some kind of engine sensor replaced ($300) at about 160k. Tires = normal wear/tear. Fuel = approx 17 (but I have a heavy foot). A/C is still awfully cold, cruise works fine, very pleased overall. Just bought another used one!
Dodge Caravan Owner for Life~
Very reliable van. purchased when it had about 26,000 miles. It now has 188,700 miles. We have had to do the standard repairs (Tires & Brakes). Around 100,000 miles we did have an antifreeze leak. Finally after a couple years of dealing with that they figured out it was a crack in a hose. They repaired that and we have not had any problems since. Currently the only thing wrong is the Drivers auto lock broke and the exhaust needs replaced.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Sport Passenger MinivanMSRP: $1,999182 mi away
- Sport Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,000345 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $8,450530 mi away
My $.02
This van has the potential to be awesome! It drives great, handles well, and hauls all the kidd-o's with room to spare for all the extras. The integrated child seats are the best! Here's where my enthusiasm ends... The first transmission was replaced at 35K miles.Other failed items include the idler pulley on the serpentine fanbelt, front brake replacment at 45K, Front wheelbearing failure at 50K, Power steering pump failure at 50K, second transmission shifting hard into 1st on deceleration at 50K. Several recalls have been issued on this van. Dodge not covering much of anything on the extended warranty... So much for a certified used vehicle
Never again
Bought the van because of affordable pricing and good looks. Reliability and build quality are poor with several recalls and replacement of transmission, water pump, AC compressor, sway bar bushings and now the blower motor only works on high. Have replaced blower motor resistor but that only worked for a short time before it failed. Many other problems, thank goodness I took out the extended warranty on this thing.
Love our van
We just bought this van a week ago, so reliability will have to wait to be determined. But so far, we love it! Very spacious, captain chairs are nice, easy to move, and remove. 3.3 V6 is plenty of power if not pulling anything behind it. We thought of buying 2003, but found a 2002 w/ 12,000 miles for $10,000 less! Dual climate control is sweet, as is rear climate control. Nice van!
hate it!!!!
I bought this van 6 months ago and it's horrible. I had so many problems and they just keep coming. My ac compressor went out so that cost me $400. It always needs breaks. My left tire sensor is going out and now my computer is going out. It's $4000 just for the computer. One of the power sliding doors broke so I can't use it. The wiring to my signal lights are messed up. When I first got it, I had no problems until 2 days after my warrenty was up. Dodge won't work with me on trying to fix it. To them, nothing major is wrong and told me not to worry so much about it. With 4 kids I need a reliable car and this is NOT it. I regret buying this van.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
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- Value
NeedsQuality
This car has been nothing but trouble ever since the day I purchased it. I will NEVER buy a Daimler Chrysler product again. There is NO quality in them, and they treat customers like trash! Gosh! Peice of JUNK!!!
It's just perfect
It's just perfect, but extended warranty is comparitively higher then other minivans in the market. I felt really bad about that.
No Regrets - Still Love It after 8 Years
Ordered new with lower (cloth) trim level, added roof rack, power rear gate, touring suspension, traction control, and steering audio controls. Absolutely love the model; all (even teens) enjoy driving it and don't want to sell. Outstanding interstate/trip vehicle but uneconomical around town. No major repairs but lots of $400 types (power doors, power steering, rust at rear wheel wells, power windows). Annoying dash LED back lights have failed so we are in the dark for console controls (but not displays). Automatic HVAC controls are poor design, wish they were just sliding manual controls. Engine performance, handling, and ride are great. Also very utilitarian with all seats out.
A God Send
Ever since I purchsed this vehicle it has been nothing but heaven. It drives wonderfully, handles well, and has plenty of power. The power sliding doors work extremely well. The design is very eye catching and its very enjoyable to drive. I haven't had one problem with it, and I didn't with the '99 Grand Caravan ES AWD I had before it. Don't limit yourself to looking just at the Honda, the Grand Caravan offers so much more. I opted for the entertainment system and it works extremely well, the climate control is excellent. I would like the fold flat rear seat but the split rear bench is just as good.
The Big blue Van
So now I'm 30- something w/ 2 kids; so now I have a van. Well, i must say that the Dodge Grand Caravan is a really cool van, as van's can be. The van has all the features(except a C/D player) we wanted and was exaclty priced at what we wanted and could afford to pay for a van. The cool thing is that the Grand Caravan is the cheaper priced- just as nice cousin of the Chrysler Town and Country.
Love My Grand Caravan ES!
Have had van 3 months, replacing '00 Chrysler T&C LXi. Super comfortable on lengthy trips - with plenty of storage space. Gas mileage at this juncture a little less than the prev Chrysler - getting ~23 MPG on the highway and ~13 around town (very hilly), but performance is peppier. Purchased AWD for handling in winter driving conditions. Better looking van than the competition, IMHO, but actually a slight drop in preferred appearance from the '00 model. Great performance and cornering ability for a van of this size and high center of gravity.
Wish I never bought this car
I've spent over $8,000 in engine repairs & maintenance the 5+ years that I've owned this car. Unfortunately, I've had endless mechanical problems and the car has litterally spent weeks in the shop over the 5+ years, meaning that I had to pay for a rental car out of pocket, while van was being repaired. I wish I never bought this car. I wish I would have gone for the Honda Odessey or the Toyota Sierra instead for a van. It frustrating dealing with the local Dodge Dealer for repairs, as they don't seem to value the customer's time enough. On the positive side, the interior of the Caravan is nice enough and comfortable for my family of 4--but my mechanical problems outweighed this.
Upping the ante
Value for the price defines the EX model. Equipped with most features that one wants in a family vehicle, you won't break the bank with this van. The 3.8L engine is smooth and gets up to speed quickly. Having owned 2 other Caravans, I'll wait to give judgement on the transmission. Fit and finish appear good. At times the electric doors are a little finicky about opening and closing. I don't know if it relates to operator or mechanical issues.
Love that Dodge Van!
My wife and I are in our 50's, the kids are gone, and this is the 1st Caravan we have owned. We should have had one years ago! We replaced a Pontiac Bonneville with this van, and love the convienence, comfort and versatility of this vehicle. We will replace it with another Dodge Grand Caravan.
Dodge Grand Caravan is the best
Smooth ride and maximum comfort. I feel like I'm in a luxury car.
Not Too Happy about Dodge
I am a sucker 3 times over. Several nagging problems. It started with the power steering. It started getting really loud and whining and I took it to Dodge and they said there was an issue with some hoses that needed to be replaced. Later it came out as a recall. The back power liftgate is quirky. Sometimes it opens and sometimes it does not. The drivers seat squeaks horribly when you go around turns or your body shifts in the seat. The brakes were done at 27000 miles and I have had to take it back 3 other times. What a ripoff!
The Best Minivan- For a Reason
The Dodge Grand Caravan is the best minivan, period. And if you're thinking Odyssey, think of this: Three months ago, we bought an Odyssey EX that gave 3 problems in the 2 months of ownership. We traded it in for a Grand Caravan eX, and LOVE it! NO mechanical problems. The G.C. cost $4000 less, and comes with MORE features! The power liftgate and doors are so useful with the kids, and the sound system quality is incredible, and it can search for different types of music (jazz, pop, etc.) This van has 20 more cubic feet of room compared to the Honda, it drives 10 times better and is 10 times quieter. P.S: The only van with no soccer mom stigma.
Actually like it
We traded a 2002 model with a 3.3 in it.Used ES model came to dealer with 10,000 km on it Old guy owned it, to big for him to park. He had put a gold warranty plan on it. Even paid all oil changes. I really like the power and good in ice and slush with ice radials. Have just had very miner problems, all fixed on warranty.Don't use it enough, should sell it, but like to drive it. Only has 60,000 kms. on it(37,000)miles. I suppose I'll have nothing but trouble now that I brag about it.
Best yet
When you sit down and compare apples to apples the Dodge Boy's end up on top. Something that the neh sayers need to take into consideration is the Diamler effect put into these van's. Fine German engineering is quite evident in the interior. Fit and finish excellent. Would never opt for retractable rear seat unless the split 50/50 rear could retract individualy.
love it
just fun to drive and room for everyone and everything.
ultimate crusier
sit back an set the cruz an sail away in this smooth riding gem,test drove all of them nuttin is sweeter
Car has been great!
I purchased this van used with about 60K miles. It now has about 119K miles and I have had very few problems. I've done all the routine fluid changes, etc. but no major problems. Had the water pump replaced a while back. I love the comfortable ride. Now I'm in the market for another vehicle because my husband's died and I'm getting the new(er) car. Kids are in college now and I can't decide what to get next.
no 5 star here
After 3300 miles the trouble began. ABS sensor failed, power sliding door stopped working. At 5000 miles the power steering cooling line ruptured. At 5700 miles the A/C compressor seized, necessitating a tow from the highway. 6000 miles, excessive noise from the front end. 3 trips to the dealer & 4000 miles--it's getting louder. 13mpg in city,unacceptable for a sticker claiming 18mpg!!!
I like it!
Purchased the vehicle used with 15k miles....have never had any problems of any kind. The engine has plenty of power and the power sliding doors and lift gate are great for our two kids. The interior could be a little more luxurious, but it is certainly adequate. Overall, it is very nice vehicle for families. The stock tires were pretty lousy, especially in the rain. We replaced them with Goodyear Assurance TripleTred's and it was a HUGE improvement. We also had to replace the front brakes at 27k miles.
nu 4 2002
We had a '97 Dodge Caravan LE and loved it. This one blows the '97 away. Tremendous ride, sound system, leather appointments.
Lackluster
I bought it new and wanted to comment when I saw that several reviews had noted problems with the replacing the brakes at fairly low miles. I have also had to replace the front brakes on this vehicle at 38,000 miles (pads and rotors). There was no warning that these brakes needed replaced until one of the rotors warped. I kept asking the dealer to check them and they always told me that they were fine. Funny how now that the van is just out of warranty that they need replaced. Typical MOPAR quality.
Very good van
2002 Grand Caravan Sport. Purchased in Nov 2001, now with 8000+ miles. No problems! Great ride, quiet, smooth, plenty of room. I will admit I feel more secure with the 7/100 warranty they threw in for free. I would have liked to purchase the Honda Odyssey, but I feel very good about the $$$$ I saved. The customer service I got at purchase time was fabulous, and that sealed the deal for me; I worked with the fleet manager. My next door neighbor bought one; and another family friend too. I have heard a rattle or two; under the dash driver side, and back near the rear bench seat; they come and go. But hey, I did not buy a $40,000 luxury car.
best value
I only had it for a week, but so far, it's the best car I ever had in my life.
Overall, it is a nice van
Nice looking van inside/out. Very comfortable & somewhat quiet ride. Controls are conveniently laid out. Love the dual & rear climate controls. The V6 engine is powerful w/great acceleration. Only problems I had was exterior trim pieces at windshield & driver side sliding door came loose. Overall, great van. I just traded it in for its sibling, a Chrysler Town & Country LX only because I was getting close to 36K miles and as many already know, Dodge/Chrysler's reliability record is not one to brag about, although it makes good looking vehicles.
Good Buy - No Hassles
Just recently purchased this van. FIrst time van owner. Good product, excellent value and dealership. Would suggest all you looking at vans to consider the features available in this van compared to the others, dollar for dollar.
Lovin' the ride !
I purchased this van for a small mobile business I started. From day one it has been extremly reliable. I get a lot of compliments on it and love being seen in it. My only complaint is the 14mpg I get seeing as I live and work in the city. Other than that my family is lovin it.
Third Time Around!
I should be a "poster child" for Dodge Grand Caravans. I just purchased a 2002 Grand Caravan SE Sport--my third Grand Caravan in 14 years! In search of a replacement after 9 years, I test drove SUVS, other vans, and station wagons for a year before deciding that I couldn't happily survive without the roon, comfort, drive, and dependability of a Grand Caravan. I must say that there have been strides made in the handling and ride of the Grand Caravan since 1994! Here's to another 145K miles!
Great van for Mom's Taxi
I love my Caravan, loads of room for the kids and all their junk. Trunk is good for groceries. Seats easy to manuver, except for removal, that is a pain. They are heavy and awkward. Had brake trouble at 40k miles. $600 worth of trouble, but it was a rental prior to my owning it, so I wasn't too surprised. Overall good, reliable vehicle. Easy to drive. Would definitely by another.
Love to Hate
We bought this off the showroom floor with 10 miles on it. It drove very well, but on the drive home we noticed a problem with the back taillight wirering.Fixed. Then, noisy side doors. Road noise is not fun to listen to. After 7 years and 80000 miles not unsatisfied, just a little unhappy what we have to live with. We had a flat and the aluminum rim isn't straight anymore, mileage and a wobble is still a bummer. New waterpump, tuneup, but no major costs. I am noticing a slower startup and going down road the tack jumps, maybe fuel fiter. The plastic is wearing but the seats are still well made, leather. I will look at this each time I buy from now on. Outside paint is still looking good.
It's a keeper
We've been very happy with the van and Dodge service. Some early problems (ABS/traction control packed up at 350 miles, small head leak detected at 18K, both fixed under warranty), otherwise troublefree. Excels at long trips: very comfortable for four adults and two small kids, not fatiguing to drive. Leather interior is definitely worth it with kids. City gas mileage has been 17-20 mpg, on long trips from 22.5 to 24.5 mpg. At the time purchased, the only other van we found competitive was Honda's Oddysey, with a 3-month wait to get one from dealer allocation (and we checked with every dealer within 100 miles) for $3K higher street price. We intend on keeping it for at least 120K miles.
Pleased
Overall, a very good vehicle. This is my third Caravan. Very comfortable on the road. The Touring suspension and ABS helped avoid a seroius accident; the car was very stable in an evasive move. Dynamite infinity stereo although the headphones are too difficult for the kids to work (me too). Problems: power sliding door, oil leak at the filter flange, transmission shifts hard from 1st to 2nd under light load.
Trip taker
We bought our van with 35,000 miles on it. We bought an extended warranty from a company that went our of business, but did get some repairs done first. This van was great for our family when we took trips. Even though it didn't have the DVD/Tv system. We didn't have too many problems until around 100,000 miles. We now have 134,000. Motor still runs good. Changed oil every 3000 miles and had the tranny serviced several times. The lock broke in one of the sliding doors. Just had front end problems. Sway bar bushings and a cv shaft. $500 to fix. My last brake job lasted 3 years. Replaced EGR valve. Now engine light is on. Vacuum problems. Also belt, tensioner and water pump. $500.
es eval
So Far so good. Mie is a 2001 but same thing as no changes were made. My wife "loves it." We have all the option xept DVD/video. It came with 7/100K warranty on powertrain and tranny,3/36 for all else.
Decent at best
I purchased my van used with 29,000 miles on it. At first I thought it was great we got a great deal etc... well now every 15,000 mile it needs breaks, acceleraton is slow when the air is on. The tensioner belt has squealed since the 2nd month of ownership, problems with the rack and pinion sterring, had the ac fixed ($1200). Now the transmission is starting to have problems. I call to make an appt and one dealer is a month behind to get it in, another is at least 2 weeks. I will NEVER buy one again. Thinking of buying an Odyssey.
Better than Honda, Ford and all the rest
I have had this vehicle for over 6 months and 10k miles. It still feels and drives exactly like the day I picked it up. Dodge dealer was great to work with. Lots more options for a much lower price than the Honda and I didn't have to put up with the Honda dealers attitude.
Grand Caravan Sport
Doors rattle 3.5 l engine not as responsive as previously leased 99 Gr. Caravan Seats uncomfortable.
'96 Plymouth Grand Voyager
I have a '96 Grand Voyager (same as Grand Caravan). The transmission blew at 60k and now with 130k its begining to slip. But I must admit is has served us well. You get good power out of the 3.3L V6. Lots of room, VERY comfortable ride.
there are no problems to Dodge
I recently purchased a new Dodge Grand Caravan for about $20,000, with the key fob. It is clearly the best minivan. The only options aside of the standard features were the Power Convenience Group, Deluxe Convenience Group, CD player with cassette, and Rear Window Defroster. This van has many great features like the cupholders, stereo, and excellent air conditioning. The fuel economy is also great for a van. I fail to see why this van's twin (Town & Country) placed only fourth in Edmunds' Minivan Comparison Test.
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Comfortable, quiet ride. Good visibility. Excellent sound system with six speakers. Easy to drive. Test drove Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, also. The Grand Caravan is definitely competitive; I was pleasantly surprised. Decided against the Sienna due to smaller space; the Odyssey due to budget. I would have bought the Odyssey at MSRP, but no offers.
2002 Grand Caravan ex
Looked at all minivans and pared the list down to the Honda, Mazda and Grand Caravan. I refuse to be railroaded into paying $3k over MSRP for a car, so the Honda was out. We ended up buying the Grand Caravan ex and hit the road on a 1200 mile road trip from SoCal to Lake Powell and back. We hit extreme temps, rain, wind, sand storms and the van took it all like a champ. Very comfortable and well thought out vehicle. I am still a little worried about the reliability of the power train, but with the 7yr/100k warranty, I think that is covered. Great van for a great price.
poor quality
Very comfortable and versatile. Served us well with two teens through college, however constant maintenance was costly and inconvenient. Another example of good basic design but poor materials and engineering of components, especially persistent problems with A/C, Transmission, Alternator, Belts, Wipers, Brakes, Spare Tire, Liftback and Radiator. Other than those things, it ran fine ; )
LOVING IT!!!!!!!!!
just purchased and the main selling point to me was the price. got everything I wanted except for the entertainment system (but will be buying that soon) and saved over $8K on a comparable Honda Odyssey. Inside is spacious and with 2 small children, it really helps. i would reccommend this car to anybody!!!!!!!
My Van
My van has pros and lots of cons- the pros: powerful 3.8LV6 has nice interior and exterior abs. Now the cons- lots of trouble, the transmission had to be replaced at 70,00 miles, and the airbag sensors came on. The senor in the streeing wheel broke 2- 3 times.
Great car
This has been a great minivan. We really like having vents that go all the way back (which is why we bought the Sport) and the built in kid seats - they make life so easy. The car runs great on the highway and handles really well. I just want better gas mileage - I can't wait until they start making hybrids or just improving the mileage.