Used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
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would not buy a dodge again
I have had a lot of problems with this car. The emergency brake fell off and damaged the rotors, the sliding doors broke two times, and the gas gauge was not accurate and needed to be replaced. I have had it three years and have decided to trade it in and get something more reliable like a toyota sienna.
Fleet manager says no more
Managing a fleet of 500 vehicles and have about 100 Grand Caravans. Good practical vehicles but mechanical nightmares. Replaced 10 rack and pinion units in the last 2 years and many, many tie rods. Electrical issues are common as well. Primarily in the column and the multi-function switches. Beware, the new models (2008 or newer) use a new key system that will set you back over $100 to replace.
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,00069 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,733250 mi away
- SXT Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,450367 mi away
SE plus power train
I bought a SE plus 2005 Grand caravan vehicle couple of months back. Initially vehicle was good but now it is not that great. Currently I have about 3000 miles only. Getting a rattle noise from engine(started around 1500 miles), checked with dealer couple of times but they claim it is normal for this powertrain. Dealers are not ready to write anything about the design flaw. Dealership Mechanics agree that it is an issue with 2005 models, but they refuse to give in writing.I am posting here as it might help the ones who is planning to buy one. I would strongly caution them.
Ugh!
We bought this vechile just under two years ago. The tranny has never felt right, but they insist it is normal. Is it normal to roll back on a hill, I don't think so! As of today, I have had to replace brakes, bearings and steering column. That is the one that really gets me. It's an obvious factory defect, the seal went, and because I'm 5000 over warranty mileage on a 2 year old car, Chrysler/Dodge will not even help out with the repair a little. As much as I love the stow and go and the ride, I will not buy another Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep product. They do not stand by their product nor do they help their customers. Spend your money somewhere else, I know we will!
In 2005, the ONLY Minivan to consider!
Just ended 6000 miles through the western mountains and desert carrying 4 Adults, 3 kids, and a rooftop carrier with 110# of camping stuff. Total load 1250#. 1 tank @ 17 mpg in San Fransisco, all others range from 19 to 25.2 mpg. That's real world driving at 75 - 85 mph with the A/C on the whole time. Friends with Honda and Toyota minivans can't touch this mileage under similar conditions! I'm very happy as gas was $3.50/gal in Needles! Perfect design. 1st 4 seats provide absolute comfort for adults up to 6' 1" 250#! In mountain driving, 8 consecutive switchbacks in Silverton-Ouray region were a dream. With this load, it accelerated up 8% grades easily to 75mph. It has a great feel, not Honda harsh. Has the best price, features, economy, and handling in its class! Very solidly built. Great fit and finish and material use. Buy it!
Great Van
Always been a GM person and moved to VW for a few years till famly grew out of the Beetle . The van can tow and carry 7 people with no problems .
Piece of junk
We bought this van last year. Since then besides almost everything inside falling off,ripping or breatking, we had two cylinders freeze up. We got them fixed, and they just did it again and we have shelled out a ton of money due to loopholes where our warrenty didnt cover it. This van takes constant keep up and money and now we're stuck owing $18,000 on a van that isn't even worth $13,000. Don't buy one!
Don't buy Dodge Van
I bought SE plus stow&go a month ago (9/2005), just after 30 miles of driving, the muffler began to make big noise, went to the deal for a fix, they told me it's the design problem, they couldn't do any thing about it. I should have bought a honda or toyota.
best minivan yet
THE SXT IS EXACTLY THE VEHICLE WE NEEDED WITH 2 SMALL KIDS IT HAS ROOM AND MORE AND THE STORAGE UNDER THE FLOOR KEEPS THE CAR CLEAN. THE 3.8 HAS GREAT PICKUP AND IT HANDLES NICELY.
Only if you need Stow n Go
If you are looking for a minivan or SUV around the same price as a used Grand Caravan, I'd look elsewhere unless you need the Stow n Go, which is a good feature. The only problems I've had with it is that the seats are heavy & you have to move up the front seats to fold the 2nd row. The van is comfortable inside and has plenty of cup holders and room. The ride is sub par, but its easy to drive and handles well for a van of its size. The 3rd row flips into a tailgate which is a cool feature. There are also individual map lights for each seat. But the speakers in the 3rd row are huge and anyone sitting back there will surely go deaf.
Bob's Review
The first two thousand miles we had tire monitor problems, engine vibration at idle and windshield delaminating. All of the discrepancies were corrected by the dealer with no hassle. Since then, the van has been doing fine and think it will do as well as other makes.
Grand Caravan Lemon
Purchased this vehicle new. Worst vehicle I have ever owned in my life. AC gone 6 times, airbag sensors 4 times, tie rods last 35000 miles, stow & go and all interior fittings are poor quality, steering rack gone at 80,000 miles, alternator gone at 35,000 miles, belt tensioner gone at 35,000 miles and the list goes on and on. Do not buy one of these vehicles. No wonder the North American auto industry is in trouble
newbie
The Stow and Go seating is fantastic. Luggage space is excellent. DVD player is good. Performace needs to be enhanced. Gas mileage also needs to be improved. Chrysler Corp makes the best of usable space.
Versatility King
I bought the Grand Caravan over the new Odyssey because of the Stow'n'Go feature and it hasn't disappointed me. I need versatility and maximum cargo space, and the Dodge has it and more. Reliability and build quality are not on par with Japanese vehicles but they cannot match the Dodge's versatility. I keep my vehicles forever, so resale value is not a factor to me.
Good Van
Have owned 2 other Dodge vans this one is the best yet. Handles better and seems to be a sturdier vehicle. Audio controls on steering wheel a good safety/convenience feature. Good ride. Be careful however, the exhaust pipe runs just under passenger side slider, easy for child to reach for dropped toy and get burned.
Love the Stow n Go, Hate the seat design
What I hate about this minivan is the design of the driver and passenger seats and the inability to adjust the shoulder strap down another inch or so to prevent the strap from rubbing a sore spot on my neck, I am 5' 4" tall. I think these two things should be a priority. The main reason I bought a DGC was for the Stow n Go seating, and I was impressed that the second row of seats would adjust back to provide more leg room. I will not buy another American car unless I can find one in which the seats are comfortable and the seatbelts adjust to fit me.
Satified so far
I have had the vehicle for about a month. We really love the van. Roomy interior. Stow-n-go is very helpful with twin boys. Ride is comparable to some sedans that I have driven. I did have to take to the shop to get the emergency brake line connected. It was never connected at the plant. Also I have noticed some of the areas behind the panels and door jams do not have the same level of paint as on the exterior of the van. Overall I am pleased with the vehicle. Hopefully no other items will come up.
I love it, but...
This is the first vehicle I've purchased. I waited a long time for it! All was beautiful until the driver's side sliding door opened while I was driving at 40 mph! I think it may have been a factory defect. Then later the door would NOT open when I was parked! Smooth ride, Squeaky brakes, but a smooth ride! Extremely comfortable!
Excellent "car"
An excellent minivan. Very comfortable, reliable, and good-looking too! Didn't want another minivan until my husband and brother talked me into this. Truly handles just like a car. With the big engine, it has great pick-up
Great Family Ride
Bought this van eight months ago and have driven 8500 miles. Overall, this van is probably the best on the market. We love the stow and go seating and it has a great A/C system. Some people might not like sitting so high in the driver's seat, but my wife does. Gives you a good view of the road. MPG is approx. 18 city and 25 hwy
Troube Free
No complaints or problems to date. Got the SXT with Stow N Go, power hatch, sunroof and tow package. Makes excellent tow vehicle, just make sure to get tow package to get 3800lbs ability. Mileage....24 highway, 20 normal, and 18 towing large popup RV.
unsatisfied
I was happy with this van for the first year and after the 3rd year it seemed every thing went wrong .The air bag sensor went on twice after repair, abs sensor went on, my rear window shatter on its own, my automatic doors had to be fixed, front both tie rods loose had to replace, steering/suspension went bad had to replace lots of money went into to this vehicle after the 3rd year I don't even really drive this vehicle that much as you can see not so many miles. I had to take it back in after one week of driving because my engine sensor failed go figure! NOT HAPPY AT ALL. Had to fork out more money.
Piece of junk left me stranded twice!!!!!!!!!
Never buy this vehicle it is unreliable and not worth your money... Very frustrating.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
DO NOT BUY PIECE OF JUNK
From day one this van is nothing but junk junk junk ..Do not buy...At 55,000 miles water pump transmission went..Nothing but junk
Shameful
We bought this minivan with only 3000 miles from a dealer. I heard a little voice inside my saying that we should run away. However, my wife liked the car so we made the purchase. Big mistake. The engine and transmission have been good for 80K miles but if you saw the list of other repairs you would be surprised. I am done with Dodge. I have owned many Chrysler products over the years but the quality has declined so much it is no wonder they are going out of business. It is possible that I just have one of the few lemons. However, when I look at the internet it becomes obvious that there are way too many disappointed customers.
What is a lemon?
We bought this van with the stow-n-go seating and the next day went on a 3000 mile trip. Other than the A/C draining into the passenger compartment, we truly enjoyed our new van. By 6000 miles the belt had to be changed. By 9000 the rack and pinion had to be replaced. 10000 and part of the Emission system was replaced. Sounds as if a U-joint is clicking and a thump in the front end. When will it stop?? We no longer trust the van. Would you??
I like the new features
I have had a few cars in the last few years.( Saturn, Neon, and a Windstar) None of these compare to the features of the Grand Caravan. We got the vehicle used but has almost brand new interior and exterior. I really like the DVD player, and stow and go seating.. I think this will make it much easier to travel to visit family and friends.
Grand Caravan
I have had no real problems with this van. I had rack and pinion changed when I first got it, still under warranty, so there was $0 cost. Other than having to replace egr at about 45,000, which seems pretty common I have not had any other expenses out of the normal maintenance. Love the power options on my van and will still continue to buy Caravans into the future! As a matter of fact this is my 4th, 93, 95, 97 all sold with 160,000 miles plus .
GREAT BUY
We just purchsed a new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, and we LOVE IT!, the incredible safety features and its competive price make it a great buy!
Great vehicle
This car has been wonderful this past year. The stow and go seating is almost miraculous. I don't know how we ever lived without it. It makes this van extemely versitile changing quickly and easily from a people carrier to a cargo transport. The navigation system and audio, video system have been entertaining to say the least. I think I always want to own one.
Driving on up
I think this van is a great find. It handles great, has a nice design and is very comfortable. The stow and go seating is an awsome addition, it was always difficult getting the seats out of my old van. I get decient gas milage concidering it's a van. The only complaints I have about the van are that after only 6 months a couple of the seat side panels fell apart (screws fell out) but the dealer promptly fixed them at no charge of course. There was also a recall on the van (something to do with the heat/AC system), but that was also quickly fixed. I think if you want a nice van at a decent price, then this van is a good choice.
Love This Van
Just love this van!!! Have only had it 2 weeks but it is the best....so far!!! All the fold down seats are the best selling feature. As an older driver this was such a great selling point. Taking the rear out was a chore. Still learning about all the bells and whistles but so far we would suggest that everyone buy this van. The price is right, the comfort is great and the convenience is awesome!!!
Great Van
I love this van. The new stow 'n go seats are great and it is so roomy. I also love the automatic hatch.
Electrical Problems
I bought the SXT when it was a year old (with 13,000 mi.), it was joy at first. A few weeks ago the instrument cluster began to flicker (warning chime, ABS and sealtbelt lights briefly illuminate, and the flickering begins). I was told it was normal, and since then the headlights have begun to flicker. The van is in the shop for the 3rd time. The dealership has it until they are able to duplicate the problem, and hopefully fix the problem.
My first van
It is a very comfortable ride. You do not feel that you are driving a van at all.
Solid and useful
Just drove it for one year. Drove it in high heat. Good A/C. It can haul a lot of material with ease. It is a heavy duty vehicle. I always see the Toyota Sienna riding very low in back with a few back seat passengers. I do not think Honda people ever do work with their vans. I just do not see the point of a van if you can't haul stuff. The gas mileage is fair. 19/20 all around 23 on the freeway with A/C and going 70 plus. Good car so far
Poor Quality From Dodge
There's a reason why GM and Chrysler are in economic trouble. My 2005 Grand Caravan sums it up. 1. Tie rods failed at 31000 miles, not covered by warranty, $350 cost. 2. Tie rods failed again at 68000 miles, $350 cost. 3. At 55000 miles fluid started leaking into rack and pinion boots. Caused engine (transmission?) to sound aweful. Replaced rack and pinion parts. $950 cost. 4. At 43,000 heating coil fried and had to be replaced. $250 cost. 5. Car has been recalled/inspected/fixed 4 or 5 times. 6. Dealer has 15K, 30K, 45K, and 60K mileage service plans, priced at 225, 400, 550, 700. Who pays that kind of money for routine service? A Joke compared to my past Toyota or Honda!
unreliable
both front brakes went at 21000 miles. both tie rods replaced once under warrenty . at 22000 miles went again. replaced with after- market ones.paid out of pocket as I did not want to keep putting junk back on. transmission seal leaked at 26000 miles. dealer asked if i wanted to replace transmission oil and filter while seal was replaced under warrenty. 150.00 bucks out of pocket and I was back on road. (oil and filter) check engine light on at 28000 miles. ekg valve. no warrenty. 220 bucks later back on the road. still have two years left payments to dodge. have not spent a nickle in repairs to my 1999 toyota 4 runner during the same period. dodge will not get another nickle out of me.
Our first van
We are very happy with our new van. It is as comfortable to ride in as our Buick LaSabre. We LOVE the stow 'n go features. I highly recommend this van. We have never bought a new vehicle before but when we saw all the wonderful options, we knew we couldn't settle for less than this make and model.
best of the Mini Vans
Rides like a luxury sedan. Has more storage space than I could imagine. No more pulling seats out they fold neatly in the floor.
A must buy
I've only had it for a few weeks, but if you are looking for an all around family car and light work truck, you found it in this minivan. I was never a minivan person, but after buying this one I am now.
Great purchase
After driving a 1999 Grand Caravan to death I decided to purchase a 2005 as soon as I saw that I no longer had to remove the seats. I find that the comfort of driving the Caravan is much more comfortable than most minivans...I rented most makes before purchasing my 99. The added features of automatic rear door and side door opening is wonderful, especially on rainy days. I enjoy the six play cd/dvd player and it kept my grandson entertained the entire week his family visited over Thanksgiving. If you haven't given it a try...do so, you won't be disappointed.
Best so FAR
Great van. Love it. Stow and Go seats is the best feauture. Had few vans in a past and this one is the best.
Kids Love the Rear Seat Video!
Dodge continues their excellence with the 2005 Grand Caravan. It's a joy to drive this vehicle. The kids love the rear seat video . . . they have never been so quiet on trips, short or long! The automatic side doors and rear hatch are way cool! We like the Butane Blue we got (almost got Inferno Red), but the other available colors are a bit blaw.
Disappointing
Had struts replaced at 65,000. The mechanic has replaced the strut mounts 4 times because whenever the weather turns cold we get a bad clunking sound when we hit a bump. Also problems with the electric windows and locks.
Ready for our 4th boy with the SXT
Have only had for 2 weeks but it looks like Dodge got it right. The stow & go is brilliant. Traded a 2001 Ford Windstar LX basically stripped. My SXT is loaded for the same price. It's great not to have to buy an aftermarket cd player and have the windows tinted. Both are standard w/3 zone climate control, 2 power sliders and power liftgate (only extra item $400). It's much quieter than the earlier Caravans. Having to move the seats all the way forward is a minor inconvenience to use the stow & go. It sure beats lugging them into the garage. Dodge reliability is always a concern but they can have their foreign minivans for $5k more. I don't want to pay $550/mo for a minivan.
Grand Caravan SXT
Just bought a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. Love the Stow and Go, and for the price, nothing can touch this van. The DVD is great and we really like the storage console between the seats. This is our fifth minivan, and the best yet.
We could not be happier
We have now owned this vehicle for just over three months. It is as good as the other reviewers have mentioned. Looks great, rides great, reasonably priced. Love the power liftgate! Excellent storage area, including underneath seats. Seats are very comfortable. We are very satisfied with the vehicle and the complete buying experience with our local Dodge dealership.
Grand Caravan
We have taken one long road trip since buying the Caravan--it made the trip so nice. The ride was wonderful, the driving was so easy, the sound sytem performed very well. Many comments from people we met about the "great looking van".
A great family car
This is a great family car. We had it for about a week and I can't believe how perfect it fits into our lifestyle. With all the storage and room inside we can fit our kids and there toys as well as go grocery shopping and still have enough room for anything else. Definitely suggest getting the SXT model with the DVD player because the kids have never been so quiet on a trip. It also feels like your driving a luxury sedan its so smooth to drive and the outside noise is virtually eliminated. Great family car.