Used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Consumer Reviews
Used Grand Caravan for sale
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.
I will never buy another Dodge vehicle after this.
Nick Teti, 05/03/2016
updated 11/05/2018
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 4dr Ext Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
19 of 25 people found this review helpful
This 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Review: Absolute Junk & The Lousiest Car I have ever owned Date: 5-2-2016 I have a Grand Caravan, 2005 with a 3.3 V6 engine and it has been the lousiest, must junk-worthy vehicle I have ever owned since 1986. I would equate the craftsmanship to absolute crap, and it has been a problem-laden car, with mileage currently at 118,983. As a result of several repairs, and loss of time, as well gobs of money I have arrived to a point of complete contempt and disgust for this vehicle. I have also contacted Chrysler whom has not owned up to any of the mechanical defects of the vehicle, only to be ignored. If you want to make friends with a mechanic, get one. Here is a list of everything I have replaced on this: Serpentine Belt Alternator Starter Front Tie Rods, all CV Axles in the front (both) Water Pump Tensioner Serpentine Belt Head Gasket Head Valves Valve Guides Radiator Struts, all 4 Rear Bearings on both wheels (this occurred after the brakes overheated on highway 285 in the mountains, and luckily we did not get killed as a result when one seized up, and the other failed). This was a result of a defective ABS computer causing the rear brakes not to disengage. This resulted in the rotors fracturing, and the car becoming too dangerous to drive. As well both sets of brake pads in the rear were fried. ABS Sensors (3) 1 seat belt clasp, drivers side Most of the emissions components, excluding the catalytic converter, (think about this issue if you plan to live in most of the lower 48 with a registered vehicle). 5 fuel injectors ABS computer system (anti lock brakes computer). Entirely new brakes on an average of 20k to 30k miles several time as the rotor & caliper design is insufficient for the vehicle weight. This includes brake rotors. Brake Calipers ( both front ) 2 times and 1 each in the rear Air conditioning compressor EGR Gas Cap Air conditioning components 1 piston & surrounding components in the engine Windshield wiper arms (both). These locked up together at night while it was raining on the freeway with poor visibility. I was almost killed as a result, as I could not see and went down the side of a steep embankment. An absolute Grade F for this Car, and I will never buy another Dodge I am at the point of deciding if the engine will last after the premature repairs, and based on the complete lack of confidence I have with this vehicle. If I have to replace this car prematurely, I will never by another Dodge or Chrysler, ever. I wouldn't allow you to park one in front of my house either. I would not be caught dead in this sCrappily constructed junker either. Aside from the problems listed above the car has developed rust spots indicating a shabby paint job done, as the car has not been scraped/scratched or physically damaged in these areas collecting rust. Not Even Worth the Gas to Me Being self employed if I had to deduct the cost of the vehicle, repairs, and all other expenses, I would be facing surpassing the Score and sitting at a stinky desk justifying equipment vs. profit on an ongoing basis. Consider buying a more reputable mechanical vehicle if you wish to avoid this. Not to mention, the cost of having to avoid business growth, and personnel quality of life, as a result of the financial burdens this car has put on myself, and my family has made this vehicle into a hostage taking situation. All the parts I have had to buy, and paying all the mechanics to keep me from being unemployable, and unable to earn income has also brought me to absolute disgust with this Dodge Not-So Grand Caravan as well. My Summary The biggest aggravation for me is when this vehicle put my life and my family's life in danger, aside from the ongoing plague of mechanical problems that have basically rebuilt much of the car. This is "incredible," based on the amount of miles I have on this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unreliable piece of Junk
Unreliable - runaway, 10/18/2010
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 18 people found this review helpful
Bought this Grand Caravan SXT with 19K and 11 months old. Paid extra for extended warranty, got my money's worth after replacing the Door motors SEVEN TIMES! Now post warranty, driver's side only opens auto (no manual door motor clutch stuck), passenger side is only manual, door motor shot. Radiator rusted at 80K, now just dies with no notice, no error code while on HWY at 50+ miles an hour. Hey Chrysler, try a curve at 55 with no power steering %^&*! Dealers and my mechanic can't find anything, no error codes. AC controls on dash, lights flicker on/off, poor solder in unit, had to replace. NOT SAFE, get a HONDA 2011 Odyssey like I did. Still have this Caravan for I can't sell it, unsafe!
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan for sale near you
3 of 49 listings
- SXT Passenger MinivanMSRP: $7,999211 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $9,999250 mi away
- SE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $11,999250 mi away
See all 49 listings
Brakes, Oil, and front end
Steve-O, 11/08/2009
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car has been useful to us. The stow and go appeal is practical for our family of five. It's utility cannot be denied. I have replaced the front rotors at 30k, and at 50k, and we now have to watch the oil level as it will creep to the minimum "add a quart" line on the dipstick just prior to reaching 3k on the oil & filter change. Tie Rods and steering assembly failures are not uncommon amongst our circle of friends who own them. So, good design, some cheap parts in the front assembly and brake rotors make these problems prolific in this model. If you know that and understand it going in, you'll be fine.
Special Edition: A Very Nice Car
Dale, 12/15/2008
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I really like my 2005 Grand Caravan Special Edition. It is very comfortable on long trips and local short trips. We've purchased the full mechanical system maintenance and haven't used it at all even with four plus years of service. The things that I like about it are the stow-and- go since I filled the car several times with 4x8 sheets of plywood, and I didn't have to remove any seats; just stow them. The air conditioning, power, and quiet running are tops. The car came with manual cabin temp control which i don't like. I am still fond of the Grand Caravan but ready to sell after 46000 miles.
Red Lemon
Rick, 04/28/2008
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Ext Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I like the stow and go and the power side doors, thats about it. The van has been nothing but trouble since the warranties have run out, even tho they weren't much help when they were in effect. At 32,000 miles the front brake on the passenger side ruined the rotor. I've replaced both outer tie rods, both rear bearing assemblies, the EGR is failing, and my ABS sensors in the rear have both failed. There is an electrical gremlin which dims lights, causes the power accessories to quit, and left me windshield wiperless during a downpour. Wipers started working when the rain stopped. Dash has went dead on 3 occasions, tilt wheel malfunctioned, many more little things. Will never buy another.