Used 1999 Dodge Ram Van Consumer Reviews
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Wanted to Love this van.....eh
Ron E Dee, 05/01/2018
updated 11/07/2022
1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 Maxi 3dr Ext Van
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
We were the second owner of the 15 passenger version, white w/ dark tinted windows. First off I want to say, I really wanted to love this van. It was priced $10k below the comparable Ford 15 pass van. But, now I realize with good reason. We purchased this used, with 45k miles on her from a used car dealer. We bought the extended warranty, luckily! The former owner was a church, or group home, so the miles were hard miles mechanically. Within 6 months the front-end needed a complete overhaul. The first of 2 that would be needed within 100k. More on that later. Then the whole AC system needed replacement: from the compressor to the dryers to the hoses! Fortunately the $1500 it cost was in the last month of our extended warranty, on the dealers dime. Having a big family, the size and ride were very good. And she ran very reliably for us, needing very little maintenance besides the usual, oil, filters, cooling and tires. Tires on this baby were a huge expense, but we only needed one set in 60,000 miles or so. Back to the front end on this series van.... I have a friend who was a Dodge/Chrysler mechanic and he said the front end on these were always wearing out. IMO Chrysler didn't get the design right. The van always creaked and made weird noises, like the geometry wasn't right. Even with the new parts and alignment was done. And the van always felt like it wandered on the freeway. And you were always correcting the steering. At first it was annoying, but I guess you get used to it after awhile. Again, I wanted to like/love the van. But there was always something to complain about, despite the solid reliability it had for us. If you are considering this vehicle? Make sure the front end has been checked. Its quite pricey to do. And it seems the parts only last 40-50,000 miles before you will need another go. The van will run forever. But you will need to repair the front end at some point. Its not an option. Oh.... if the one you are considering has the 4sp overdrive tranny? Don't do it! My mechanic friend said the standard 3 speed automatic is way more reliable, on any Chrysler product in that time period. **UPDATE** We sold the van to a traveling, sales/marketing group. Not before we spent another $500 welding the frame around the control arm. Again, the front ends of this period 3500 is atrocious! Be vigilant about it when purchasing one.**UPDATE** We ended up selling the van, but the buyers mechanic found the right side frame where it connects to the suspension was cracked and needed welding....which took off $500 from the selling price! I guess, now I know why the van was "wandering"! Check yours!! At least I got a few thousand back on my overall investment. Good Luck!
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Customized Dodge Ram Van 1500
mikelebay, 10/23/2004
1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 3dr Van
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Extended roof with T.V. and Video Player; Plush Captains Chairs (4); Mood lighting; fold down rear bench; However, chairs don't rotate :( Plenty of hauling room and comfort for passengers and 'CAPTAIN'.
Occasional user
Camper, 03/13/2005
1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 3dr Van
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Good hauling capacity, got the 6 way adjustible seats which are the cat's pajamas, used mostly n the summer, fishtails on the slightest ice. Smooth riding for such a big vehicle. Would have liked the 3500 if I knew about the lower cargo capacity
I bought it used
jetzt1, 11/21/2008
1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 3dr Van
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
Bought this baby used with 58,000 on it with no indication it had ever been worked on for major problems. Drove it from CA to MO twice and got between 13 and 17 mpg from the 318cc engine. Have replaced water pump, front wheel bearings, and spark plugs in the 20,000 miles I put on it. I have one concern with a noise from the tranny on backing up. This noise started after the van was frozen shut for several days during the ice storm in Springfield and the -5 degrees temps. This is the most comfortable ride I have ever owned although my Cadillac Biarritz was a close second.
awesome
Jason, 05/25/2017
1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 3dr Ext Van
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Greatest vehicle I've ever had. Mark III conversion pkg is the jewel of luxury.
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Dodge Van? never again!
dditaranto, 10/06/2004
1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 Maxi 3dr Ext Van
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1999 Dodge 3500 extended cargo van brand new. This was after owning three other dodge vans, which I was very happy with. The older vans were built much stronger and lasted much longer between repairs. This van has cost me more time and money than it's worth. After just two years I had to sink over $1,700. for the front end to be rebuilt, The rotors were replaced twice at the cost of over$700., the fuel pump was also replaced, the oxygen sensors were replaced(by myself) for a cost of $179.00 for two,the sensor in the rear that controls the speedometer was replaced, etc.Today I was told that the heads need replacing, the fuel pump, the fuel jets,$3,600!!!.. Dodge? NEVER AGAIN!!!