Overview & Reviews

A complete redesign yields a cavernous interior, best-in-class driveability, and new innovations such as the optional driver's side passenger door. And although the all-wheel drive version is discontinued for now, Caravan dethrones the Ford Windstar and once again reigns as king of the minivans.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 29.00

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  R.I.P. Beastie - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By rstlne - June 19 - 12:08 pm

  I was surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. Granted, this vehicle isnt perfect, but it is a tank. My dad hit a deer at 45 mph head on, and she didnt even need repairs. A/C hasnt worked since 2004 and you had to kick under the glove compartment to turn on the heater but it ran. Forever. I bought it with a bad tranny, replaced it, and have needed only oil changes all the way up until her death at 283,841. It might not be the prettiest, sportiest, or most exciting car on the road but it goes. Forever.

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  1996 ES Minivan - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By J. Johnson - January 20 - 7:52 pm

  Purchased used in 1998 with 79,000 miles. Owned for 12+ years with only routine maintenance problems. Put snow tires on front ever winter with no problem handling in snow up to 8 inches deep. 3.8 L V6 engine has lots of oomph if needed to pass cars on highway. Love the cruising comfort with 4 captains seats. Just completed a round trip from MA to NC with no complaints. Averaged 23 mpg. Used around town also with 3rd row seat removed for extra cargo storage. Can fit up to 10 foot long pieces of lumber inside if needed. Enjoy the trip computer with built in compass.

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  Keeps on going by Dadman - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By B Clark - February 4 - 7:52 am

  I bought this van used in 1999 with 108,000 miles on it. It now has 210,000 miles on the same 3.0 V6 engine. It now smoke some at startup (worn valve guide seals) but Maxlife Valvoline oil has stopped that. The engine is from Mistubishi and it is as strong as when I got it. No electrical problems, great exhaust system, suspension is wearing, durable interior and great to drive. Now for the trans and a/c. Tranny was rebuilt at 120,000 miles for $1800. Ask for a upgraded rebuild kit not a factory kit. Worth the money. Torque converter started acting up at 190,000.A/C new compressor installed at purchase. The system needs recharging every year. Invest in own recharge kit (cheap).

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  Not so bad - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By M Gulley - September 21 - 3:09 am

  I bought this vehicle used 2 yrs. ago at 68,000 miles. Living in Michigan, I have driven my van to Florida and California and back. It has been very reliable I would say. I am currently at 117,000+.I have had a problem things breaking in the inside of vehicle, like cupholder cover and other little plastic parts. Also recently the A/C went out. I also just replaced the radiator. Otherwise Ive been o.k with the Caravan.

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  Good Idea, poor execution - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By JAZZ1151 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  The design is very innovative, however the quality and reliability left a lot to be desired. We purchased a 7 year 100k mile Dodge warranty and used it. Multiple major problems with the transmission (4) including a complete replacement, cooling system, A/C (5) and a belt tenioner that fails like clockwork every 20K miles since new. Many more less critical problems too numerous to mention here. Except for being beat to death with $50 warranty deductables after 36k miles long warranty enabled us to keep the car longer than we would have if we were footing the bills.

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  Just try to tear my wife away! - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By rickaroo - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I have read a number of very negative things about this vehicle but our experience has been pretty positive. In 60k miles of ownership (60k-120k) the only problem outside routine maintenance has been the air conditioner.

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  I dont see what the problem is.. - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By MDozer - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car seems to get such a range of emotions from their owners. Me for one have only had 1 problem since this van was bought, and the previous owner said they had not problems at all except replacing the tranny at like 90k. About 2 months ago the Air conditioning went out completely, I will admit that we have had a few small issues with the a/c. Other than that the car is great everything is placed well on the inside, the dash is easy to read, and contrary to other reviews NOTHING falls off, yeah theres a lot of plastic but its all attached very strong. Overall the performance is average, the 3.0V6 is a little slow

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  Buyer beware - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Robert Dennington - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The car has been trouble from the beginning. Chryler couldnt fix the problems while it was under warranty and now since it is out of warranty the problems keep growing.

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  Well Designed, Poorly Made - 1996 Dodge Caravan
  By Paregoricforthemind - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Van has been a pleasure to drive. It is very roomy, well laid out and the right size for four young kids. I especially like the quad seating and second sliding door, but it is a pain to keep repaired. It infuriates me to take it into the dealer and have the desk guy knowing my problems (and the cost to fix them) before I even describe them. Electrical system is poor and I refuse to pay them to fix the damn wipers which switch on for a few wipes every hour or so. I keep it as a reminder of all the other problems so I remember to buy the Toyota Sienna next time.