Overview & Reviews

Available this year is a 3.8-liter V6 that puts out 180 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. And for convenience, Caravans come with rear-seat mounted grocery bag hooks, and driver's-side easy-entry Quad seating. All Chrysler products are equipped with "Next Generation" depowered airbags.

• Less than stellar reliability history.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 54.00

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  1998 Dodge Caravan 4cylinder - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Marky Mark - April 25 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this used caravan in 2000 because I started a family of 4. I brought the price down to our price range which was practically a steal. Only 5,000 miles used. A lot of space inside roomy. Rides well. Only drive 5 to 6 miles a day, full tank of gas last me a month. Some mechanical problems, tires would tread a bit faster than usual, AC needed freon in 3 yrs, leaks oil had it check out and fixed new head gasket, oil pan gasket still leaks to this day. So I just add a qt. of oil every a month. Transmission was slipping at 40,000 miles had it serviced. I have 75,000 miles on it to this day. The quality of this van is not to good, things breaks down sooner than you would think.

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  Drive in comfort - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By docdoc - January 30 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my Caravan new and after 12 years its still going strong. I keep hearing about tranny problems, but have really had no issues with the exception of an occasional hard downshift. Of course, I have had it serviced as recommended. With the exception of replacing the water pump after 11 years, the car has exceeded my expectations. Its quite comfortable. I tried the new stow & go at the dealer and very much prefer my captain chairs. Flex fuel feature in 1997 was ahead of its time.

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  A great vehicle - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By kctoolguy - June 22 - 10:54 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned. The 4 cylinder engine has been flawless, mileage could be better, 22 city 28 on long hwy trips, transmission lasted until 150K, doesnt burn oil at 212K, still has original rear brakes fronts last about 25K with cheap pads, 40K with ceramic pads, second set of tires (Michelin) lasted over 100K, good (Bosch) plugs last 30 to 40K, timing belts last 130K+. I would buy another one.

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  Comfortable transportation - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By smoke2345 - June 1 - 7:40 pm

  Ive had my minivan for eleven years and had only major issue I have had is to replace the starter after seven years. I hear a lot about bad transmissions in these vehicles, but I have not had a problem with mine. Possibly because I have had it serviced when I was supposed to. Overall, its been very reliable.

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  So far, so good.. - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Evergreen - October 7 - 10:54 pm

  Bought this car with some misgivings because of their overall poor reputation for reliability but ours has been pretty sound. We are at 129K miles and only two real problems so far. Changed the engine main bearing seal for about $400. The dash indications go blank about once a week for a few minutes. You kinda know when its coming because the ABS light comes on first. Consensus is its the "Body Control Module" but since its $900 to replace and hasnt broke permanent we havent fixed it. Transmission is still okay. Cant beat the comfort/versatility for a family of five. Took a two week vacation last winter to the grand canyon and it plowed through ice, rain and snow like a champ.

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  InNeed of a Car - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Slim Shady - July 31 - 11:43 pm

  Like any other vehicle, if serviced timely itll serve its purpose...I guess. Bought the car used in 2006 because my family was in need of a car at the time. I can say, "that the experience has been fairly decent...until the final note was paid." Hardly nothing went wrong and then the bottom fell out! I may have replaced the alt., both water and fuel pumps, brake booster, therm, rad./relay fan, and several other parts all within 6-8 mos. But hey, what can I say. It was my only means of transportation and for that Im blessed! Ive said it before, and Ill say again: never buy a "Dodge" again!

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  Bad Transmission & 3.0L Timing Belt - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By Sound Advice - June 6 - 3:32 pm

  Trade-in or sell your Caravan before 100K miles. Reason - the transmission will go out and cost you $2K to replace. If you are unfortunate to have the 3.0L engine ... change your timing belt every 60K miles otherwise this "interference engine" is going to self-destruct one day on you after the timing belt breaks! (Seems the pistons keep moving and slam into the valves,walls,whatever they can hit ... when the timing belt breaks) I really like the Caravan, but if there is a next one it is going to be traded-in or sold before 90K miles. 3.0L engine owners ... it is a ticking time bomb under your hood. Dont believe me ... ask a decent mechanic about the 3.0L interference engine!

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  Glad I bought it - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By InnAtVt33 - August 18 - 9:24 pm

  I bought my 1998 Caravan SE a little over a year ago and have had no problems at all. The first thing I did when I got it was to have the tranny flushed. With Dodge, my mechanic recommends every 20,000 miles. Lots of cargo space with the seats removed. I do wish the gas mileage was better. This is my 3rd van but the first with 4 doors and I love it. It may be almost 8 years old, but it still feels new when you get in. The interior has held up very well. I have thought about going back to a car but dont think I can. SUVs feel too truck like for me. My van gives a very comfortable ride. With less than 50,000 miles on it I think its a keeper.

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  Nice family van - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By 98 dodge - March 31 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car new. I sold it on Jan. 23 2005, for a fully loaded 2005 Toyota Sequoia. During that time I had the van I put almost 124,000 miles on it, it had never let me down. I had the mid-level SE trim w/ the 3.3 ltr. flex-fuel engine. The van had a nice interior for a Dodge, and it was pretty sturdy until we were about to sell it, the paneling was falling off. The paint was not faded or rusting, it looked like new.

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  Paid "idiot" dues buying a 2nd Caravan - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By jeff meier - March 25 - 2:29 pm

  Ive owned used cars for 40 years....no car has been anywhere near the nightmare of Dodge Caravans. Bought a new one in 93...disaster...liked the dealer and heard quality had improved on Caravans, so I bet on Dodge one more time. WHAT AN IDIOT! 3 water pumps, headgaskets blew, air conditioner leaks, starter, alternator belts, struts and stabilizers replaced at 50,000 miles....was undriveable, flimsy speakers that sound like blackboard scratching and dealer service manager says....no warranty...they still "work". I should have spent the extra $ on a Honda or Toyota.....will next time.