Overview & Reviews

A complete redesign yields a cavernous interior, best-in-class driveability and new innovations such as the optional driver-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 61.00

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  Dodge on the dodge - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By meatbkr - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 96 Caravan new, and it the time to see it was when the warranty ran out. Transmission problems, air conditioner problems, brakes and rotors are always giving out. I just replaced the master cylinder at 80,000 miles, the engine and exhaust are the best features, no problems there, yet.

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  256K and transmission died - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - October 24 - 10:43 am

  SE 3.0L 3 speed Bought it with 99640 miles on it on 08/2002. Since then, I was free of any problems. Taking care of it, oil changes every 3000 miles, transmission oil every 30k, tune-ups every 50k. And finally, transmission start hard shifting from first to second a week ago. Currently in the shop with $1950 to $2200 bill waiting for fixing transmission - total rebuilt. Plan to drive it for two more years minimum. Engine is still strong. Average is 22mpg. On freeway, with 65mph it reaches 24-25mpg. Rust is everywhere. My friend tells me that soon I will not have to open the door to enter inside :). Construction is still solid.

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  Kens critique, Dodge mini-van - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By ken jennings - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased from local dealer with 50k. At this writing (8/11/03) now has 116k Have been happy overall. Some of the reliability issues other raters mentioned have also plagued me on occasion. Luckily, Im a shade tree mechanic and not scared to tackle the unknown without prints or a tech manual. Have replaced starter, several rotors, brake booster (what a pain!), idler pulley (snapped off while driving), Front and rear AC expansion valve/dryer.Also have intermittent wiper gremlin where pulse wipe quits. Even with all this, my wife loves it and Id probably get another one if I werent tiring of the design.

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  Must have got a good one.Very reliable! - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By llonman - September 16 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Caravan when our third child was born. Van had 82K on the odometer and was on the second owner. The van now has 156K and still runs okay. The 3.0 engine has burned oil since day one due to the leaking seals. But it is managable. Idler pully is worn out but is cheaper to just replace belt with the next smaller belt to fend off squeeking. One of the resistors in the fan switch also went south at 130K, so we just choose the other 4 speeds. Tranny is the 3 speed model which is rock solid. Overall good van for the daily abuse it takes.

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  Great Van - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By MMMMMM - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We love having a mini van it great and very pratical. Ive put 50k on it, but the van has 148000. Just starting to leek fluid. Only repair was a water pump. Great family vehicle and travel vehicle.

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  Nice Car - Bad Track Recored - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By memoj - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice over all vehicle but has had numerous electical failures, (wipers, sound system, cruise, ABS, a/c fan) We had to rebuild the transmission at 80k miles. The maintenance and repair record make this an expensive veh to own. Maybe that is why Chrysler is going to a 7 yr/100k mile warrant, to encourage people like me to come back.

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  Bought used Grand Caravan - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Happy with Caravan - October 22 - 6:30 am

  We neded a van for our family due to an accident which totalled our previous Plymouth Voyager. I bought a 96 Grand Caravan (Dodge)with a 3.8L V-6. A ton of room! Five of us, plus grandpa, ride comfortably with pleny of cargo room. Interior lighting is excellent with well-placed lights. We haul furniture, and bulky loads by removing the rear seat. Handling on freeway is superb. Have replaced battery, brakes and a set of tires at 159K, & change fluids regularly. We got a good one!

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  1996 Dodge Grand Caravan - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Patrick - September 26 - 7:43 am

  This is not the first Chrysler Van that we have owned. All in all the only thing that worries me about the van is the transmission (4-spd auto) whichis known to be trouble. Fuel economy is very poor, well below the Chevy Venture. But all in all, this van is worth the extra money at the pump. Ride quality, design, and comfort is tops with us. We have owned 1993-2002 Chrysler vans and have enjoyed and have had good luck with all (trading most in with mileage above 150,000). We all reall love our Caravan!

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  Not a bad car - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - August 21 - 4:03 am

  I bought it used with 99,164 miles on it (3.0 liter engine). After 102,000 miles, oil started leaking (real reason: valve cover gasket). Serpentine belt ran off the steering servo. Put on a Goodyear belt, and now everything is OK. Water pump started leaking at 134,000 miles. Got totally mad and fixed everything by myself. I am affraid of transmision problems but nothing so far. Van runs like new now. Average 18/24 mpg.

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  Not too bad, but not too good either - 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By stekicar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 96164 miles on it. Except for intermitent wipers I didnt have a sinle problm until I reached around 120000 miles. First, my engine started to leak oil, every 300- 500 miles I have to add 1 quarter. My AC compressor died (dont know whats wrong with it, maybe its just bearing), power windows electric motor on passenger side burned out, . Dont have problem with transmission.