Overview & Reviews
After a one year hiatus, all-wheel drive returns to the lineup, available on SE and LE models. Traction control is newly available, and an enhanced accident response system will automatically unlock the doors and illuminate the interior when an airbag deployment is detected. A Sport decor group is newly available on Grand Caravan SE.
- Not the most reliable vehicle on the road.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 61.00-
1997 Dodge Gr. Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By thehurd - May 23 - 10:00 amWe have driven Dodge/Plymouth vans like this for years, and this was our third, used with 78,000 mi when we got it. Though older models had transmission troubles, we had none. Now I am selling as family is downsizing with 2 college students. Carried cargo, kids and mixes of both.
-
1997 Dodge Caravan is #1 - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Scott Lawson - April 14 - 10:00 amA very Trust Worthy Automobile.
-
Not Bad! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By kekers - March 4 - 10:00 amThe first year we had the van, we had to get work done on the electrical system (crossed wires). No other mechanical problems in 102000 miles. Quite difficult to change own spark plugs. We do have the phantom wipers, but that is not really a problem. I still get the same average gas mileage today as I did when I bought it almost 7 years ago (~20mpg). I have also used the back to haul drywall/couches,etc. Overall, not bad.
-
My Experience - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By gorjul - January 18 - 10:00 amgreat vehicle, no problems out of ordinary
-
Satisfied Customer - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Rob Melhorn - February 25 - 5:36 amOur van was a solid performer and had great flexibility. Hauled a family of six and luggage on vacation and was able to carry lumber and sheets of plywood after removing the seats. We had fun with our van and are getting a new replacement.
-
Worst Car On The Market? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By BillBittman - February 8 - 10:00 amChrysler should be ashamed for marketing this vehicle. Athough it has an attractive exterior (for a van), it is a mechanical nightmare. We have been through several recalls. The transmission problems are infamous. This is the worst car Ive ever owned-- even worse than my 1991 Ford Taurus wagon (which dropped a transmission at 50,000 miles). If you are looking for a used van, do yourself a favor and buy a late-model Honda or Toyota. You will pay a little more, but you will spend at lot less on repairs. I will never buy another Chrylser product.
-
Trading Down? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Sheryl - January 12 - 10:06 amI bought my 97 Dodge Grand Caravan in November of 03. I was driving a 01 GMC Yukon, and I needed to cut my expenses. Having four kids with friends eliminated a 5 passenger sedan and the only thing left that would fit my needs and my budget was this Grand Caravan. It was in immaculate condition but it had 109k miles on it. After signing the papers, I got in my "new" van and started it. The digital read out reminded me again of the high miles and at that moment, I closed my eyes and said "God, This is my new van with only 9k miles on it, a program vehicle, right??" One year and 30K miles later I can say kuddos to Dodge. Great ride and gas mileage.
-
This is Americas Best? - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Diller - December 30 - 10:20 amSold our 1988 Grand Caravan & bought this despite a miserable reputation. Overall pretty good, but lots of "little" problems. Grab handles fall off, fuel gauge swings erraticly and "dings" randomly. Check engine light goes on but mechanic cannot locate problem. Wipers dont always work.Rubber door gaskets have long since disappeared. Still have it after 8 years because: it has more passenger room than Suburbans, the cloth seats look almost new (raised 3 boys & more dogs) The ride is fairly smooth. (the standard suspension is WAY too soft.) Infinity stereo is greatand van still looks good. Wife wants a big SUV. Kids grown, getting a Ducati & a Mini instead!
-
Nice van - looking for a new one! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Steel - December 9 - 9:40 amWe had an older boxy-style (1994) Caravan, and when we bought the new model, my wife said it was the best "car" she ever owned. Smoother body panels are very appealing. Seats remove easily (although are heavy to lift). You can lay a 4x8 sheet of plywood flat inside when seats are out (very handy). Mileage was about 18 city/ 25 highway - great for a van. Body lean on curves is a little annoying, but expected for a tall vehicle. Well designed layout. Tall seats are very comfortable. Visibility is great.
-
Better be a AAA member! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
By Lazurus - October 1 - 2:00 amWe had several recalls which should have been warning enough. The dealership would not stand behind the warranties on the child integrated seating. Experienced electrical problems, belt tensioner issues, complete failure of brake system, and finally a catastrophic transmission failure. All before reaching 100,000 miles.
