Overview & Reviews

Dodge brings out the Caravan eL, a value leader that lists for around $24,000. The luxury factor on higher-line trims is boosted with the availability of power adjustable pedals, rear-seat audio with wireless headsets and the coupe de grace: a DVD video system for the rear seat, which also includes wireless headsets.

• Comfy ride, DVD video option, refined drivetrain, impressive handling performance.

• No fold-flat third-row seat, unimpressive reliability history, potentially pricey.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 70.00

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  Decent at best - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By KMB - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my van used with 29,000 miles on it. At first I thought it was great we got a great deal etc... well now every 15,000 mile it needs breaks, acceleraton is slow when the air is on. The tensioner belt has squealed since the 2nd month of ownership, problems with the rack and pinion sterring, had the ac fixed ($1200). Now the transmission is starting to have problems. I call to make an appt and one dealer is a month behind to get it in, another is at least 2 weeks. I will NEVER buy one again. Thinking of buying an Odyssey.

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  poor quality - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Maz - January 4 - 4:23 pm

  Very comfortable and versatile. Served us well with two teens through college, however constant maintenance was costly and inconvenient. Another example of good basic design but poor materials and engineering of components, especially persistent problems with A/C, Transmission, Alternator, Belts, Wipers, Brakes, Spare Tire, Liftback and Radiator. Other than those things, it ran fine ; )

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  Never again - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Dennis - April 14 - 6:00 pm

  Bought the van because of affordable pricing and good looks. Reliability and build quality are poor with several recalls and replacement of transmission, water pump, AC compressor, sway bar bushings and now the blower motor only works on high. Have replaced blower motor resistor but that only worked for a short time before it failed. Many other problems, thank goodness I took out the extended warranty on this thing.

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  no 5 star here - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jabenj - January 31 - 10:00 am

  After 3300 miles the trouble began. ABS sensor failed, power sliding door stopped working. At 5000 miles the power steering cooling line ruptured. At 5700 miles the A/C compressor seized, necessitating a tow from the highway. 6000 miles, excessive noise from the front end. 3 trips to the dealer & 4000 miles--its getting louder. 13mpg in city,unacceptable for a sticker claiming 18mpg!!!

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  So unhappy - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Lang - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 1999 Grand Caravan Sport SE. I loved it and decided to by a new one when my lease was up. Bought a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. I hate it! I kept telling the dealer I wanted the same exact options I had in the 99 and was told they were not available, so I settled! The 2002 has a rougher ride and Ive had problems with my parking brake. It doesnt release completely on the first try and have to pull over and put it on again and release it. Sometimes it takes 3 tries before it releases. Had it back to the dealer twice and they say there is nothing wrong. Every time I drive this Van, I feel like I made a big mistake and cant waite to get rid of it!!

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  So unhappy - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By lang - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 1999 Grand Caravan Sport SE. I loved it and decided to by a new one when my lease was up. Bought a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport. I hate it! I kept telling the dealer I wanted the same exact options I had in the 99 and was told they were not available, so I settled! The 2002 has a rougher ride and Ive had problems with my parking brake. It doesnt release completely on the first try and have to pull over and put it on again and release it. Sometimes it takes 3 tries before it releases. Had it back to the dealer twice and they say there is nothing wrong. Every time I drive this Van, I feel like I made a big mistake and cant waite to get rid of it!!

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  Trip taker - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By JLH - September 10 - 10:50 pm

  We bought our van with 35,000 miles on it. We bought an extended warranty from a company that went our of business, but did get some repairs done first. This van was great for our family when we took trips. Even though it didnt have the DVD/Tv system. We didnt have too many problems until around 100,000 miles. We now have 134,000. Motor still runs good. Changed oil every 3000 miles and had the tranny serviced several times. The lock broke in one of the sliding doors. Just had front end problems. Sway bar bushings and a cv shaft. $500 to fix. My last brake job lasted 3 years. Replaced EGR valve. Now engine light is on. Vacuum problems. Also belt, tensioner and water pump. $500.

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  Wish I never bought this car - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Jen - June 11 - 11:20 am

  Ive spent over $8,000 in engine repairs & maintenance the 5+ years that Ive owned this car. Unfortunately, Ive had endless mechanical problems and the car has litterally spent weeks in the shop over the 5+ years, meaning that I had to pay for a rental car out of pocket, while van was being repaired. I wish I never bought this car. I wish I would have gone for the Honda Odessey or the Toyota Sierra instead for a van. It frustrating dealing with the local Dodge Dealer for repairs, as they dont seem to value the customers time enough. On the positive side, the interior of the Caravan is nice enough and comfortable for my family of 4--but my mechanical problems outweighed this.

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  A great ride, but not reliable - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jdryer - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I bought this van at a year old with only 29,000 miles on it. I can say this is one of the most comfortable autos Ive ever owned and there have been quite a few. But as for reliability, not so good an auto. When I bought the van it had a noise from the engine that sounded like a cricket. After many attempts the dealership replaced one of the pulleys and that fixed that. Ive had to replace steering gear, at total repair charge of $605, at 46,895 miles. Ive had an off and on oil leak. Now at 62,000 miles I seem to be having transmission "issues". Wish me luck on that one. Overall, would I buy another Dodge Caravan? Yes, but only if the dealership throws in an extended warranty.

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  My $.02 - 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Greg - November 12 - 4:10 pm

  This van has the potential to be awesome! It drives great, handles well, and hauls all the kidd-os with room to spare for all the extras. The integrated child seats are the best! Heres where my enthusiasm ends... The first transmission was replaced at 35K miles.Other failed items include the idler pulley on the serpentine fanbelt, front brake replacment at 45K, Front wheelbearing failure at 50K, Power steering pump failure at 50K, second transmission shifting hard into 1st on deceleration at 50K. Several recalls have been issued on this van. Dodge not covering much of anything on the extended warranty... So much for a certified used vehicle