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 1 through 10 of 61.00

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  Bought Used I doubt Ill buy another - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By YesAwaken - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Good looking van. Dodge will probably never make anything close to this style.

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  90k and out for me, thanks. - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By hokietxn - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1997 Grand Caravan SE with 5-year, 100k service. Great ride, good mileage, modest power, seats easy to remove/install, huge cargo capacity. Changed oil every 3k and followed service schedule at dealers for the first five years. Headaches (all after warranty): A/C compressor and dryer died, front rotors replaced, still act "warped". (Dealer) Battery recently shorted and damaged the starter. Phantom wipers, console rattle, "heavy" sliding door. Planning to sell before I loose my first transmission.

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  No Major Complaints - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By RRJ - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought the van with 68k mi about 16 mos ago (now has 82K). Transmission oil looked a little dark at the time--had it flushed before I would purchase van. Since then, had small problems, but overall, have been happy with the van. Problems include a starter that went out at 79k miles, CD player plays sporadically, and broken connector in cable running from antenna to radio. It also burns more oil than I prefer (one qt per 2000 mi +/-). So far, have experienced none of the major problems listed in other reviews. Is very comfortable, starts/runs well and has served well during my ownership.

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  Great family van - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By civictd04 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had no engine problems what-so- ever. Only problem has been the wipers sometimes will turn on for no reason, which gets to be annoying. I wish it had fold down seats like the Honda Odessey. The two sliding doors are also extremely convenient and the gas mileage and driveability of this van are great. It drives like a comfortable car. Dim headlights for sure. Great value.

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  Serpentine Belt is a real snake - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Pathy - December 12 - 1:03 pm

  I bought used vehicle at 100K miles. Now it is at 150K miles. Drove across Texas several times with family, it never let us down. Recently while driving in town in rain, the serpentine belt came off. A month earlier I had replace the rack. Still I feel uncomfortable of its steering. It is loosing power steering intermittently in slow driving. Trying get rid of it soon

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  Still Going After 209K Miles! - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Ron Irwin - October 8 - 8:26 pm

  Well, I finally had to put some significant dollars into my van, but much less than any new car I might purchase. Runs like a new one with a factory rebuilt tranny (old transmission had trouble with low gear, but otherwise ran great). Have run Mobile One synthetic oil in the van since it was new, and the oil added 10% to my gas mileage (20-24 MPG with the 3.8L V6). Change oil and filter once a year (20-25K miles). Will keep this van until the wheels fall off! Very happy with the purchase and performance of this vehicle.

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  My first of three - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Deere1939B - June 26 - 11:53 pm

  I also needed a larger vehicle for a growing family. Looked at Ford and Mopar, and went with this because of recommendations. Has been a very good vehicle for 4 years. Bought it with 56K, and now have 165K on it. Had some normal mech maintenance, including valve job, gas tank fuel pump, serpentine idler bracket, etc. It is still fairly easy to work on, but then I got the Dodge shop manual. The book is worth its weight in gold. Only thing I really dont like is the headlights. They become opaque and crystalized with age. $200 for a new one? I think not. It does everything. I havent used my pickup for three years because I pull a trailer with the van, with loads of room inside.

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  great vehicle - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By jomare - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle now has 330000km and is still going strong (original engine, original transmission

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  Very Reliable, Great Mileage - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By Very Pleased - March 8 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned this van for about a year, and it has always been very reliable. I bought it used with about 90,000 miles on it, and it runs like it is still new. My average miles per gallon is between 22-26. What more can you ask for from a minivan? It has never let me down and I have only had to do routine matinence (brakes, tires, oil changes, etc.). I would purchace another one in the future.

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  1997 dodge Grand Caravan - 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
  By CJPorter - February 15 - 10:00 am

  For a family with lots of kids and prjects, the dodge grand caravan cannot be beat. Ive even hauled a washer and dryer in together with the back seats removed. I love my caravan