Dodge Caravan - Plymouth Voyager 1996 - 2000.

Why this review differs from another

The answer is simple: Instead of testing just one brand new minivan I took a few of them with the number of miles behind, which allows me to find out how reliable this model is, what are its "favorite" defects, etc. Plus, I'm very closely familiar with car mechanical that allows me to judge vehicle technical aspects.

Looks nice, no wonder it's so popular...

Interior

	Very shortly: It's very spacious (supposed to carry up to 7 passengers). The A/C works perfect. There is not too much noise while driving. The gauges on the instrument panel are easy to read. The luggage compartment is also quite capable especially on Grand Caravan. If you want more space, rear seat can be removed.

Drive train

Reliability

If you want to compare reliability rating of few different vehicles follow this link:
The JD Power Consumer Centre.
Personally, I think this is a very nice van, but reliability is something that can be improved:
From several cars I checked one (5 years old) had the cruise control and the horn not working (I suppose clock spring defect), another (3 years old) had problem with the wipers - sometimes, front wipers would stop in the middle of the windshield and the rear one seems to be operated by a ghost - sometimes, it goes on and off by itself, with no apparent reason (most likely bad ground connection). The owner of the third (4 years old) Caravan had complained about the rear brakes. All the others were generally OK. Similar cases you can find if you follow the links in the bottom of this page. Of course, if you buy a new one, everything is covered by the warranty. But if you want to buy a used one, make sure to check the car very carefully prior purchase. How to do this, find out below in this page.

Overall

As a conclusion, I'd say this is a nice looking and comfortable minivan, everyone would enjoy driving it and I only wish the Chrysler could do something to increase a reliability rating of their products.
If you want to buy Dodge Caravan, there are some useful links in the bottom of this page and you also can learn what to do in order to prevent the automatic transmission from damaging (see chapter below) If you are going to buy a used one, consider getting a good extended warranty to protect yourself.

What to look for buying a used Dodge Caravan

First of all, of course, check the car history report, it may save you a lot of money. Here is how to do it:
How to check history of your car
Check carefully all internal accessories. Don't miss anything, check all of them one by one:
check A/C, it should provide really cold air (but not just cool).
Check power windows, power locks (make sure it works on side door and rear gate either), mirrors, heater, stereo, etc. Make sure to check cruise control and horn. Try to open and close all the doors and the rear gate. The warning lights "ABS", "check engine" or "airbag" should never go on while driving. Actually there is a long list of points to check.
Learn here: How to check a car Illustrations will make it easier for you to understand. Here is one more link for those who likes to know even more detailed what to check:
Buyer's Alert By CanadianDriver.com

How to check automatic transmission

These Chrysler transmissions already have became so famous (check links in the bottom of this page). Not as far as few days ago I saw my neighbor pushed his Caravan backward (guess, reverse speed was missing). Of course it doesn't mean that every Chrysler vehicle has a problem with the transmission - I now many people who is happy with this minivan. But you are going to spend your hard earned money and expecting the car to carry you and your family trouble free in any long trip. Therefore, if you're buying a used one, be sure to check the transmission very carefully. First, check the oil on the dipstick.
If you are not familiar how to do it, here is How to check the automatic fluid
It should be clean and transparent, without any metal filings. Try to wipe the dipstick off with clean white paper and look closely at this paper. There should be only clean and transparent transmission fluid. No black flakes, no metal particles, no dirt. If any of these is the case, avoid this car. Try to smell this fluid. It should not have a strong burnt smell. If it has, go away.
Check more details at How to check an automatic transmission

How prevent transmission from breakage

Automatic transmission is very complex and can be easily damaged even by adding a small amount of a incorrect fluid type. Here are few tips that can help to prevent the transmission from damage:
- Always check your parking space. If you discover any leaks - get it fixed before it will cause a serious problem.
- Never switch to Reverse or Park until the car comes to a complete stop.
- Check the transmission fluid level on a regular basis.
- Change transmission fluid as often as specified in your owner's manual.
- Be sure to use the correct type of transmission fluid.
Chrysler transmissions are very sensitive to the fluid type. Wrong type of fluid can destroy the transmission.
- Don't spin the wheels too hard when you are stuck in the snow - this will cause the transmission to overheat - the most common reason of transmission failure.

How to check the engine

Links