This is an updated review:

History of a Caravan

I purchased a used 1998 Dodge Caravan and I am highly impressed by it. I have a child of my own, plus a nephew and 2 stepchildren that I transport regularly. The old car just wasn't cutting it. I needed something roomier and designed for family. I saw an ad in a local paper for a 1998 Dodge Caravan and that was about all of the details it had. I hesitated but decided to call the number, thinking that the worst they could do would be an insane price or that it was already taken.

I made arrangements to view the van and I just fell in love. The interior is roomy and plush. The carpet and wrap around mats for the seats are just wonderful. The interior has lights for everything. There is even a little glowing light around the key switch so that you can find your way with your keys in the dark.

The middle bench seat offered pull down flaps revealing built in car seats for my child. This feature alone made the van worth every penny. I was extremely tired of dealing with the car seats and boosters that had to be taken in and out constantly to switch vehicles.

The van holds 7 passengers comfortably. Of course, just like all vehicles, if needed, you could fit more in. The console features a wonderful stereo system and the speakers put out great sound. The only downfall to my particular van was that it came with cassette only and no CD player. I have since solved that issue.

I Got More Than What I Paid For...

I paid $1,500 cash for this van and do not regret it at all. The book value is much, much more, and the van is in very good shape. There are over 116,000 miles on the Caravan and we are in possession of all documents for all work performed on the van. To date, there have been no transmission or engine problems as have been mentioned by other reviewers. This particular van features a 6 cylinder engine and I know that some 4 cylinders have given fits transmission wise. Luckily, mine has not.

The only downfall I have found to the Caravan is the cost/availability of some parts. For example, it is not possible to just purchase a wheel bearing. You must purchase the entire hub assembly, wherein a $20 part becomes a $120 part. However, it has also been stated that when a wheel bearing goes bad, it's recommended to replace the entire assembly anyway, so that may make a difference. These Caravans are stated to be harsh on brakes. I have not had any difficulties with mine as of yet.

I have had the opportunity to take my van on a few trips already and it has held up great and not given me the first problem. The air conditioning is wonderful. The smoothness over many types of roads is amazing. The ability to comfort and soothe all family members really takes a strain off of me as a parent.

The acceleration of this van is amazing. I can accelerate much quicker in it than in my previous vehicles. It has wonderful power and gets you where you need to go in no time fast. Beware the speed traps and police patrol... you will find yourself with a ticket quickly!

Dodge produced these vans in many appealing colors such as red, silver, black, grey, brown, purple, and more. My particular van is Taupe Metallic which looks like a dark grey color. It is very nice.

My van is a 5 door Sport model which gives it a few extra features such as the extra door, extra speakers, extra vents, extra power adapters, cargo rack, and more. I couldn't have found a better vehicle to meet the needs of a common American family.

If you are looking for major complaints on this vehicle, you won't find them here. This van is dependable, rides smoothly and comfortably, gets up to 25 miles per gallon in gas mileage, and handles very reactively. I am so thankful to have found a wonderful deal in my Caravan.

UPDATE

It is now almost January. My 1998 Dodge Caravan is still doing amazingly well. I have 119,422 miles on it now and have had to make my first "real" repair on it. The shocks needed to be replaced, as the ride began getting a little too "bouncy" for my liking. People driving beside me would think I was listening to a really good tune on the stereo because I was rocking back and forth like I was dancing in my seat. It was really funny.

The factory shocks on the Caravan were very thin rods. I'm surprised there was any support to the vehicle at all. To replace those same shocks would have been approximately $12 each. The decision was made to upgrade to a better shock that would provide more support. They were $21 each. Luckily, my ex is a mechanic and the labor was Free. That's my favorite price.

To date, I am in no way disappointed with my vehicle choice. I love this van and it comes in handy for all of the passengers I haul as well as the loads I sometimes carry for work. It's just the all-around perfect vehicle for me.

One repair down... still not a major deal.

(c) ~~~~~Becky Carte 2005~~~~~
Amount Paid (US$): 1500
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1998
Model and Options: Sport- Auto, Air, Cruise, Cargo Rack, Extra vents/speakers.