Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the AC evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)

Alternator belt: Deep snow could knock the serpentine belt off the pulleys of a 3.0-liter engine. Installation of a shield fixes the problem. (1991-95)

Automatic transmission: Any minivan with the 3.3-liter engine may have late, harsh, or erratic automatic transmission shifts that are not transmission related, but caused by a defective throttle position sensor. (1994)

Automatic transmission: If the transmission shudders under light to moderate acceleration, the transmission front pump could be leaking due to a worn bushing. (1991-95)

Automatic transmission: 41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)

Automatic transmission: Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear, which causes shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)

Cold-starting problems: 2.2- or 2.5-liter engines idle rough or stumble when first started below freezing temperatures unless a revised intake manifold (with an "X" cast into the number 1 runner) was installed (1992), or a revised computer (PCM) was installed (1992-93), or the computer was reprogrammed. (1994)

Engine noise: The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)

Oil consumption: Oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust valve guides that slide out of the heads. (1991-93)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1991 w/ABS: High-pressure hose in antilock braking system may leak or detach, which increases likelihood of brake lockup.

1991 w/ABS: High-pressure pump of antilock braking system may be porous, resulting in increased stopping distances.

1991-92: Steering-wheel mounting armature can develop cracks and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column. This can result in loss of vehicle control.

1991-93 w/ABS: Piston seal in control unit can wear excessively; ABS could fail, and power assist might be reduced.

1991-93: Left windshield-wiper pivot-drive arm was not mechanically staked to shaft; arm could disengage, causing loss of wiper function.

1991-93: Seatbelt-release button can stick inside cover, so buckle is only partly latched; also, center rear belt anchor clip can disconnect.

1991-95: Liftgate-support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.

1992: Brake-pedal pad-attachment to pedal arm may not have adequate strength.

1992: Fuel tank may drop or lines may rupture near fuel tank, leading to possible fire.

1992: Zinc plating of some upper steering-column shaft coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage.

1993-94: Lug nuts on optional 15-inch stamped steel wheels may have been improperly installed, which could lead to wheel separation.

1993-95: Electrical short could cause airbags to deploy inadvertently.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Dodge initially offered three different engines in the Caravan. The base engine was a Chrysler 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that made 100 horsepower. This engine also was used in several other Chrysler products like the LeBaron, Spirit, Dynasty, and Shadow. It was offered only with a 3-speed automatic transmission, but 5-speed manual supplanted the automatic in 1992. The first step up was a 3.0-liter V6 engine that made 142 horsepower. This engine was available with either a 3- or 4-speed automatic. The 3.0-liter V6 is a Mitsubishi-designed engine with a single-overhead camshaft. Also optional was a 3.3-liter V6 that initially made 150 horsepower but was upgraded in 1994 to 162 horsepower. In 1994, Chrysler added a 3.8-liter V6 to the lineup. This engine also made 162 horsepower, but had significantly more torque (pulling power) than the 3.3-liter V6. Both the 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines come only with a 4-speed automatic transmission, have overhead valves, and were built by Chrysler. The AWD system was only available on models with the 3.3-liter engine. The system is always engaged, but normally sends power to only the front wheels. If wheel slip is detected, power is redirected to the wheels with the most traction. Unlike most sport-utility vehicles, there is no low range on the Caravan AWD system.