1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Dodge Caravan. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Dodge Caravan.

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Review

Dodge and Plymouth launched totally redesigned minivans in spring of 1995 as early '96 models, again named Caravan and Voyager, respectively. More aerodynamic in shape, Caravans could be equipped with a sliding door on the driver's side--a minivan "first." Center and rear seats have cleverly innovative, built-in "Easy Out" rollers to ease their removal. Minivans came in standard (113.3-inch) Caravan and long (119.3-inch) wheelbase Grand Caravan body styles, each holding up to seven occupants. Dodges offered four price levels: base, SE, LE, and ES. Chrysler's Town & Country is the plush cousin, though also similar in structure. Dual airbags and antilock braking were standard at first, but ABS shrunk to an option on base minivans during the 1996 model year. All models were front-wheel drive during their first season. Base engine was a new 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead cams. Three V6s were available: 3.0-, 3.3-, or 3.8-liter. The smaller two came with a 3-speed automatic transmission; the larger two, with 4-speed automatic.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Dodge Caravan: All-wheel-drive models arrived in 1997, optional only on Grand Caravans above base-level. AWD Caravans got 4-wheel disc brakes, while front-drive models kept the front-disc/rear-drum setup. Low-speed traction control became available for LE models.

1998 Dodge Caravan: For '98 the 3.0-liter V6 is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.8-liter V6 gets a 14 horsepower boost to 180. Other changes include seatback hooks for plastic grocery bags and automatic headlights on ES models.

1999 Dodge Caravan: Caravan saw a host of revisions for '99. They included a cargo net between the front seats and an available "auto-manual" Autostick transmission with 17-inch wheels and tires. Child safety seats now had to be ordered with the second-row captain's chairs, and the new Sport package for the ES featured a revised grille, fog lamps, and a body-color rear spoiler.

2000 Dodge Caravan: A new Sport model joined the lineup, which replaced an SE AWD model and came only with the extended-length Grand Caravan body. All-wheel drive was standard on the Sport model, which contained the 3.8-liter V6, load-leveling suspension, fog lights, and a rear spoiler. Base models gained a standard cassette player and air conditioning. Dealers could install a new Rear Seat Video entertainment system, with VCR and 6.4-inch display screen.

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Acceleration (3.8-liter)	Wind noise

Ride	Road noise

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

These highly impressive second-generation Caravans are a clear step ahead of the hugely popular 1984-95 minivans. Among other bonuses, you get more space in all seating positions. Design features included a lower dashboard and larger windows for improved visibility, and a 1.4-inch lower step-in height for easier entry and exit. A driver-side sliding door also helps on that latter score. The new dashboard has a more user-friendly layout, putting most controls within easy reach of the driver. Illuminated markers for the power window switches and other controls make them easier to find in the dark. The innovative removable seats are handy, but each seat weighs about 90 pounds, so it might take two people to lift one in and out. You also get an assortment of storage bins, nooks, and crannies for stashing miscellaneous items. Performance with the 3.3-liter engine is adequate in daily driving, but the 3.8-liter is better yet, giving the Caravan enough power to pass and merge easily. Gas mileage should run 15-17 mpg in the city, and just above 20 on the highway. The 4-cylinder engine has nearly as much power as the 3.0-liter V6, but both are taxed by a full load of passengers. Quieter and even more carlike than before, these minivans handle more like large sedans than vans, rolling along with a stable, comfortable attitude. Caravans hold the road well and lean moderately in tight turns. Road and wind noise grow obtrusive at higher speeds, but otherwise these minivans are great for long-distance cruising.

Value for the Money
This assessment is simple: Caravans and their Chrysler-Plymouth cousins rank at the head of their class, just as their predecessors did.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3.3-liter	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	9

Value within Class	8

Total:	59

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.

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Reliability

Trouble Spots

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.

Automatic transmission: Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1996)

Blower motor: Blower motors make a whine in low and second speed. (1996)

Blower motor: Blower motor quits working and a new resistor and wiring repair kit is required. (1996-97)

Brakes: The antilock brakes may activate at speeds under 10 mph due to one or more faulty wheel speed sensors. (1996)

Dashboard lights: The instrument cluster, minitrip computer, and/or compass may show incorrect information or go completely blank due to a bad relay for the heated backlight. (1997)

Doors: Sliding door and/or liftgate power locks fail to lock or unlock both manually or electrically. (1996)

Engine temperature: Reprogramming the powertrain control module might correct overheating. (1997-98)

Radiator: The radiator fan may run after the key is turned off, or may not run, leading to overheating because the fan relay attaching screws break and the relay overheats. (1996-97)

Rough idle: Rough running in 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 might be due to broken pedestals in the cylinder heads. (1996)

Rough idle: Vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 may lose power and/or buck and miss. Problem can be fixed by disconnecting the knock sensor. (1996-97)

Vehicle noise: A thud or thump, which comes from the rear when accelerating or stopping, is caused by fuel sloshing in the tank. A foam pad and strap kit does not always fix the problem. (1996-97)

Wipers: Windshield wipers come on by themselves or fail to stop when the switch is turned off due to a problem with the multifunction switch. (1996)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

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.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$490

Alternator	$310

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,040

Brakes	$390

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$605

Constant Velocity Joints	$385

Exhaust System	$330

Radiator	$480

Shocks and/or Struts	$330

Timing Chain or Belt	$230

NHTSA Recall History

1996 w/bench seats, built at Windsor plant ("R" in 11th position of VIN): Rear-seat bolts can fracture; in an accident, seat could break away.

1996: Fuel-tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into vapor canister, resulting in potential for leakage and fire.

1996: On a few minivans, bolts holding integrated child seat modules to seat frame can break.

1996: On certain minivans, fuel can leak from tank at interface of fuel pump module attachment.

1996: Static charge could cause spark as tank is being filled; vapors could ignite.

1996-97 w/integrated child seats: Shoulder-harness restraint on child seat can be difficult to release when latch plate becomes contaminated.

1996-98: The clockspring may have been wound incorrectly, resulting in illumination of airbag warning light and possibly causing the driver's side airbag to not function. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts on vehicles with 70,000 miles or less.

1997 w/Goodyear tires and steel wheels: Tires were damaged, and may lose pressure suddenly.

1997: Certain master-cylinder seals will not seal adequately, allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into power-assist vacuum reservoir; brake-warning lamp will then illuminate.

1997: The D-pillar mastic sound-barrier patch could loosen and drop into the seatbelt assembly, rendering it inoperative.

1997: Wheels on small number of minivans were damaged by equipment used for mounting.

1998 w/integrated child seats: Shoulder-harness webbing was incorrectly routed around reinforcement bar; can fail to restrain child properly.

1998-00: Driver's airbag on some minivans may become disabled due to a failed clockspring in the steering-wheel hub; airbag warning lamp should illuminate.

1999: The front-seatbelt retractor does not comply with the requirements of the standard. If the retractor does not work properly, it will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.

2000 Caravan and Grand Caravan: Certain vehicles are missing certification labels about maximum tire load capacity. Dealers will distribute labels.

2000 w/3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines: Seals on fuel rails can degrade, allowing an underhood fuel leak, which would increase likelihood of vehicle fire.

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1996
Caravan	$1,800-2,700	$1,200-1,800	$300-400
Grand Caravan	$2,100-2,800	$1,500-2,000	$400-500
Grand LE, ES	$2,700-3,300	$2,000-2,500	$600-700

1997
Caravan	$2,100-3,100	$1,500-2,200	$400-600
Grand Caravan	$2,500-3,200	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Grand LE, ES	$3,200-3,800	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000

1998
Caravan	$2,400-3,500	$1,700-2,500	$500-700
Grand Caravan	$2,900-3,700	$2,200-2,800	$700-900
Grand LE, ES	$3,700-4,500	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300

1999
Caravan	$2,800-4,000	$2,100-3,000	$600-900
Grand Caravan	$3,300-4,200	$2,600-3,300	$800-1,100
Grand LE, ES	$4,500-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,600-1,900

2000
Caravan	$3,300-4,300	$2,600-3,400	$800-1,100
Grand Caravan	$3,900-5,000	$3,200-4,100	$1,200-1,600
Grand LE, ES	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400

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.

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	3-door van

Wheelbase, in.	113.3

Overall Length, in.	186.3

Overall Width, in.	75.6

Overall Height, in.	68.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3528

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	146.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	38.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Dodge buyers had a choice of four engines: a 150 horsepower 4-cylinder, or any of three V6 powerplants. A 3-speed automatic transmission went into Caravans with the 4-cylinder or the smallest V6, but others got 4-speed overdrive automatic. All-wheel drive became available for 1997, but only in upper Grand Caravan models. V6s gained horsepower in 2001.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.4 / 148	150	167	3-speed automatic: 20/26	3-speed automatic: --

ohc V6	3.0 / 181	150	176	3-speed automatic: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/26	3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	3.3 / 201	158	203	4-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: 19.2

ohv V6	3.8 / 230	166	227	4-speed automatic: 17/24	4-speed automatic: 17.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Grand Caravan AWD	1999 Caravan

Front Impact, Driver	--	4

Front Impact, Passenger	--	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada, USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Review:

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Dodge Caravan Road Test

Dodge Caravan Reliability

Dodge Caravan Prices

Dodge Caravan Specs & Safety

Dodge Caravan Photos

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