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Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager

2390 messages,  Last post on Jan 10, 2013 at 6:55 PM

You are in the Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Van

Messages Page 115 of 239

#1141 of 2390 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan AWD ES prices paid by wingsneck

May 31, 2001 (9:38 am)

Replying to: cgaydos (Jun 01, 2001 10:00 am)
I'm interested in purchasing this van and was wondering what people were getting for deals out there? - please let me know what options you added and the price you paid out the door.
 
Also, Has anyone with a 2001 Grand Caravan had any transmission problems? I've read some of the boards on Edmunds regarding the transmission problems in the 2000 and earlier models and was wondering if they've been cleared up. It seems that the tranmissions have gone with as low as 35-40k miles, which is making me a bit weary of buying a Dodge.
 
Thanks!

#1143 of 2390 Answers by cgaydos

May 31, 2001 (10:08 am)

Replying to: wingsneck (May 31, 2001 9:38 am)
First on the transmission problems, from everything I've seen (usenet, Edmunds' town hall, Consumer Reports reliability data, JD Powers initial quality index, and the statement of mechanic who until recently worked at a Dodge dealership) the transmission was dramatically improved starting the in 1998 model year. It used to be that a percentage of these (about 15%, according to the mechanic) failed in the first 30k miles, and few went beyond 60k without repair. Now the number is less than 1% before 60k, according to the same source. Check out recent discussions in the Chrysler T&C and Dodge Grand Caravan news groups.
 
As to prices, CarsDirect.com is usually a good starting point. Currently there is a low demand-to-supply ratio on these vehicles, which means unpublished factory-to-dealer incentives. Carsdirect.com's price in Mass. for a base GC ES AWD is $28,314, or about $300 above (the pre-advertising fee) invoice after the $2000 rebate. This should be your worst-case price. If you can find a dealer with lots of ES' in stock you should be able to go $1000 or more under (pre-advertising fee) invoice.

#1144 of 2390 cgaydos - thanks for the info..... by wingsneck

May 31, 2001 (11:16 am)

Replying to: wingsneck (May 31, 2001 9:38 am)
I was in Orlando at Disney with my family in April and rented a Dodge Grand Caravan. It really knocked my socks off in terms of comfort, feel and handling. I was leaning toward the Honda before this. Aside from the fact that the Dodge Grand Caravan doesn't have the third row fold away seat, I think this car blows the Odessey away. If the transmission issues have been resolved, then the Caravan is my car hands down. Thanks again!

#1145 of 2390 Base Caravan/Voyager Seats by mrnimmo

Jun 03, 2001 (8:19 pm)

Recline? Fold Forward? Can't seem to find a base on the lot here. 2.4/3speed would be fine, but I don't want those upright-only seats like I've seen in older base model DC's.

#1146 of 2390 Base Caravan/Voyager Seats by mrnimmo

Jun 04, 2001 (5:33 am)

I meant the rear seats.

#1147 of 2390 Deciding between 3.3 & 3.8 Caravan by pranpran

Jun 04, 2001 (6:11 am)

Buying a new Caravan. Mostly use by self 1/2 highway and 1/2 city. Is the 3.3 xk (now have 3.8 with my 96 town and country and do not want less power but Chrysler says new engine configuration would not sacrifice power. I do not do towing. Any opinions if 3.3 is xk? Does this create a possible problem for the transmission?

#1148 of 2390 3.3 vs. 3.8 Pran Pran by shelbydog25

Jun 04, 2001 (9:04 am)

I had a 96 Plymouth Voyager with the 3.3L, while not the same as your T&C, I can relate to the power gains in 96' vs. 2001 models.....My 96 3.3 was 150 hp. I now have a 01 GC with 3.3L (180) hp. A noticable improvement matched with a new Tranny. While I personally do like more displacement (3.8L, I believe is 215 hp), the 3.3L gets up and goes and holds it own on highway usage. If towing, I'd get the 3.8L just for the added power. I tow but use my Ford Powerstroke diesel for that and can't see pulling something over 1,000 lbs with a front wheel drive only minivan. If not, towing, you'll probably not notice any power loss compared to your 96' 3.8L due to improved hp and new tranny.
 
Side question: Anyone know the info on the 136,000 van recall previously posted, I tried the link and it was not longer a top article......

#1149 of 2390 Recall by fcas2004

Jun 04, 2001 (9:16 am)

shelbydog25:
As I understand the recall, it impacts non-remote-powered side doors only. The article I read in the NY Times indicated that this impacts roughly 1/3 of the Chrylser minivans.

#1150 of 2390 4cyl 2000,2001 Voyager by bobb97

Jun 05, 2001 (5:39 pm)

Any thoughts as to the acceptability and long term durability of the 2.4 liter 4 cyl. in the 2000 or 2001 Voyager? The 2001 seems smooth handling, quiet but a bit slow (we are in flat Florida which helps). Pricing is very favorable now (~17K plus tax with cruise, tilt, pwr locks and windows). A 2000 is less refined but 400 lb lighter. I am afraid of the 4speed automatic with the 6cyl.
Currently own 4cyl, 3spd auto Acclaim and Shadow convert with no problems. Also 93 V6 Voyager, smoking a little and one tranny failure at 60K.

Messages Page 115 of 239

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