Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager

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

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

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

#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 Currently there is a low demand-to-supply ratio on these vehicles, which means unpublished factory-to-dealer incentives.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.

#1151 of 2390 Miles on the Tranny by dkrab

Jun 06, 2001 (7:00 pm)

I have noted that there are several posts indicating that the 98 and newer transmissions seem to be much better. Well, I would not be so sure. Most who are familiar with the 4speed transmission problems are quite aware that they manifest themselves at 55k miles and up. There are not yet enough 98's out there with that many miles on them to know for sure the demons have been exorcised.

If you like the DC van, get the extended warranty, period. I was told when I bought my 91 Grand Voyager 3.3L that the transmission problems were fixed. In spite of careful maintenance with only Mopar 7176 fluid, the transmission went out at 58k. Chrysler paid for it because of the 7/70 warranty. They put in a Mopar rebuilt unit, along with a new tranny computer (mounted on the firewall). I was told the rebuilt unit had all the latest updates. It has about 72k miles on it and has given no trouble at all so far.

There is a fair chance that I won't have any trouble with this transmission, and there is a fair chance that the newest transmissions are better, but we are talking about a BIG expenditure here, and the Chrysler vans are no longer the only players in the minivan market.
I will be buying a new minivan within the next 6-8 months. I will carefully look at what Chrysler is offering. But, they are in an uphill battle to win my business again, all things considered. It's not just the transmission, either. Ring job done at about 58K (7/70 warranty), a/c compressor at about 112K (not too out of the ordinary, but the price for the "variable displacement" compressor is enormous; aren't parts for domestics supposed to be less expensive?), Mopar struts don't last (replaced with Monroe, much much better), welds on the front door are breaking, oil leaks onto driveway, even after it's been "fixed" once already, inner tie rods worn out, starter replaced at about 65k (7/70 did NOT cover it), sliding door cannot be adjusted to be flush when closed (since new), tailgate lift struts mounting bolts broke, dropping the tailgate (recalled), fuel rail sprayed gas all over the top of the engine at about 95k (new part is "updated," but Chrysler refused to pay for replacement), serpentine belt tensioner broke, throwing the belt off and disabling power steering, paint peeled off (Chrysler paid for repainting panels one at a time, as they became "affected"), it's developing a knock in the engine (oil and filter changed like clockwork), windshield wiper mechanism bushings broke (but the wipers still worked), numerous other little things not worth mentioning.

On the plus side, it still has the original alternator, power steering pump and rack, water pump, catalytic converter; it uses no oil (after ring job, anyway); I get a lot of miles out of tires (50K) and brake pads/shoes (40K front, 100K back; caught the tie rods before they could eat up the tires), interior upolstery has held up remarkably well, except for a few loose screws here and there, only replaced the battery twice. It always starts easily, and it has never left my wife stranded, even when the transmission failed (limp-home mode in 2nd gear).

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