1996 Dodge Caravan Reviews, Pricing & Specs

1996 marks the third generation of the Dodge Caravan, with a new engine and a redesign to combat its image as boxy and boring.

Motor...

1996 marks the third generation of the Dodge Caravan, with a new engine and a redesign to combat its image as boxy and boring.

Motor Trend's Car of the Year (the first minivan to win this), and one of Car and Driver's ten best, the 1996 Dodge Caravan replaces the 2.5-liter standard engine with a revamped 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower engine that gets as much power as the older model V6 engines. The 3.0, 3.3, and 3.8-liter options are also available on the higher SE, LE, and ES trims. Fuel economy remains at a respectable 18/24.

The exterior has been retooled, with a sleeker, aerodynamic nose and a bigger windshield. In response to complaints about difficulty removing the cumbersome rear seats, Chrysler installed the seats on rollers for easier removal. The newest and most welcome innovation is a driver's side sliding door. Inside, the minivan is roomier and more comfortable with even more storage units and cup holders.

While most Dodge Caravan owners laud copious amounts of love and praise for its smooth, quiet ride and spacious interior, those complaints that do exist are mostly about transmission problems. Because of this, experts recommend bi-annual transmission flushes. Annual flushes are recommended for those that experience high-stress services.