What does all this mean?
I'm new to car maintenance Please explain all this for my 1997 Dodge Caravan SE. Hoping to prolong the life of my vehicles and understand this stuff. V6-3.3L-3310cc-201ic-GAS MFI-vinR-2 valve-FI OHV-2WD
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1997 Dodge Caravan Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Chrysler is trying to snazz them up, trying to make them less boring appearance-wise, but let's face it, people aren't buying minivans to impress their friends and neighbors. The minivan is a utility vehicle for hauling work, kids, pets, and the kitchen sink. And in this respect, the Dodge Caravan is still the highest-rated minivan among experts and car owners.
The 1997 Dodge Caravan brings back the all-wheel drive option, but only in the Grand Caravans, SE and higher. All other models continue to have front-wheel drive. Anti-lock brakes are available in all models, and low-speed traction control comes with the LE models. Experts give it above average ratings in reliability, safety, and handling, with the 3.8-liter V6 engine obviously offering the smoothest, most powerful ride of the four engine options. All the other engines offer the most power in the engine class however.
Owners say they are reliable, handle like a car, and are quiet and stable. The Caravans are the best selling, most award winning minivan on the market. Typically, with each model revision come features that are innovative, often setting the bar for other minivans.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Dodge Caravan
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by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
Nothing major has ever gone wrong with this vehicle all we have ever done to it was regualr maintence this vehicle is hands down amazing how many people can say they got 308,000 miles out of a minivan without replacing any major parts and will still drive it long distances?Jun 25, 2013
by WENDY B
Mar 24, 2012
i drove a dodge grand caravan in the late 90's in and around fort frances ontario.i liked how it performed on the highways since i lived in the country at the time.it was great in all the seasons.the interior was so spacious that my dogs came with me.the gas was good to fill up and maintenance wasn't that bad either,EXCEPT for the heating controls for the windows,didn't work properly and had to be prepared lots of time.a great family van for dogs as well.Mar 24, 2012
by Tom P
Jun 29, 2010
It has a lot of room in it, because it can seat 7 people. But it is not the most stylish car you could own. It is decent on gas. It is comfortable and some luxuries to it. I would not reccommend this car if you are trying to attract anyone!Jun 29, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2013
Nothing major has ever gone wrong with this vehicle all we have ever done to it was regualr maintence this vehicle is hands down amazing how many people can say they got 308,000 miles out of a minivan without replacing any major parts and will still drive it long distances?Jun 25, 2013
by WENDY B
Mar 24, 2012
i drove a dodge grand caravan in the late 90's in and around fort frances ontario.i liked how it performed on the highways since i lived in the country at the time.it was great in all the seasons.the interior was so spacious that my dogs came with me.the gas was good to fill up and maintenance wasn't that bad either,EXCEPT for the heating controls for the windows,didn't work properly and had to be prepared lots of time.a great family van for dogs as well.Mar 24, 2012
by Tom P
Jun 29, 2010
It has a lot of room in it, because it can seat 7 people. But it is not the most stylish car you could own. It is decent on gas. It is comfortable and some luxuries to it. I would not reccommend this car if you are trying to attract anyone!Jun 29, 2010
by William G
Feb 06, 2010
Its a Great Car but Im a Ford guy and a crown victoria has always been my dream
It was originally all white, but i fixed that!
the picture dosent even show when i put fog lights on the roofFeb 06, 2010
by Mike D
Oct 12, 2009
The cost of ownership on this 1997 dodge caravan is really expensive the gas mileage is ok but this is another car that wasn't built the right way the 3.3 is a really good motor but the transmission on these vans are really weak.Oct 12, 2009
by Dee S
May 04, 2009
owned for approximately 2 months, drove excellent and handled well, needed repairs when bought but all were done easily and cheaply, gas milage was approx 650 km per 80 L, Van was fun to drive but when there is only two of us it was completely pointless to own something i despised, just didn't like it because of the "mommy mobile" factorMay 04, 2009
by Johnny T
Mar 31, 2009
Damn things a boat. It's got the 3.3 so it's millage is good, but it tends to not kick when I floor it. The sound system is great, and that's the best thing about it. Haven't had to do to much work on it. In the last 10 years we've only had to do routine maintenance and replace the front brakes. Mar 31, 2009
by Mark d
Jan 11, 2009
It used to be my cousins until it got hit by another car. I plan to use it a lot after my dad and I fix it. It has captain seats which i think are cool. its gonna be the AZN4mobile and i can roll with many of my sexy AZN friends in. AZN4 life!!! the performance is good, better than the intrepid i have. I wanna drive it so i dont put so many miles on the Porsche. it looks good to me. and i know this car will be mad fun.Jan 11, 2009
by Tina B
Sep 09, 2008
i love the fact that its a van but i have gone through 3 transmitions, a rediator, had to fix the fan to cool the engine twice and now have to fix the defrost/ heat wont work properly ... i have heard its a dodge thing with the transmitions .. oh and there was a crack or hole in the antifreeze container, so total its been back to be fixed a total of 6 times already and now it will be in one more!
Sep 09, 2008
by Keith G
Mar 31, 2008
amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing has some problems with power steering but still amazingMar 31, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2008
The engine is a 3.3 , Returns very good mileage/ 18-city,25 highway, Air condition performs well even when temp reach 100 degrees, The air ducts build into the drivers and passager doors,are well designed, Thus providing cool or warm air to the passenger in rear seats, later model carvans do not have this duct system in the front doors, Shame on Chrysler for deleting it. Future Carvans do not have the very efficient 3.3 V-6 engine thus the vehicle gas mileage decreases.Feb 23, 2008
by Sandeep S
Jan 09, 2008
3.3 liter EGA v6 143 HP 210 TqJan 09, 2008
by James M
Jan 05, 2008
transmission problems not strong enoughJan 05, 2008
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Top Comparisons
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1997 Dodge Caravan Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,815 to $26,385Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Side door type: driver-side manual sliding
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Side door type: driver-side manual sliding
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent