I just had a '98 Grand Caravan with a 3.0L and I wasn't happy with it. It leaked oil bad and not much power. Also, had clicking noise until it warmed up. I'm thinking of buying a newer Caravan, but not sure which years or engines are better. Any suggestions?

If I had it to do over again I would get the 3.3 instead of the 3.8. If only because the 3.3 is a flex fuel engine and can run E85 if it needs to. The 3.8 is not. It can only use I think E10. They are basically the same engine except for displacement, they have a timing chain, roller lifters, good engine. Of course the 3.3 is set up for E85. I have both, 3.3 is enough in my GC. 3.8 is great in my T&C. Slightly less mileage with the 3.8.

Would go with the 3.8l engine since it is a big car. Did not notice any decrease in gas mileage compared to the 3.3l engine but then again I really didn't check (3.3l FWD, 3.8l AWD).

Thanks for the replies. I went and test drove a 3.8L 2000 Grand Caravan Sport and it was a nice van, but it looked like it leaks oil and the engine had a hissing sound. Sounded fishy to me. The engine had good power and suspension was tight, but I'm worried about the engine leaks. My old '98 GC 3.0L leaked a lot and had a knocking sound. Any comments? I haven't found a Dodge minivan that doesn't like oil yet. Are there any?

Thanks for the replies. I went and test drove a 3.8L 2000 Grand Caravan Sport and it was a nice van, but it looked like it leaks oil and the engine had a hissing sound. Sounded fishy to me. The engine had good power and suspension was tight, but I'm worried about the engine leaks. My old '98 GC 3.0L leaked a lot and had a knocking sound. Any comments? I haven't found a Dodge minivan that doesn't like oil yet. Are there any?
They are out there. Keep looking, don't buy a leaker, some of the repairs are costly. Best bet is a lease return at a dealer.

I may be all wrong here, but let me tell you my experience.

I have a '94 caravan with the 3.8L I have replaced the transmission twice. The first time my local mechanic slapped in a used one. It lasted about 20K. The second time I went to an independent local transmission guy. His first question was, "Is it a 3.8L" I said, "Yes, why do you ask?" He said believe it or not I see more failed trannys in the 3.8 than the 3.3's. He thought that the tranny was not mated well to the more powerful engine. In fact, I thought he said that they both had the same transmission. Again this is 2nd generation Caravan. They might have changed things in the 3rd generation which is what you are looking at. Anyway, I replaced it with a Jasper tranny. It has a 3 year/36K warranty.

Sooooo... I like the power of the 3.8. I have five children. But if you don't have to have it... maybe the 3.3 would be better.

I'd be interested to know if anyone would concur with this notion.

Load up a Grand Caravan with 7/8 people and the A/C on, you better have a 3.8L to get out of harms way

Load up a Grand Caravan with 7/8 people and the A/C on, you better have a 3.8L to get out of harms way
Dude My 99 3.3 Grand Kicks Ass With 7 ! Tune That Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan 21 MPG

Dude My 99 3.3 Grand Kicks Ass With 7 ! Tune That Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan 21 MPG

Wasn't aware any minivan could do that, regardless the engine.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.

Both the 3.3 and 3.8 use a timing chain. The 3.0 uses a timing belt

I guess it depends on the year, I had a 3.3 that had a timing belt, which was rather expensive to repair, so when I replace that one I opted for the 3.8.

I guess it depends on the year, I had a 3.3 that had a timing belt, which was rather expensive to repair, so when I replace that one I opted for the 3.8.

Do you recall the model year? It's always been my understanding since it's inseption in 1989, the 3.3 uses a timing chain. I can't find a listing for a timing belt for a 3.3 anywhere. Just want to make sure I haven't been out to lunch for all these years.

While E85 is cheaper, you will find you use more of it.:disappoin

i had a it was good moter it had 200.000 mls when i sold it and it's still going but the 3.8 or 3800 in my pa it hads 275.000 on it when i sold it to my brother inlaw and still didn't use oil. so both are good..

drive 35 everywhere including the interstate, take off very slow, no load, no 55 daily missions with 5 kids, no massive grocery hauls, never tow, then maybe the 3.3 is what your looking for....

a 3.8 will give you a wider range of flexibility, will not stain like a 3.3 will under certain curcumstances, and in the long run will last longer, and if I'm not mistaken save more gas under loads and stuff.

i'm all for the 3.8. they are great engines.

yes like he said 38.00 only takes maybe 5 miles to a gallon so get in the big dude. buy the way park avenues is a nice ride.

yes like he said 38.00 only takes maybe 5 miles to a gallon so get in the big dude. buy the way park avenues is a nice ride. that never came out right. you will only use mabe 5 more miles to a gallon

I have had both. Had a 99 GC w/ the 3.3. Bought with 43K. Threw a piston rod through the block at 136K. Replaced with a 99 TC w/ the 3.8 a month ago. I am happy with the 3.8. Runs at lower rpm's at hwy speeds. Plenty of power when under load. Mileage: Trip Comp says that the 3.3 usually got about 18.5 mpg, 25 on trips. The 3.8 says 17.6 mpg. No real trip yet, so no good comp. there.

No mech could tell me why I threw the rod. Plenty of oil-just changed 2 wks prior. Left much more than a quart on the road. Still some in block after towing. Others have had great luck w/3.3 My buddy put over 200K on his '94 with the 3.3. But I do like the 3.8.

yes like i said the 3.8 or 3800 is same thing they are good moters they will go 300.000 miles or more if you service it when it's time.100.000 miles on them are just broke in. i've seen other people get 400.000 like i say keeping them serviced when it's time. only thing i heard about them you have to change timming chain around 100.000 miles just to be safe.i havent had any trouble out of my 3.3 or 3300 and they are the same.only thing i had to do is brakes and tires i have 180.000 on it.now take care of that. good luck.

Do you recall the model year? It's always been my understanding since it's inseption in 1989, the 3.3 uses a timing chain. I can't find a listing for a timing belt for a 3.3 anywhere. Just want to make sure I haven't been out to lunch for all these years.

3.3L NEVER had a timing belt. Wonder where he gets his smokes:lol:

i dono but he could share couldn't he..lol....

no 3.3 has timming chain as well as the 3.8 hope helped you out some...

Dude My 99 3.3 Grand Kicks Ass With 7 ! Tune That Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan 21 MPG
Wasn't aware any minivan could do that, regardless the engine.

I dunno about 7 people, but I have a short wheelbase 01 voyager with a 3,3 (note 01 van is bigger than the 96-00 vans). I went on vacation recently in some mountains and I got close to 21 on the highway. I only had 3 people, but the van was loaded down with stuff for a week away from home.

I am pleased with the adequate power of the 3.3, but I don't tow anything. No oil leaks at 83K. I replaced all the bench seats via ebay. Captains chairs and split 50-50 3rd row make a big differance over bench seats, especailly with kids.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.I have 259,450 miles on my 3.8L GC/LE and counting... been through 1 alternator, 1 radiator, 1 water pump, a few hoses under the hood and 1 muffler. Oh, and 2 torque converters. All in all, my 3.8L Mopar motor is better than anything I ever bought from Japan, including 2 new Corollas, a van, a Celica, a Sentra and a 280Z. I was stuck 1 time in 12 years when the alternator crapped out... 3 hours later, I was back on the road.

i dono now about the 38.00 they have week trannys and there bad on rispins my niece when to work and it was running good well when she got off work she started it and i thought cracked fly wheel but it wasn't it was a rispen. i'm putting a used 38.00 back in it car sounds good it came out of with 100.000 mls on it and then it's going up 4 sale.but i will tell you the park avenue are real good motors. i just kept maintance up the only thing they are kinda bad on harmotic balacers she had it for about 8 years in those years i had to put 2 new ones on it.then other thing was just water pump she gave it to another niece of mine well her mom got it so hot it even melted the radiator.well most women get in start and go.i'm not really saying all women don't get me wrong..