Give me the run down 2000 & up

[Hey its antman]

I rented a new 2005 town and country van last weekend and I felt right at home other than the front seats sit too high. Which van would you buy out of the two? ( Town and country or Dodge caravan ) Do they have good vans for the 2000 and up year models? Can I mount a hitch on the back and pull lite loads? Give me the good and bads on these two vans. I read the terrible stories about the older models 95 - 99. I'm thinking the newer models. Thanks.....

[hayesbcajh]

I had the same questions when I bought my 02 a few years ago. Was very sceptical about Chrysler/Dodge reliability. Sister had a Chrysler that had a ton of little problems. I took the chance and I got burned. I hate this van! Can't wait till it's paid off so I can get rid of it. Problems so far at 38,000 miles...power steering pump, some sort of power steering sensor, something in front end was binding, brakes, brakes, brakes, and it's rusting (rust started after 2 years). The only problems I would be willing to accept through 40,000 miles are brakes. The rest is unacceptable.

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by Hey its antman

I rented a new 2005 town and country van last weekend and I felt right at home other than the front seats sit too high. Which van would you buy out of the two? ( Town and country or Dodge caravan ) Do they have good vans for the 2000 and up year models? Can I mount a hitch on the back and pull lite loads? Give me the good and bads on these two vans. I read the terrible stories about the older models 95 - 99. I'm thinking the newer models. Thanks.....

We have a 2004 with about 20000 miles on it , so far it hasn't been back for anything . They have decontented a lot stuff since the 96 model year . The one thing that drives me nuts is this thing has a terrible brake dust problem , you can clean the wheels and with a day or two they have brake dust all over them again , never saw this on our 96 . Supposedly year 2001 and up the trannies are much better and have few failures , though I don't think it shifts any better than the 3 speed we have in the 96 . Gets about 26 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. I have the heavy duty tow package on the 2004 , tow a 3400 lb boat short distances with it without a problem though it won't win any races while towing . there are few differences between the chrylser and dodge models , anything you get on the chrysler you can get on the dodge depending on what package you buy.

[ibandaey]

I have a '98 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.8, It has been very reliable. At 143K we have not had a problem yet. it needs a new O2 sensor but that is it!!! My sister (Chrysler T&C) and Mother (Plymouth) both have '97s that have both blown transmissions at 95k. But my '98 keeps on going!!! My husband always changes the oil every 3000 or 4000 miles. It is also powerful for a van, 185 hp is what I have been told. I really like it and would recommend them.

[Rogerjohnson5]

DON'T GET A 2000!!! Tranny problems.

[DJBates]

My 03 GC with 40000 lost the ECM