Pro's and Con's of '96 Caravan- Bad and Good Experiences

[APRILRAIN]

I've just purchased a '96 Caravan, I liked the features and it's really all I could afford that suited my family and needs.
I did a lot of research and unfortunately have heard many bad things regarding just about every vehicle within my price range (Ford Winstar, Mercury Villager and Chevy Venture). Basically I'm hoping I've made the right choice. I understand that most of the post on this site are from when there is a problem and information is needed in fixing them, but I'm curious to know if (overall) your experince with this model and year is positive or negative and what to look out for.
Thank You In Advance

[murph7727]

Congratulations on your purchase! Personally I love the style of this van. I have a 96 also. How many miles are on your van? I say this because the transmissions on these caravans are there biggest problem. Good luck and again congratulations!

[tysons]

the most common problems with them are transmissions (the 4 speed) and the electrical systems, but like u said evey car has it's problems.

[fishing1000]

Originally Posted by murph7727

Congratulations on your purchase! Personally I love the style of this van. I have a 96 also. How many miles are on your van? I say this because the transmissions on these caravans are there biggest problem. Good luck and again congratulations!

What should one do to avoid having trans problems?

[ibandaey]

We have a '98 Grand Caravan LE. 3.8 v6. I Love it!! Yours is a '96 I don’t think there is a huge deference between the '96 and '98. Except horse power.(someone correct me if there is please) I have never had to replace the tranny yet. And it has over 140.000 miles on it!! I have never towed with my van ever. And I contribute that to my transmission lasting so long. My mechanic told me they are not made for it. He said "if you want to tow get a truck"!! I hope this helps even though mine is a '98.

[tysons]

think your lucky with your trans, but they are a common problem so i thought i would say something.
follow your manual instructions for serving your transmission and you should be good.make sure your shop uses correct fluid ... big problems will happen if they use dextron 3 instead of the crysler atf +3 or 4.
other then that there really isn't much to prevent transmission failure.
on a plus note ... these vans are great.

[APRILRAIN]

It has just over 100,000 miles and thank you very much for all the info!!!
I will keep my eye on the tranny...

[RIP]

I've got a 96 with 188,000 miles on it and it's still goin strong. I've had zero problems with the drive train but, it's had it's fair share of other problems. A/C, cooling, door locks, starter, to name some. On a 10 scale I'd give it a 7 for reliability. Dito to "Tyson's" message on the tranny fluid. I change it every year and use only ATF +3 fluid. Don't use any other fluid! Change the motor oil every 4,000 miles with a name brand oil. Flush the cooling system every other year and change the belts and hoses every 4 years. This forum has saved me some big bucks and many headaches so if you have a problem come here first. Good luck. Ryan

[Mbriggs]

I currently own 2 '96 caravans, 3.3l 4sp. It's a love hate thing . One tranny went at 92k, other is making strange sounds at 95k(keeping fingers crossed). Have owned 4 other Caravans/Voyagers with 3 tranny replacements. Still, I can't afford the Honda's or Nissans and I need a 7 seater so..... Aside from the tranny's, one headgasket, and a lot of peeling paint(before 96 models), I haven't had any other major problems with them. Good luck with yours!