The painting looks good and shiny after five years with salty winters. Looks like the Chrysler has finally solved painting problems (earlier Caravan models had common problems with the painting peeled off). There is no rust under the bottom. The headlights are still clear. All the doors including a sliding one are working without any problems

Interior

Very shortly:
It's very spacious (supposed to carry up to 7 passengers). The A/C works perfect. There is not too much noise while driving. The gauges on the instrument panel are easy to read. The luggage compartment is also quite capable especially on Grand Caravan. If you want more space, rear seat can be removed

Drive train

The 3.3L Chrysler engine has very impressive power. It accelerates pretty fast and generally, is very durable.
Those cars I checked haven't any problems with a transmission but if you follow the links in the bottom of this page you may find some stories about Dodge Caravan automatic transmission failure. Of course, it doesn't mean that all the Caravans will have transmission problem. Suspension also looks strong and long lasting. I wouldn't say the same about the brakes - the front brakes wear fast.

Reliability

Personally, I think this is a very nice van, but reliability is something that can be improved:
From several cars I checked one (5 years old) had the cruise control and the horn not working (I suppose clock spring defect), another (3 years old) had problem with the wipers - sometimes, front wipers would stop in the middle of the windshield and the rear one seems to be operated by a ghost - sometimes, it goes on and off by itself, with no apparent reason (most likely bad ground connection). The owner of the third (4 years old) Caravan had complained about the rear brakes. All the others were generally OK. Similar cases you can find if you follow the links in the bottom of this page. Of course, if you buy a new one, everything is covered by the warranty. But if you want to buy a used one, make sure to check the car very carefully prior purchase. How to do this, find out below in this page. Also consider buying an extended warranty

Conclusion

As a conclusion, I'd say this is a nice looking and comfortable minivan, everyone would enjoy driving it and I only wish the Chrysler could do something to increase a reliability rating of their products.
If you want to buy Dodge Caravan, there are some useful links in the bottom of this page and you also can learn what to do in order to prevent the automatic transmission from damaging (see chapter below) If you are going to buy a used one, consider getting a good extended warranty to protect yourself.

How to check automatic transmission

These Chrysler transmissions already have became so famous (check links in the bottom of this page). Not as far as few days ago I saw my neighbor pushed his Caravan backward (guess, reverse speed was missing). Of course it doesn't mean that every Chrysler vehicle has a problem with the transmission - I now many people who is happy with this minivan. But you are going to spend your hard earned money and expecting the car to carry you and your family trouble free in any long trip. Therefore, if you're buying a used one, be sure to check the transmission very carefully. First, check the oil on the dipstick.

How prevent transmission from breakage

Automatic transmission is very complicated and very fragile device. It can be easily damaged even after adding a small amount of a wrong fluid type. Here are few tips that can help to prevent the transmission from damage: - Always check your parking space. If you discover any leaks - get it fixed before it may cause a serious problem - Never switch to Reverse or Parking until the car comes to a complete stop.
- Check the transmission fluid level on a regular basis.
- Change transmission fluid as often as it's specified in your owner's manual.
- Be sure to use the only type of transmission fluid which is specified in owner's manual. Chrysler transmissions are very sensitive to the fluid type. Wrong type of fluid can destroy the transmission. Prior you take your car for service in a small garage, always make sure they know exactly what type of fluid your car requires, because usually they use only fluid type they have on their shelves. I'd suggest to service your car at Chrysler dealership.
- The more often you will drive at higher speed (more than 120km/h or more than 70mph) the shorter will be the transmission life.