Friend looking for reliable 2000+ American minivan
- Thread starter Popinski
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Ford Windstar, Chevy Astro Van, and Dodge Caravan are a few off my head.
Mini-van? You'd have to go for the Chrysler T&C or Dodge Grand Caravan. While usually not horrible, he might want to consider something like a used Ford Freestyle, or Edge. Though now that I think about it a Ford Freestar might not be a bad choice either. Dunno, never even sat in one or known somebody that has one.
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What is he going to use the van for? If he is looking for towing capabilities, the Chevy Astro Van will do the job, it's based on the S-10 truck chassis.
Everybody knows I favor Japanesse vehicles, perticularly Toyota's.
So I say you friend should look at a Toyota Sienna manufactured in Princeton, IN. But if he/she wants to buy an "American owned company" Vehicle. Have them look at a Ford Windstar.
I love mine. I would have bought a Sienna, or an Odyssey, but My windstar had 40k less miles, and was 5 grand cheaper.
I've owned it since September of 2005, and its been fairly reliable. Don't get me wrong it's had it's share of problems like any american car. I've had problems with the Power window motor, the Heater blend door actuator, and the Power sliding doors.
Not too bad really considering it's not a Toyota.
On the other hand, my '95 Camry with 251k has ZERO problems and EVERYTHING WORKS. My Windstar is a 2003, with 78k.
Make sure your friend knows what they are getting into with buying an "American" car. Especially after 3 japanesse cars.
As long as they lower their expectations they should be fine.
The list of problems I listed for my Windstar is nothing compared to a Dodge Grand Caravan, or Chrysler Town & Country that puke transmissions. I have a friend that put 4 transmissions in her caravan in 60k miles.
So to summerize, I'd recomend the Windstar, or it's newer sister, the Freestar. (Though I think the Windstar is more comfortable. Yes, I've driven both).
And I'd RUN away as fast as you can from Chrysler, and GM vehicles.
So I say you friend should look at a Toyota Sienna manufactured in Princeton, IN. But if he/she wants to buy an "American owned company" Vehicle. Have them look at a Ford Windstar.
I love mine. I would have bought a Sienna, or an Odyssey, but My windstar had 40k less miles, and was 5 grand cheaper.
I've owned it since September of 2005, and its been fairly reliable. Don't get me wrong it's had it's share of problems like any american car. I've had problems with the Power window motor, the Heater blend door actuator, and the Power sliding doors.
Not too bad really considering it's not a Toyota.
On the other hand, my '95 Camry with 251k has ZERO problems and EVERYTHING WORKS. My Windstar is a 2003, with 78k.
Make sure your friend knows what they are getting into with buying an "American" car. Especially after 3 japanesse cars.
As long as they lower their expectations they should be fine.
The list of problems I listed for my Windstar is nothing compared to a Dodge Grand Caravan, or Chrysler Town & Country that puke transmissions. I have a friend that put 4 transmissions in her caravan in 60k miles.
So to summerize, I'd recomend the Windstar, or it's newer sister, the Freestar. (Though I think the Windstar is more comfortable. Yes, I've driven both).
And I'd RUN away as fast as you can from Chrysler, and GM vehicles.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I second Justin's comments on the Windstar. We had a great experience w/ our 2001 Winny LX that we owned from 2004-08. Transmission issues are fairly common on Chrysler, Ford and Honda MVs. Not so common on Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai/Kia. The Chevy Venture or equivs have the toughest engine/trans combo, but you may encounter an IMG leak on the GM 3.4L Venture bodies are the worst for rust in my area and IMO, the GM interiors and bodies are the flimsiest. If price-point is key for you. I'd go #1 Windstar/Freestar, #2 Chrysler, #3 Chebby.
Joel
Joel
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I like the Caravans, driven many that are owned by work, always problem free, even with 200,000kms in 3 years. Make sure you get the 3.3L engine and enjoy a reliable vehicle that cost you nothing to buy.
Had a Astro at our work model 2000 with the 4.3l vortec that was used for transporting tools and trailers with supplies and parts for big jobs.
This van was abused, 223k miles and transmission is dead.
Van was very reliable had very few problems ( alternator, and 1 fuel pump.)
It also had good power and towing capacity. Very comfortable and I would defenentally buy one for myself if I needed. It also has room for a family and plenty of space for cargo.
This van was abused, 223k miles and transmission is dead.
Van was very reliable had very few problems ( alternator, and 1 fuel pump.)
It also had good power and towing capacity. Very comfortable and I would defenentally buy one for myself if I needed. It also has room for a family and plenty of space for cargo.
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My vote is for the Windstar or the Mercury Villager - Nissan powered and built in a Ford plant.
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Ok, I just told him about the Ford Freestar and Chevy Venture, I'm going to see what he things.
He said "no" to the CHevy/Saturn UPlander.
This is for his family.
He'd be much better off with the Uplander than the Venture. GM made VAST improvements to the superstructure with the Uplander. The crash test performance on the early Venture/Transport/Silhouette is abismal. The Uplander/Relay/Terraza got a five star crash rating.
See the difference for yourself:
Ok, I just told him about the Ford Freestar and Chevy Venture, I'm going to see what he things.
He said "no" to the CHevy/Saturn UPlander.
This is for his family.
He'd be much better off with the Uplander than the Venture. GM made VAST improvements to the superstructure with the Uplander. The crash test performance on the early Venture/Transport/Silhouette is abismal. The Uplander/Relay/Terraza got a five star crash rating.
See the difference for yourself:
Originally Posted By: G-MAN
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Ok, I just told him about the Ford Freestar and Chevy Venture, I'm going to see what he things.
He said "no" to the CHevy/Saturn UPlander.
This is for his family.
He'd be much better off with the Uplander than the Venture. GM made VAST improvements to the superstructure with the Uplander. The crash test performance on the early Venture/Transport/Silhouette is abismal. The Uplander/Relay/Terraza got a five star crash rating.
See the difference for yourself:
That is just downright scary...since Mom's and kids ride in those most of the time.
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Ok, I just told him about the Ford Freestar and Chevy Venture, I'm going to see what he things.
He said "no" to the CHevy/Saturn UPlander.
This is for his family.
He'd be much better off with the Uplander than the Venture. GM made VAST improvements to the superstructure with the Uplander. The crash test performance on the early Venture/Transport/Silhouette is abismal. The Uplander/Relay/Terraza got a five star crash rating.
See the difference for yourself:
That is just downright scary...since Mom's and kids ride in those most of the time.
here are all the caravans in the 200,000 mile club some are north of 600,000 miles on original drive trains! just hit next at the bottom of each page!
http://www.allpar.com/old/club/search.php?q=caravan&type=model
http://www.allpar.com/old/club/search.php?q=caravan&type=model
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Have no idea where you're located but ever see the Ford or Chevy rust problems, both mush worse than a Dodge Caravan.
Regarding relibility My last Caravan had close to 300,000 when the transmission let go and if I remember right I replaced a cv joint axle, and the exhaust system. The one I currently have is at 200,000 mileswith a replaced exhaust system and a serptine belt.
Neither one owed me anything. And with all those Minivans they built parts will never be a problem. Just stay away from the 4 cyl. engines.
Regarding relibility My last Caravan had close to 300,000 when the transmission let go and if I remember right I replaced a cv joint axle, and the exhaust system. The one I currently have is at 200,000 mileswith a replaced exhaust system and a serptine belt.
Neither one owed me anything. And with all those Minivans they built parts will never be a problem. Just stay away from the 4 cyl. engines.
If he doesn't mind a more truckish vehicle, an Astro would probably be the best choice IMO. They are very reliable and tough. AWD was available too.
I would cross off Dodge because of Transmission issues, and Ford because they are PITA to service with everything being buried. Their transmission also weren't the best, but far better than Dodge.
I would probably go for an Astro as well. Can't kill the engines/transmission. But they aren't the cheapest on fuel, bit of a pig actually. But it's cheaper than a transmission.
I would probably go for an Astro as well. Can't kill the engines/transmission. But they aren't the cheapest on fuel, bit of a pig actually. But it's cheaper than a transmission.
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