In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "times in the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. Relative ratings obscure too much--how large is the difference between "better than average" and "worse than average"? I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

I collect data onfive model years of the Caravan and Grand Caravan so far, the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005,and 2006. I'd like to provide reliability information on all model years from 1998 on, but need more owners to sign up and participate. Altogether, 234 Chrysler and Dodge minivans are currently signed up.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

Comments, questions, and suggestions welcome.

 

Next results in a few weeks.

 

The August results will probably only include the 2005. Four responses short for the 2001,with only a few days left to respond.But the next set of resultsis only three months away, in November. With more participants, there could be results for additional model years then.

 

Next results in November. More participants would be very helpful.

 

Are people buying the 2008 minivans? Very few signed up so far. This is unusual for a major new design.

Still also need more participants for other model years.

Details on the research here:

Vehicle reliability research

 

Still just a couple of the 2008s, which is very surprising. For some other 2008s there are already 20+ owners signed up.

 

Up to ten 2008s now, thanks, guys. Still need more, but this is enough to start collecting data.

Already collecting data on most recent model years. Just a few short for the 2004.

Auto reliability research -- especially need more 2008s!

 

Now 13. Will still need quite a few more for an initial result in May.

A number of other 2008s will be in February's results.

Auto reliability research

 

Now 16. How soon 25?

 

i have an 08...i was gonna sign up, but after the 4th page of "sign up" pages...i dont have the time to mess with it...you would get alot more people registering if we didnt have to jump through hoops.