2000 Dodge Caravan: Road Test
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2000 Dodge Caravan ▼
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- MSRP: $19,565 -$32,450
- Invoice: $17,752 -$29,146
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Our road test for the 2000 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Dodge Caravan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Dodge Caravan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Dodge Caravan help you decide if a 2000 Dodge Caravan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 3.6 |
The 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 models are underpowered price-leaders. The 3.3 V6 is okay in regular-length models, acceptable in Grands. The 3.8 is the best choice for easy passing power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
A test 3.8-liter Grand averaged 17.7 mpg. The 3.3 V6 is little if any thriftier, because it has to work that much harder, especially in the heavier Grand models.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Controlled and not jarring, but surpassed in overall comfort by the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
All Dodge/Chrysler minivans are maneuverable in town, responsive on curving roads, and stable on the highway.
QUIETNESS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Caravan and Voyager are among the quieter minivans, but wind and road noise build as speed increases, and engines lack the silky "expensive" sound of the Honda and Toyota V6s.
CONTROLS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Unobstructed gauges and clearly marked, smooth-working switchgear. It's a bit of a reach to radio and climate controls, however, and turn-signal indicators are a bit out-of-the-way.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Entering and exiting is simply a matter of stepping in and out. Seats are firm and supportive.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Roomy at every position. Third-row bench is a tad cramped but not uncomfortable. Ford, Toyota, Honda, and GM offer power sliding doors, but the Dodge/Chrysler minivans don't.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.3 |
Grands have plenty even with all seats in, but regulars don't. Middle and rear seats are heavy to shift, but fold to form a flat deck that carries a 4x8-foot plywood sheet with the tailgate closed.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 7 | 5.8 |
Caravan and Voyager are Best Buys, but so is the Honda Odyssey, with the Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, and Chevrolet Venture also fine values. Competition for your minivan dollar, plus news that redesigned Caravans and Voyagers are due this fall, should help you negotiate a good deal.
Total Score
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 Autostick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 63 | 62 | 54.4 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Minivans
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