2000 Dodge Caravan Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

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.

2000 Dodge Caravan Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (3.8 liter)	Fuel economy

Ride	Wind noise

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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