2001 Dodge Caravan: Road Test
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2001 Dodge Caravan ▼
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- MSRP: $19,160 -$32,235
- Invoice: $18,051 -$29,359
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Our road test for the 2001 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Dodge Caravan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Dodge Caravan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Dodge Caravan help you decide if a 2001 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 |
Good--with the right engine. Avoid the weak 4-cyl. The 3.3 V6 is OK in regular-length models. Grands need the smooth, strong 3.8. The ES's AutoStick imparts a sporty feel by allowing easy manual shifting of the automatic transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Extended-use-test 3.8-liter V6 AWD Grand Caravan is averaging 17.2 mpg over its first 20,118 mi., which includes lots of highway travel. Expect the slightly lighter front-drive version to average only marginally higher. Overburdened 3.3 should get 15-17 mpg in Grand Caravans, not much worse than the 4-cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Grands smooth out bumps better than shorter-wheelbase models, but all Caravans ride comfortably. You'll feel most pavement imperfections with the Touring suspension option.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Caravans with 15-inch wheels and tires are modest but predictable handlers; 16- and 17-inch setups provide more grip and sharper response. Brakes are adequate, but pedal feel and stopping power improve with 4-wheel discs on ES and AWD Grands.
QUIETNESS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Heavy crosswinds and 70-mph cruising elevate wind rush, and certain road surfaces bring out marked tire noise, but neither is prominent enough to disturb conversation.
CONTROLS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Gauges unobstructed. Controls are easy to decipher, close to driver, but cupholders block in-dash CD changer. Either 2nd-row passenger can reach the rear climate controls, but lack of rear headphone jacks is a downer for family travel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Low step-in height, wide doorways. Plenty of head, leg, shoulder room. Rear headrests obstruct outward vision slightly.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Generous knee, foot clearance in Grands. Regular-length versions can be cramped in 2nd and 3rd rows. Kudos for power-door manual override and available integrated 2nd-row child safety seats.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.2 |
Regular-length is tight behind 3rd row. Split 3rd-row bench simple to remove, but no substitute for stowable seat. Handy power liftgate responds quickly to obstructions. Movable rear parcel shelf is clever, but has flimsy popup dividers.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 10 | 5.5 |
The '01 redesign adds desirable innovations to a vehicle that's hard to beat for refinement, utility, and carlike road manners. Our extended-use test is intended to address reliability woes that have nagged previous Dodge and Chrysler minivans. But don't buy a minivan without checking out Dodge's latest.
Total Score
| SE, 4 cyl | Grand Sport, 3.3 V6 | ES AWD, 3.8 AutoStick | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 64 | 66 | 54.5 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Minivans
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