Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2001 Dodge Caravan Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
2001 Dodge Caravan Review
America's perennial best-selling minivan is redesigned for 2001 with new styling and features, including an available power liftgate. Caravan offers regular-length and extended-length Grand models. All seat seven and have two sliding side doors. Caravan again shares its design with the similarly revamped Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager.

Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available on Grand Caravans. Regular-length models use a 4-cyl engine or a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6. Grands get the 3.3 V6 or a 215-hp 3.8 V6. All use automatic transmission, and the Grand ES model is available with Chrysler's AutoStick feature, which facilitates manual shifting. ABS is standard on all but the base regular-length model. Front side airbags are optional.

Grands offer power operation for both side doors, regular-length models for the right door only. A minivan exclusive shared with Voyager and Town & Country allows the side doors to be closed or opened by hand during the powered phase. The Grand's optional power liftgate is a minivan first and is shared with Town & Country. The new center console with internal power outlet can be placed between front or 2nd-row seats. And a new rear parcel shelf has floor- and mid-height mounting positions and popup storage dividers. The 3rd-row seats don't fold into the floor, but there's a 50-50 split 3rd-row bench available. Each portion weighs 55 lbs and can be removed, reclined, or folded flat. A rear-seat video entertainment system and a navigation system are dealer-installed options.
Competition
Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Dodge, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture, Ford Windstar, and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.
News
Caravan calendar-year sales slipped below 286,000 in 2000, a modest 2.5 percent decline from 1999. This was partly due to the late-year changeover to new-model production, but also the year-end economic slump. Styling may be another factor, say some observers, who have criticized Chrysler for being overly cautious.

These new-generation minivans have also been criticized for having too many gadgets and being much costlier to build than previous models, which means higher sticker prices that hinder sales--not what you want for a trademark money-spinner. And indeed, the new Caravans and their Chrysler sisters have been fairly slow to move off dealer lots so far. That's why the company slapped on rebates last winter, unusually soon for a brand-new model.

Chrysler will reportedly try to boost demand further by shifting some current standard features to the options list, thus allowing lower sticker prices. Other such measures may be in the works too--including more rebates. Meantime, industry sources say Caravan will get its first navigation system as a 2003 option. However, these and other plans could well change if Chrysler Group's current financial crisis doesn't yield to the massive cost-cutting and restructuring program now getting underway. In light of that, we'd expect few significant changes in any of Chrysler's minivans for 2002.
2001 Dodge Caravan Road Test
Pros Cons
Available all-wheel drive Fuel economy
Entry/exit Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Interior storage space
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

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
Scores for all Minivans

Low Score
43
Average Score
54
High Score
66
2001 Dodge Caravan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/23/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE regular length 4-door van, FWD $19,160 $18,051 $640
Grand SE 4-door van, FWD $21,785 $20,494 $655
Sport regular length 4-door van, FWD $23,525 $21,552 $640
Grand Sport 4-door van, FWD $24,275 $22,275 $655
Grand Sport 4-door van, AWD $29,695 $27,099 $655
Grand EX 4-door van, FWD $26,070 $24,394 $655
Grand ES 4-door van, FWD $29,110 $26,578 $655
Grand ES 4-door van, AWD $32,235 $29,359 $655
Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. FWD denotes front-wheel drive.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, second row 2-passenger bench seat, third row 3-passenger bench seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Dual outside mirrors, 215/70R15 tires, wheel covers.
Grand SE adds to SE:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable intermittent wipers.
Sport FWD adds to Grand SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, rear defogger, windshield wiper de-icer, floormats.
Sport AWD adds to Sport FWD:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
3-zone climate control (including rear controls), interior air filter, rear air conditioning and heater, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear privacy glass, touring and load-leveling height-control suspension, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
EX adds to Sport FWD:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
3-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), rear air conditioning and heater, interior air filter, 8-way power driver seat, removable center console, second row bucket seats, third row split folding bench seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, power passenger-side rear door, power rear liftgate, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
ES adds to Sport FWD:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Remote keyless entry, power sliding driver- and passenger-side rear doors, 3-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), rear air conditioning and heater, interior air filter, Infinity sound system, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, second row bucket seats, third row split-folding bench seat, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, fog lights, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 3.8-liter V6 engine, load-leveling height-control suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Power Convenience Group
SE
$815
$717
Heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks.
Deluxe Convenience Group
SE
$375
$330
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control.
Climate Group II
SE
$645
$568
SE w/Power Convenience Group
$680
$598
Heated power mirrors, rear defogger, windshield wiper de-icer, rear privacy glass.
Climate Group II, Sport FWD
ES, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$450
$396
Rear privacy glass.
Climate Group III
Grand Sport FWD
$1,085
$955
Rear air conditioning, rear privacy glass.
Quick Order Pkg. 25H
Sport FWD regular length
$1,080
$950
Grand Sport FWD
$1,620
$1,426
Dual-zone climate controls, rear air conditioning (Grand), remote keyless entry, overhead console, illuminated visor mirrors, additional interior lights, automatic-off headlights, rear privacy glass.
Quick Order Pkg. 25K
Sport FWD regular length
$3,020
$2,658
Grand Sport FWD
$3,560
$3,133
Touring Group
Sport FWD regular length
$870
$766
Grand Sport FWD
$820
$722
Grand Sport FWD w/Touring Group
$770
$678
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4-wheel disc brakes, fog lights, touring suspension, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels. Requires Quick Order Pkg.
Quick Order Pkg. 29S
ES FWD
$2,000
$1,760
ES AWD
$1,050
$924
AutoStick automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control (FWD), steering wheel radio controls, removable center console, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, touring suspension (FWD), full-size spare tire, 215/60R17 tires (FWD), chrome alloy wheels (FWD). ES FWD requires 3.8-liter V6 engine.
Towing Group
Grand Sport FWD
$695
$612
Grand Sport AWD, ES AWD
$355
$312
ES FWD
$645
$568
ES FWD w/Pkg. 29S
$485
$427
ES AWD w/Pkg. 29S
$195
$172
Heavy-duty engine cooling, heavy-duty alternator and battery, load-leveling height-control suspension (FWD), 4-wheel disc brakes, trailer wiring harness, full-size spare tire. Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg.
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine
SE reg. length
$970
$854
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
3.8-liter V6 engine
ES FWD
$335
$295
4-speed automatic transmission
SE reg. length
$200
$176
Requires 3.3-liter V6 engine.
Traction control
ES FWD
$175
$154
Safety
Antilock brakes
SE reg. length
$565
$497
Front side airbags
ES, EX, Grand SE, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$390
$343
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/CD player
SE
$225
$198
Sport
$175
$154
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Sport
$225
$198
Sport FWD requires Pkg. 25H.
In-dash 4-disc CD changer
Sport FWD
$695
$612
ES
$375
$330
ES w/Pkg. 29S
$150
$132
Includes Infinity speakers. Sport requires Pkg. 25K.
Infinity speakers
Sport
$495
$436
Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg.
Steering wheel radio controls
ES
$75
$66
CYK/CYR 7-passenger seating
SE, Sport
$225
$198
Front bucket seats, second row 2-passenger bench seat w/dual integrated child seats, third row 3-passenger bench seat. Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg.
CYS 7-passenger seating
Sport
$745
$656
Quad bucket seats, third row 3-passenger folding bench seat. Sport FWD requires Pkg. 25H.
CYT 7-passenger seating
Sport
$870
$766
Quad bucket seats w/integrated child seat, third row 3-passenger bench seat. Sport FWD requires Pkg. 25H.
CYL 7-passenger seating
Sport FWD, ES
$125
$110
Quad bucket seats w/integrated child seat, third row 3-passenger split-folding bench seat. Sport requires Pkg. 25K. NA w/leather upholstery.
8-way power driver seat
Sport
$370
$326
Sport FWD requires Pkg. 25H, CYS or CYT 7-passenger seating.
Power door locks
SE
$315
$277
Leather upholstery
ES
$890
$783
ES w/Pkg. 29S
$1,250
$1,100
Includes power passenger seat when ordered w/Pkg. 29S.
Heated front seats
ES
$250
$220
Requires Quick Order Pkg., leather upholstery.
Removable console
Grand Sport, ES
$195
$172
Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg. Sport AWD requires CYS or CYT seating.
Rear cargo organizer
Grand
$250
$220
Rear defogger
SE
$195
$172
SE w/Power Convenience Group
$230
$202
Power sliding passenger-side rear door
Sport
$400
$352
Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg. 25H.
Power liftgate
Grand Sport, ES
$400
$352
Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg., power sliding passenger-side rear door.
Floormats
SE
$90
$79
Smoker's Group
ES, Grand SE, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$30
$26
Includes ashtrays, lighter. NA EX.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
SE, Sport, ES
$195
$172
Sport FWD requires Quick Order Pkg.
Roof rack
SE, Sport, ES
$250
$220
Special paint
ES, EX, Grand SE, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$200
$176
Heavy-duty engine cooling
V6
$175
$154
NA EX.
Engine block heater
ES, Grand SE, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$35
$31
NA EX.
Load-leveling height-control suspension
FWD
$290
$255
SE regular length requires antilock brakes. NA EX.
Touring Suspension
ES FWD
$95
$84
Full-size spare tire
ES, Grand SE, SE, Sport AWD, Sport FWD
$160
$141
NA EX.
Chrome alloy wheels
ES FWD
$680
$598
Includes 215/60R17 tires.
2001 Dodge Caravan Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Caravan 4-door van Dodge Grand Caravan 4-door van
Wheelbase, in. 113.3 119.3
Overall Length, in. 189.1 200.5
Overall Width, in. 78.6 78.6
Overall Height, in. 68.9 68.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3920 4090
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 127.4 146.9
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0 20.0
Seating Capacity 7 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.8 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.6 39.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 ohv V6 ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /153 3.3 /202 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 150 @ 5200 180 @ 5000 215 @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 167 @ 4000 210 @ 4000 245 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
3-speed automatic 20/26 --/-- --/--
4-speed automatic 20/24 18/24 17/24
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Dodge Caravan 4-door van Dodge Grand Caravan 4-door van
Front Impact, Driver 4 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4
Side Impact, Driver 4 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA, Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 20