2001-2004 Dodge Caravan: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2001 Dodge Caravan ES
2004 Dodge Caravan
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2001-2004 Dodge Caravan ▼

  • Price Range:  $2,700 - $9,500
CG Rating

53

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger room
  • Entry/exit
  • All-wheel drive
  • Cargo room (Grand)
  • Interior storage space

Cons

  • Fuel economy
  • Acceleration (4-cyl)

Vehicle Highlights

America's perennial best-selling minivan was redesigned for 2001. Fresh styling, more power, and innovations such as a power rear liftgate highlighted the fourth-generation Caravan and extended-size Grand Caravan. Dodge again shared this minivan design with the Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager, which were similarly restyled for 2001. Caravans came in regular and extended-length Grand models. Wheelbases were unchanged from the 1996-2000 versions, but the regular-length body was 3 inches longer and both measured about 2 inches wider. Three models were offered: regular-length SE, Sport models in both lengths, and Grand Caravan ES. All seated seven, and had two sliding side doors. Styling changes included wraparound taillamps and 50-percent larger headlights. Dashboards were revised, and the new center console (with internal power outlet) could be positioned between the front or second-row seats. All new was an available rear parcel shelf, with pop-up storage dividers that could be mounted at floor or midlevel positions. Front side airbags were newly optional. Dashboard airbags gained dual-stage inflators and the front seat belts added pretensioners. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was available for Grand Caravans. A four-cylinder engine was standard in the SE, unchanged in power from the previous year. All other front-drive models got a standard 3.3-liter V6, with 180 horsepower--an increase of 22 hp. AWD minivans held a 3.8-liter V6, with 215 hp (an increase of 35 horsepower), which was optional for the front-drive ES. Four-cylinder models used a three-speed automatic transmission, but V6 engines linked with a four-speed automatic. Both transmissions had a column-mounted gear lever, but the ES was available with Chrysler's AutoStick feature. This adds a toggle in the column-shift lever, making it the only minivan with a separate control for manual gear changes. Antilock brakes were optional for the SE, and standard on other models. Power operation for one or (on Grand models) both side doors was available. In a minivan exclusive shared with Voyager and Town & Country, the side doors could be closed or opened by hand even during the powered phase. The new power liftgate is another minivan first, optional on Grand Caravans. Controlled by the keyfob and interior switches, it has sensors designed to halt movement if the liftgate encounters an obstruction. Unlike the Honda Odyssey and Mazda MPV, Caravan's third-row seats do not fold into the floor. But Caravan offered a new 50/50-split third-row bench. Each portion weighed 55 pounds, could be removed individually, and could recline or be folded flat. A rear-seat video entertainment system and a navigation system were dealer-installed options. Competitors included the Chevrolet Venture, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Ford Windstar.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Dodge Caravan SE 4-cyl Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 9
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 53
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Dodge Caravan: Minivan occupants could now enjoy a DVD-based rear-seat video entertainment system, offered as a dealer-installed option. A VCR-based system also was available. This year's Caravan lineup included a high-value eC, as well as SE and Sport models. Extended-length Grand Caravans came in SE, Sport and ES trim, along with high-value eL and eX models.
2003 Dodge Caravan: A power sunroof became optional for 2003 on America's best-selling minivan, exclusive to the Grand Caravan ES. A power liftgate was standard on top-of-the-line Grand eX and ES models, and optional on other Grand Caravans. Power-adjustable pedals were scheduled to become optional during the 2003 model year, but the AutoStick transmission was no longer available.
2004 Dodge Caravan: An option packkge that celebrates 20 years of Caravans is made available for only the Grand Caravan SXT in '04. It includes chrome alloy wheels, rear DVD entertainment, CD changer, leather upholstery, and unique badging.

Our road test for the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

New convenience features account for the most obvious improvements in the 2001 redesign, leaving Caravan's performance upgraded incrementally. That's fine because this was already among the most capable minivans on the road. Acceleration is good--with the right engine, that is. In a vehicle this heavy, the four-cylinder is acceptable only for light-duty, low-speed chores. The 3.3-liter V6 provides good power off-the-line and on the highway, in a regular-length model, but it feels overburdened in a Grand Caravan loaded for a family vacation. That's makes the smooth, strong 3.8 the safest bet in Grands, where it supplies substantial muscle in all conditions. It's the smoothest of these engines as well. While all work nicely with the four-speed automatic, the AutoStick (available with the 3.8) furnishes a sporty dimension that's absent in other minivans. Caravans (and Town & Country) are the few non truck-based minivans with the all-weather security of available AWD. In long-term testing, a 3.8 AWD Grand Caravan averaged 17.1 mpg. A four-cylinder SE returned 19.8 mpg. Grand Caravans smooth out bumps better than the shorter-wheelbase models, but all Dodge minivans ride comfortably. Still, you'll feel most pavement imperfections if the Sport Touring suspension is installed. Steering is nicely weighted, and straight-ahead stability is admirable. Caravans with 15-inch tires are modest but predictable handlers, whereas the 16- and 17-inch setups provide noticeably more grip and sharper response in turns. Stopping power is adequate, but pedal feel and confidence improve with the four-wheel disc brakes on ES and AWD Grands. Heavy crosswinds and 70-mph cruising elevate wind rush. Certain road surfaces bring out marked tire noise. As before, Caravans are roomier and more user-friendly than most minivans. Low step-in height and wide doorways ease entry, and front-seat occupants enjoy plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. All seats are comfortably padded, and Caravans still offer integrated middle-row child safety seats. Grands have generous knee and foot clearance in the second- and third-row seats, making them spacious where regular-length versions can be cramped. The same goes for cargo space behind the third-row seat. The split third-row seats are invitingly simple to fold and remove, but not quite as convenient as a foldaway design. Middle-row bucket seats tip forward, with little effort to provide access to the rear. The ability to easily stop or speed up the power side door by hand is genuinely useful, as is the power liftgate. Both systems respond quickly to obstructions. Movable center consoles with interior lighting and power outlets are a nice innovation. The rear parcel shelf also is handy, though its pop-up dividers seem flimsy. Rear headrests obstruct outward vision slightly. Caravan gauges are unobstructed. Controls are easy to decipher and close to the driver, but cupholders block the in-dash CD changer.
Value for the Money
Caravan's hold on the minivan sales title can only be strengthened by the 2001 redesign, which added desirable innovations to a vehicle that's hard to beat for refinement, utility, and carlike road manners. Don't buy a minivan without checking out Dodge's latest.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Dodge Caravan SE 4-cyl Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 9
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 53

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Caravan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Caravan .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C compressor may fail, causing a squealing or missing drive belt. The compressor fails from not turning on the rear A/C controls, but running only the front. After the A/C parts are replaced, the body control computer requires reprogramming. (2001)

Doors: Loose weather strip tricks the power sliding door into thinking there is an obstruction making it misbehave during opening or closing. The weather strip must be replaced.

Engine noise: Engine tapping noise on startup of V6 engines requires updated exhaust valve swivel pads. (1998-03)

Engine stalling: The engine may lose power or stall, especially when the temperature is below freezing, requiring replacement of if the throttle position sensor. (2001-02)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may drop below the actual level while driving, but may return to the correct reading after sitting for about 10 minutes due to a kinked hose at the leak-detection-pump filter. (2001-02)

Suspension noise: Knocking or squawking sounds from the front suspension are corrected by replacing the sway-bar links. (2001)

Water leak: A wet passenger-side carpet is often due to condensation from the A/C drain tube blowing back into the passenger compartment and replacing the tube with a longer one corrects the problem. (2001-02)

Water leak: Some early production (prior to April 2001) vehicles may have a serpentine belt that squeals of jumps off (in cold weather) the pulley caused by water leaking from the wiper module drain tube. In cold weather, ice forms on the pulley. (2001)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $415
Alternator $535
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,620
Brakes $440
Constant Velocity Joints $990
Exhaust System $415
Radiator $395
Shocks and/or Struts $1,500
Timing Chain or Belt $180
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Caravan details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2004
Caravan $5,800-7,300 $5,000-6,400 $2,400-3,100
Grand Caravan $7,300-9,000 $6,600-8,100 $3,600-4,400
Grand Caravan SXT $9,200-10,500 $8,300-9,500 $4,800-5,500
2003
Caravan $4,800-5,800 $4,000-4,900 $1,800-2,200
Grand Caravan $6,000-7,300 $5,200-6,400 $2,500-3,100
Grand Caravan EX, ES $8,000-10,000 $7,200-9,000 $4,100-5,100
Grand Caravan Sport $7,000-8,200 $6,200-7,300 $3,300-3,900
2002
Caravan $4,000-5,000 $3,300-4,100 $1,300-1,600
Grand Caravan $5,000-6,200 $4,300-5,300 $2,000-2,500
Grand Caravan ES $7,000-8,000 $6,200-7,100 $3,300-3,800
2001
Caravan $3,400-4,100 $2,700-3,200 $900-1,100
Grand Caravan $4,200-5,800 $3,400-4,800 $1,400-2,000
Grand Caravan ES $5,700-6,700 $4,900-5,800 $2,300-2,700
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Caravan include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door van Grand Caravan
Wheelbase, in. 119.3
Overall Length, in. 200.5
Overall Width, in. 78.6
Overall Height, in. 68.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 4011
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 167.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was standard in the regular-length Caravan SE and eC, mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive Grand Caravans held a 215-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, which was optional for the Grand ES. Other models in both sizes used a 3.3-liter V6, rated at 180 horsepower. Both V6 engines drove a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.3 / 202 180 210 4-speed automatic: 18/24 4-speed automatic: --
ohv V6 3.8 / 231 215 245 4-speed automatic: 17/23 4-speed automatic: 17.1
dohc I4 2.4 / 153 150 167 3-speed automatic: 19/24 3-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Canada, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Caravan include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2004 Dodge Caravan directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2001 w/o keyless entry: Sliding door latches could release in severe accidents. Dealers will replace both sliding door cylinder links free of charge.
2001: Lower control-arm bolt could fracture and lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace affected parts.
2001-02 Grand Caravan: Condensation from air conditioning ducts may drop through vent holes in top of radio, resulting in short-circuit that could result in speaker fire.
2002 Grand: Fuel-tank-control valve weld joint could separate resulting in a fuel leak or fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002: Some owner's manuals are missing instructions for installing child seats. Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owners manual.
2002-04 w/V6 engine: Upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause fluid leak, which could result in underhood fire.
2003: Power liftgate latch may not engage the striker, allowing liftgate to open while vehicle is moving.

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