2001-2004 Dodge Caravan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.








