2003 Dodge Caravan: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A power sunroof is optional for the first time on the 2003 version of America's best-selling minivan, which also trimmed its model line at midyear. All Caravans seat seven and have two sliding side doors. Regular-length versions drop their Sport trim level, leaving a lone SE model. The extended-length Grand Caravans drop their eL and eX versions.

Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available on Grand Caravans. Regular-length models use a 4-cyl engine or a 3.3-liter V6. Grands get the 3.3 V6 or a 3.8 V6. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. ABS is optional on the regular-length SE and standard on other Caravans. Grand ES models and the AWD Grand Sport come with 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags are optional. Curtain side airbags are unavailable.

Grands offer power operation for both side doors. Standard for the top-line Grand ES and optional on Grand Sport is a power liftgate. An available center console with internal power outlet can be placed between the front or 2nd-row seats. And the optional adjustable-height rear parcel shelf has pop-up storage dividers. The 3rd-row seats don't fold into the floor, but a 50-50 split 3rd-row bench is available. Each portion weighs 55 lb and can be removed, reclined, or folded flat.

The sunroof option is exclusive to Grand ES models. Grands also offer a DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Optional power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are new '03 options on all models. A tire-pressure monitor is available on ES versions. Caravan shares its design with the Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.