2001 - 2007 Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country review
The 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan comes in a short and long version (Grand Caravan) as well as a cargo van. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive was available on Grand Caravan until 2005. The 2001-07 Caravan offers three engine choices: the 3.3L OHV V6, similar in design 3.8L V6 and the 4-cylinder 2.4 L DOHC engine (not available in Canada).
There are number of second- and third-row seat configurations available - the seats can be folded or removed in different ways depending on the model.
The Stow 'n GO system also offers great flexibility: you can stow either or both of the second-row seats as well as either part of split third-row seat. On the road, the Dodge Caravan offers smooth, stable and fairly quiet ride. Handling is good for a minivan. The 3.3L V6 engine power feels adequate even for the larger Grand Caravan. The 3.8L engine provides excellent low-end torque and more passing power. In NHTSA frontal crash test, the Caravan and Grand Caravan models from 2001 to 2005 early release have received four stars for both, driver and passenger. Models from 2005 later release to 2007 received five stars in the same tests. For more details, visit Safercar.gov. |
Strengths
- Affordable, good value for the money
- Good styling
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Comfortable, supportive seats
- Great visibility
- Roomy and versatile interior
Weaknesses
- Poor gas mileage
- Some of the interior plastic looks cheap
- Parking brakes release location
- Unimpressive reliability records
Common problems mostly minor: leaking power steering hose, brakes wear too fast, front suspension (e.g. stabilizer bar bushings), faulty electronic modules, and alike - nothing really major.
Overall
Dodge Caravan is comfortable, roomy, nice looking minivan and it costs few thousands less than Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. Yes, it has a reputation for not being the most reliable vehicle, but it is improved, compared to previous generation Dodge Caravan and actually, none of the minivans is perfect in this category.
If you are planning to buy a used Dodge Caravan, look for models from 2003 and newer - they seem to have fewer problems. I also recommend buying a good extended warranty with your Caravan - some components such as transmission, air conditioner, electronic control units might be costly to repair or replace. If you like the Dodge Caravan, consider also the Chrysler Town & Country, which is more luxury version of the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan.
What to look for buying a used Dodge Caravan
Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems,
follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- A jolt when coming to a stop could be an early indication of possible transmission problem.
- Look for signs of corrosion.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Definitely consider a good extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
Few maintenance tips
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Overheating can cause serious engine problems.
- According to the owner's manual (2004), the automatic transmission fluid and filer need to be changed every 60,000 miles, but many (including me) agree that it's better to change transmission fluid more often.
- Keep the sliding door channels clean and lubricated.
- Stick with original Chrysler parts and fluids.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips
2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Specifications
| Dimensions: | |
|
Caravan: Wheelbase: Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Grand Caravan: Wheelbase: Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: |
113.3 (2878 mm) 189.3 (4808 mm) 78.6 (1997 mm) 68.9 (1749 mm) /with roof rack/ 119.3 (3030 mm) 200.5 (5093 mm) 78.6 (1997 mm) 68.9 (1750 mm) /with roof rack/ |
| Seating capacity: |
7 |
| Cargo capacity: | |
|
Caravan: Behind intermediate seat: Behind rear seat: Seats removed: Grand Caravan: Behind intermediate seat: Behind rear seat: Seats stowed (fold-in-the-floor): | 44.2 cu. ft. (1.25 cu. m) 15.1 cu. ft. (0.43 cu. m) 142.3 cu. ft. (4.03 cu. m) 54.9 cu. ft. (1.55 cu. m) 26.4 cu. ft. (0.75 cu. m) 160.7 cu. ft. (4.55 cu. m) |
| Towing capacity: | |
|
With 4-cylinder, 2.4L engine: With 3.3L V6 engine: With 3.8L V6 engine: | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg) 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)—std.; 3,600 lbs. (1724 kg) /with optional Trailer Prep. Group/ 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)—std.; 3,800 lbs.(1724 kg) /with optional Trailer Prep. Group/ |
| Engine: | |
|
Std.—Caravan SE: Std.—Caravan SXT, Grand Caravan SE: Std.—Grand Caravan SXT: |
2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valves DOHC
150 bhp @ 5,100 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 3.3-liter, V6 OHV, 12-valve 180 bhp @ 5,000 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 3.8-liter, V6 OHV, 12-valve 205 bhp @ 5,200 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
With 4-cylinder, 2.4L engine: With 3.3L V6 engine: With 3.8L V6 engine: |
city: 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) hwy: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) city: 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) hwy: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) city: 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) hwy: 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Unleaded regular, 87 octane
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 20 gal. (75L) |
Links
Dodge Caravan official website
Dodge Canada
Dodge Owner's Club - check for recalls, owner's manuals (some available for download), service manuals, maintenance schedule, financial services and more.
SaferCar.gov - compare crash test ratings.
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Extended warranty for your car - find more about extended warranty
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
If you are looking for Service Manual
If you want to find more technical information such as repair manual, check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, vacuum line diagram, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual
by Vlad Samarin
