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Dodge Caravan III SWB 3.8 V6 (166 Hp) 4x4 Automatic
Overall Rating
Dodge Caravan:
The Dodge Caravan is a series of minivans manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 through 2020 model years. The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans, was marketed as both a passenger van and a cargo van. For 1987, the model line was joined by the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan. Produced in five generations across 36 model years, the Dodge Caravan is the second longest-lived Dodge nameplate. Initially marketed as the Dodge counterpart of the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was later slotted between the Voyager and the Chrysler Town & Country. Following the demise of Plymouth, the model line became the lowest-price Chrysler minivan, ultimately slotted below the Chrysler Pacifica....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III SWB Overview:
Dodge Caravan (III SWB). With 308 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1920 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.8 V6 (166 Hp) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The strong 3.8L V6 helps mitigate the performance penalty of the 4x4 system, offering decent acceleration and capability, though not as sprightly as the FWD version.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy will be slightly worse than the FWD 3.8L, but still acceptable for those needing all-wheel-drive capability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior
- • Comfortable ride quality
- • Good visibility
- • Practical sliding doors
- • Available AWD for all-weather capability
- • Affordable used market value
Cons:
- • Dated automatic transmissions (3-speed on some models)
- • Mediocre fuel economy for most petrol engines
- • Some known transmission reliability issues
- • Basic interior materials
- • Limited crash safety compared to modern standards
- • Vague steering feel
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II LWB: 1991 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | III SWB |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (166 Hp) 4x4 Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 166 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.9 Hp/l [164mm less] |
| Torque: | 308 Nm @ 3100 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EGH More details about the engine EGH |
| Engine displacement: | 3778 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1920 |
| Max. weight: | 2454 |
| Max load: | 534 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4140 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4733 mm mm [164mm less] |
| Width: | 1920 mm mm [91mm more] |
| Height: | 1740 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2878 mm mm [152mm less] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1626 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
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