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Dodge Caravan III LWB 3.8 V6 (166 Hp) 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 LWB Overview:
Dodge Caravan (III LWB). With 308 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1795 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The strongest 2WD option, providing noticeably better acceleration and more confident highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption at 11.8 l/100 km combined, but a reasonable trade-off for the improved power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo room
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Available V6 engines provide adequate power for a minivan
- • Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) enhances all-weather capability
- • Good value on the used market for a family hauler
Cons:
- • Dated safety ratings by modern standards (poor Euro NCAP score)
- • High fuel consumption, especially with larger engines and AWD
- • Some common reliability concerns, particularly with transmissions and electrical systems
- • Uninspired handling and steering feel
- • Interior materials can feel basic compared to competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II LWB: 1991 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | III LWB |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (166 Hp) 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 [173mm more] |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| 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) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1795 |
| Max. weight: | 2454 |
| Max load: | 659 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4770 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 575 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5070 mm mm [173mm more] |
| Width: | 1950 mm mm [121mm more] |
| Height: | 1740 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3030 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1626 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.0 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| 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 | 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
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