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Dodge Caravan III SWB 2.5d (116 Hp)
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 262 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1870 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.6 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
2.5d (116 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While horsepower is lower, the diesel engine would provide strong low-end torque, making it feel robust in city driving and capable of hauling, though top-end acceleration would be modest.
Fuel Economy
This diesel variant would offer significantly better fuel economy than any petrol option, making it the most economical choice for long-distance driving.
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): | 2.5d (116 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 116 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 46.4 Hp/l [164mm less] |
| Torque: | 262 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | VM425 More details about the engine VM425 |
| Engine displacement: | 2499 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 94 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.1 kg/Hp, 62 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1870 |
| Max. weight: | 2575 |
| Max load: | 705 |
| 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): | 130 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Dodge Caravan!