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Dodge Caravan IV LWB 3.8 V6 (218 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)
IV LWB Overview:
Dodge Caravan (IV LWB). With 332 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2080 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.7 s). The top speed reaches 177 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 (218 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent power for a front-wheel-drive minivan, providing brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for its power output, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing performance without AWD.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with Stow 'n Go seating (later models)
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Range of powerful V6 engine options
- • Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
- • Good cargo capacity with flexible seating arrangements
Cons:
- • Poor Euro NCAP safety rating (2 stars)
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially with larger engines or AWD
- • Some common reliability issues with transmissions and power sliding doors
- • Interior materials can feel dated compared to competitors
- • Handling is typical for a minivan, not particularly engaging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III SWB: 1996 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | IV LWB |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (218 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.7 Hp/l [360mm more] |
| Torque: | 332 Nm @ 4000 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: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 12.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.5 kg/Hp, 104.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2080 |
| Max. weight: | 2454 |
| Max load: | 374 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4680 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 580 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5093 mm mm [360mm more] |
| Width: | 1995 mm mm [75mm more] |
| Height: | 1750 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3030 mm mm [152mm more] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1625 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| 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 | 215/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Dodge Caravan rank in your book?