Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Dodge Caravan IV SWB 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 SWB Overview:
Dodge Caravan (IV SWB). With 332 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 180 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
The most powerful engine in the lineup, offering strong acceleration and ample power for highway cruising and light towing, making it suitable for longer family trips.
Fuel Economy
As the largest and most powerful engine, it naturally has the highest fuel consumption, especially in urban environments, making it less economical for daily city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with Stow 'n Go seating (later models)
- • Affordable purchase price on the used market
- • Generous cargo capacity for families and hauling
- • Available powerful V6 engines for highway driving
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with V6 engines
- • Interior design and materials feel dated compared to rivals
- • Mixed reliability reputation, particularly with transmissions
- • Handling is uninspired, typical of a large minivan
- • Safety ratings are average by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III SWB: 1996 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | IV SWB |
| 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 [70mm 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 |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4160 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 566 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4803 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Width: | 1996 mm mm [76mm more] |
| Height: | 1748 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2878 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1600 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1625 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 | 205/65R16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
Is the Dodge Caravan worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.