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Dodge Caravan V 3.8 V6 (200 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)
V Overview:
Dodge Caravan (V). With 312 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2038 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 179 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Dodge Caravan V (tested as Chrysler Grand Voyager) achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, indicating solid crashworthiness for its time, though pedestrian safety was a concern.
3.8 V6 (200 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An improved version of the 3.8L, offering a noticeable bump in power over the 193 Hp variant. It provides a good balance of performance for most family needs without being overly aggressive.
Fuel Economy
Achieves the same combined fuel economy as the 4.0L and 3.3L, making it a more efficient choice than the 193 Hp 3.8L for its power output. A strong contender for overall value.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with Stow 'n Go seating
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Range of V6 engines offering adequate power
- • Strong towing capabilities for a minivan (with 4.0L)
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially in urban driving
- • Interior materials might feel dated compared to rivals
- • Handling is typical minivan, not particularly engaging
- • Some common electrical or transmission issues reported with age
- • Euro NCAP pedestrian safety score was low
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV SWB: 2000 - 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | V |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 V6 (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.9 Hp/l [341mm more] |
| Torque: | 312 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| 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: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 12.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 5600 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Maximum speed: | 179 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.2 kg/Hp, 98.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 153.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2038 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 3981 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 2350 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1633 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 13.9° |
| Length: | 5144 mm [341mm more] |
| Width: | 2000 mm [4mm more] |
| Height: | 1750 mm [2mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3078 mm [200mm more] |
| Front track: | 1663 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1645 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.92 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 14.3° |
| Departure angle: | 18.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 225/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
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