Base price: SE, $20,540; Sport, $25,180; Grand SE, $22,960; Grand eL, $24,545; Grand Sport, $28,110; Grand EX, $26,520; Grand ES, $33,405; Grand Sport AWD, $31,910; Grand ES AWD, $35,305
Vehicle type: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive; 2-door 7-passenger van
Interior volume, F/M/R (cu ft) 56/54–58/43–50
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 15–18/147–168
Wheelbase 113.3–119.3 in
Length/width/height 189.3–200.5/78.6/68.9 in
Turning circle 37.6–39.4 ft
Curb weight 3850–4550 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 13–19/18–24
Fuel-tank capacity/range 20.0 gal/260–400 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side (opt) airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 150 hp; 3.3-liter pushrod 12-valve V-6, 180 hp; 3.8-liter pushrod 12-valve V-6, 215 hp; 3- or 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R rigid axle, leaf springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum or disc
ABS optional
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DODGE CARAVAN
The Dodge Caravan alone accounts for about one-fourth of the total U.S. minivan market. In an effort to hang on to that business, this van, like its Chrysler counterparts, the Voyager and Town & Country, was completely redesigned in 2001. And, like its Chrysler counterparts, it is little changed for 2003 except for the option of a huge, 33-by-21-inch sunroof. The usual minor model-year-to-model-year changes include some new colors and an optional six-disc CD changer. The Dodge differs from the Chrysler only in small details—more sharply defined wheel flares and the grille and five-spoke wheels among them. It uses the same engines—base 150-hp 2.4-liter four, 180-hp 3.3-liter V-6, and 215-hp 3.8-liter V-6—and also offers all-wheel drive. Dual sliding side doors and variable-deployment airbags are standard. However equipped, it’s an excellent family van.
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