Primary Competitors 2005:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza
Key Selling Points 2005 Caravan:
Versatility, seating capacity, Stow 'n Go seating (introduced later in generation), value for money, availability of all-wheel drive (on some models/years)
Stow N Go Seating Availability:
N/A for 2005, introduced in 2005 model year as an option for some trims.
Available Engine Options:
2.4L I4, 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6
Available Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Automatic Transmission (41TE, 42LE), manual transmission (if applicable), clutch, torque converter
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, transaxle, CV joints, drive axles
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Torsion beam axle), steering system
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories, fuse and relay identification
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation and diagnosis
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, sunroof (if equipped)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems and components
Diagnosis And Testing:
Component testing, electrical circuit diagnosis, performance testing
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, water pumps, brake pads, sensors, etc.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Technical Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full rebuilds
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (41TE/42LE)
Optional Transmission Type:
All-wheel drive system integrated with 4-speed automatic
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Torque Converter Lockup:
Electronically controlled lockup clutch
Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:
112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:
119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Overall Length Short Wheelbase:
186.3 inches (4732 mm)
Overall Length Long Wheelbase:
193.3 inches (4909 mm)
Overall Width:
72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Overall Height:
67.8 inches (1722 mm)
Max Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Approx. 149.8 cu ft (SWB), 168.4 cu ft (LWB)
Curb Weight Range:
3,700 - 4,200 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5,700 - 6,000 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver Rating:
★★★★ (4-star)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger Rating:
★★★★ (4-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Rating:
★★★★ (4-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Rating:
★★★★★ (5-star)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Acceptable
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Optional (on some models)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), optional premium audio systems with subwoofer.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system (RSE) with DVD player and screens.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Power Sliding Doors And Liftgate:
Optional on many trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 3 3L 3 8L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Type 2 4L:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Type 3 3L 3 8L:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API certified, check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Problem Transmission Issues:
Hesitation, slipping, delayed engagement, particularly with the 41TE/42LE transmission. Often related to solenoid pack, valve body, or cooler issues.
Common Problem Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine and transmission mounts leading to excessive vibration.
Common Problem Cooling System:
Leaking radiator, heater core, or coolant hoses. Overheating can occur due to these issues.
Common Problem Rear Suspension:
Sagging rear springs, worn shocks/struts, especially under load.
Common Problem Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
Common in minivans of this era due to extensive interior trim and wear.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983.
Generation Introduction Year:
1996 (NS Generation), 2001 (RS Generation - Facelifted NS)
2005 Model Year Updates:
Minor packaging changes, introduction of Stow 'n Go seating as an option on some trims, updated wheel designs.
Manufacturing Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Ward'S 10 Best Engines Award:
The 3.8L V6 engine (L32) was a multiple winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award in previous years, recognized for its smooth power delivery and refinement.
Consumer Reports Reliability Ratings:
Varied by model year and specific components; 2005 models generally received average to below-average reliability ratings, often citing transmission and power accessory issues.
