Target Audience:
Families, individuals requiring versatile people and cargo transport.
Key Competitors:
Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Mercury Villager.
Unique Selling Points:
Practicality, spacious interior, comfortable ride, available AWD (on select later models, but less common for 2000), good cargo capacity.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in the mid-1980s, establishing a strong reputation for family-friendly vehicles.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), Engine Control Systems (MPI), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed 41TE/42LE), Clutch System (if applicable for specific variants), Torque Converter, Gearbox Internal Components, Valve Body, Shifter Linkage.
Chassis:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Torsion Beam Axle), Steering System (Power Rack and Pinion), Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc variants), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Body & Electrical:
Body Construction, Interior Trim, Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Lighting System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Instrumentation, Wiper System, Horn, Audio System, Body Control Modules (BCM), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics for Diagnosis, Common Fault Finding Procedures.
Repair:
Engine Overhaul and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul and Reassembly, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair.
Component Removal/Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removal and installation of all major and minor components.
Depth:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component tolerances, and repair methods for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Code:
EGA (3.3L V6 OHV)
Displacement:
3.3 Liters (201.7 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore X Stroke:
3.42 x 3.58 inches (87.0 x 91.0 mm)
Horsepower:
Approx. 158 hp @ 4500 rpm (for 3.3L)
Torque:
Approx. 200 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for 3.3L)
Engine Code:
ERG (3.8L V6 OHV)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (230.5 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
Approx. 166-180 hp @ 4000-4400 rpm (for 3.8L, varies by year/tune)
Torque:
Approx. 235-245 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (for 3.8L)
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20 US gallons (75.7 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Coolant)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), SAE 10W-30 (for warmer climates)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter for 3.3L/3.8L
Spark Plugs:
Champion RE14MCC4 or equivalent (Platinum recommended for longevity)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Codes:
41TE (FWD), 42LE (AWD - less common for 2000)
Overdrive:
Yes (4th gear)
Torque Converter Lockup:
Yes, electronically controlled
Fluid Specification:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9602 specification.
Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 US quarts (3.3 Liters) for a drain and fill.
Length:
Approx. 189.4 inches (4811 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.1 inches (2847 mm)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 60.6 inches (1540 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-4000 lbs (1678-1814 kg), varies with engine and trim.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5300-5600 lbs (2404-2540 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Approx. 147.0 cubic feet (4162 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approx. 76.5 cubic feet (2166 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Third Row:
Approx. 23.7 cubic feet (671 Liters)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size:
P215/65R16
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2000 model year, typical for this era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2000 model year, typical for this era)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
3 Stars (for 2000 model year, typical for this era)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
3 Stars (for 2000 model year, typical for this era)
ABS:
Standard on most trims (4-wheel ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags. Optional side airbags (less common).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette with optional CD player. Upgrades to aftermarket units are common.
Display:
Analog gauges and basic digital readouts for odometer, trip computer (on some trims).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Rear Parking Assist:
Optional on some higher trims.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional on most trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were increasingly standard or optional features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (50,000 - 100,000 km) for the ATF+4 fluid, depending on driving conditions and type of service. Clutch pack service may be required at higher mileages.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (50,000 - 160,000 km) or 5 years, depending on coolant type. HOAT coolant typically has longer intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (50,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent MS-9602)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap), Mopar P/N 04748153AC or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Automotive grade windshield washer fluid (non-freezing type recommended).
Transmission Slippage:
Common issue, often related to torque converter clutch wear or valve body issues. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Power Window Motors:
Motors can fail over time, leading to windows not operating.
Wiper Motor Failure:
Wiper motors are a known failure point, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Rear Suspension Sag:
Springs can sag over time, especially when heavily loaded, leading to a lower rear end.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns.
Heater Core Leaks:
Heater core can develop leaks, often resulting in coolant smell inside the cabin.
Minivan Pioneers:
Chrysler Corporation is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan segment.
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) - 1996-2000. The 2000 model year represents the final year of this generation, often referred to as a facelifted or refined version.
Production Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Production Years:
1996-2000 (for the NS generation)
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver's 10 Best Trucks/Vans lists often featured Chrysler minivans during this era for their practicality and innovation.
Konsumen Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports typically provided mixed ratings for this generation, often citing reliability concerns in certain areas while praising its utility.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2000 model year.