Key Competitors 2000:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana
Segment Advantage:
Dodge minivans were known for their flexible seating (Stow 'n Go precursors), versatile interior space, and robust powertrains.
Body Styles:
Short Wheelbase (Caravan/Voyager), Long Wheelbase (Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager)
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5, 6, 7, or 8 passenger configurations depending on trim and seating options.
Door Configuration:
Standard rear sliding door
Engine:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32)
Transmission:
41TE (Automatic Transaxle)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension:
Front Independent MacPherson Strut, Rear Twist-Beam Axle with Coil Springs
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (Standard), Optional Rear Disc
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Gauges, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Audio System, Anti-theft
Body And Chassis:
Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Climate Control:
Manual and Automatic HVAC Systems
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), Seat Belts, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Repair:
Transmission removal/installation, internal component diagnosis and repair, torque converter service
Brake Repair:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum service, caliper/wheel cylinder rebuild, brake fluid flush
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/shock replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack service
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting common electrical faults
Body And Interior Repair:
Panel replacement, glass installation, trim repair, seat repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications And Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Factory-level, from routine maintenance to major overhauls and complex diagnostics
Engine 1:
3.3L (201 ci) V6 OHV 12-Valve
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.58 x 3.14 in (91 x 80 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
158 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
193 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm
Engine 2:
3.8L (230 ci) V6 OHV 12-Valve
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.77 x 3.38 in (96 x 86 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.1:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
180 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Wheelbase Swb:
111.8 inches
Wheelbase Lwb:
119.3 inches
Curb Weight Est Swb:
3,700 - 4,000 lbs
Curb Weight Est Lwb:
4,000 - 4,300 lbs
Towing Capacity Est:
Up to 3,800 lbs (with optional towing package)
Max Cargo Volume Swb:
Approx. 110 cu ft (behind front seats)
Max Cargo Volume Lwb:
Approx. 140 cu ft (behind front seats)
Wheelbase Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)
Standard Tire Size:
P215/65R16
Optional Tire Size:
P225/60R16 (on some higher trims or optional wheels)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4/5 stars (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (for some configurations, ratings can vary)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (if equipped)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum: 60,000-100,000 miles. Refer to specific plug type.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (filter and fluid change)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5 or newer, SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30 also acceptable
Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L:
Approx. 3.8 US quarts (3.6 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (Pink/Orange)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 US quarts (11.8 liters)
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoids and torque converter clutch (TCC) issues leading to slipping or hard shifts.
Common Problem 2:
Power steering pump leaks and noisy pumps.
Common Problem 3:
Heater control valve failures leading to HVAC issues.
Common Problem 4:
Window regulator failures, especially in sliding doors.
Common Problem 5:
Cracked intake manifold (plastic manifold design on some earlier versions, less common on 2000 model year).
Common Problem 6:
CV axle wear and failure.
Brand Focus:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing practical and family-oriented vehicles.
Generation Codename:
NS (Second Generation Facelift, 1996-2000)
Model Introduction:
The Dodge Caravan and its siblings (Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Voyager/Town & Country) pioneered the minivan segment in the mid-1980s.
2000 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, potential powertrain refinements, updated option packages.
Production Plants:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Years Generation:
1996-2000
Common Automotive Press Awards:
While the 2000 model year was part of a well-established and popular generation, specific awards for this exact model year are less prominent than initial launch accolades of the generation.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Often received 'average' to 'below average' reliability ratings in its later years of this generation, particularly concerning transmission and electrical components.
Certification:
N/A (Standard vehicle production, not a specialized certification)