Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana
Vehicle Appeal:
Spacious interior, flexible seating, versatile cargo capacity, family-oriented features
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining and repairing a critical family vehicle, reduces reliance on expensive dealership service
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (41TE, 42LE), removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, driver information, HVAC controls, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), audio system, charging system, starting system
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, body repair, structural analysis
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, component removal and installation procedures, torque specifications
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, scan tool usage, diagnostic flowcharts
Technical Specifications:
General specifications, tightening torques, fluid capacities, clearances, electrical values
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Engine Type:
3.3L V6 (EGA) OHV 12-valve
Displacement:
3301 cc (201.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.92 in x 3.57 in (99.5 mm x 90.8 mm)
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Optional Engine:
2.4L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (ED3) - 150 hp (less common in later years)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Model:
41TE / 42LE (depending on model year and configuration)
Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9-11 quarts (8.5-10.4 liters) for refill, higher for overhaul
Wheelbase:
112.1 inches (2847 mm)
Length:
187.8 - 195.8 inches (4770 - 4973 mm) depending on configuration
Width:
73.5 inches (1867 mm)
Height:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 16.0 - 21.0 cubic feet (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 49.0 - 75.0 cubic feet (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140.0 - 160.0 cubic feet (depending on configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800 - 4200 lbs (1724 - 1905 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5600 - 5800 lbs (2540 - 2630 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2003-2005 models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2003-2005 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Acceptable (2003-2005 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Acceptable (2003-2005 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
Acceptable (2003-2005 models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Acceptable (2003-2005 models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2003-2005 models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger) standard
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all seating positions
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) standard on rear seats
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), optional Infinity premium audio
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear seat entertainment system with video screen and headphone jacks on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power sliding doors (optional), power liftgate (optional on some models)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum tipped plugs
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for extended intervals)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 3.3L V6
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Issues:
Transmission solenoid failure (especially 41TE), power steering pump leaks, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), rear axle bearing issues, EGR valve clogging, heater core leaks, electrical gremlins (especially with power sliding doors)
Dodge History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing durable and practical vehicles, including popular vans.
Caravan Lineage:
The Dodge Caravan pioneered the minivan segment in the mid-1980s. The 2003-2007 models represent the third generation (NS) which debuted in 1996 and received significant updates.
Third Generation Updates:
This generation saw the introduction of longer wheelbase options (Grand Caravan), improved safety features, and updated powertrains.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Years For Generation:
1996-2007
Wards Auto World Ten Best Engines:
The 3.3L V6 engine was a perennial winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award during this era for its smoothness, durability, and respectable performance in a family vehicle.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings across different model years and components; detailed analysis available in the manual for common failure points.
