Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, individuals requiring significant passenger and cargo capacity
Key Competitors 2005:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Uplander/Venture, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage
Vehicle Selling Points:
Spacious interior, flexible seating, comfortable ride, good cargo capacity, relatively affordable pricing
Interior Controls:
Dashboard layout, climate control, audio system, seating adjustments, power outlets
Exterior Features:
Lighting operation, door locks, power liftgate (if equipped), mirrors, wipers
Powertrain:
Engine operation basics, transmission overview, fluid checks
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags, child seat anchors (LATCH), ABS operation, traction control
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators, message center
Tire And Wheels:
Tire pressure monitoring, spare tire location and use, wheel changing
Fuel And Refueling:
Fuel cap operation, fuel type recommendations, refueling safety
Operation Of Features:
Detailed explanations of all vehicle controls and functions
Routine Maintenance:
Checks for fluids (oil, coolant, brake, power steering, washer), tire inflation checks, wiper blade inspection
Do It Yourself Activities:
Basic maintenance tasks like checking and topping off fluids, tire pressure adjustments, and bulb replacements
Towing Considerations:
Towing capacity limits, trailer wiring information, safe towing practices
Safety Considerations:
General driving safety tips, emergency procedures, child safety seat installation guidelines
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Troubleshooting common warning lights and indicators, basic problem identification
Repair Procedures:
Limited to basic user-serviceable items, not in-depth mechanical repairs
Maintenance Schedules:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance items
Wheelbase:
119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Length:
198.0 inches (5029 mm)
Width:
76.9 inches (1953 mm)
Height:
68.4 inches (1737 mm)
Front Track:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Rear Track:
63.3 inches (1608 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 90.0 cu ft (with 2nd row removed)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140.0 cu ft (with 2nd and 3rd rows removed)
Curb Weight Approx 3.3L:
4212 - 4367 lbs (1910 - 1981 kg) depending on configuration
Curb Weight Approx 3.8L:
4376 - 4513 lbs (1985 - 2047 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5700 - 5950 lbs (2585 - 2700 kg) depending on configuration
Max Towing Capacity:
3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2005 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2005 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4 Stars (2005 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars (2005 Model Year)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (2005 Model Year)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Available (often linked with ESP/ESC)
Electronic Stability Program Esp Esc:
Available (check specific trim/options)
Airbag System:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags
Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Standard for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Various radio options including AM/FM, CD player, cassette player (depending on trim). Sirius Satellite Radio available.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system (DVD player with screen) available on higher trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors available.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; may be present on some aftermarket or higher-trim factory units.
Bluetooth:
Not available on this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if equipped with platinum-tipped plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (ATF+4)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (3.3L V6); 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (3.8L V6)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.0 - 11.5 US quarts (10.4 - 10.9 liters)
Common Complaints 2005:
Transmission issues (shifting problems, solenoid failures), ignition coil failures, EGR valve clogging, power window motor failures, radiator leaks, AC system issues.
Typical Fixes:
Regular fluid changes, transmission service, potential replacement of solenoids or torque converter, ignition coil replacement, cleaning EGR valve, replacing faulty window motors.
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in the 1980s.
Fourth Generation Ns Platform:
The 2005 Caravan is part of the NS platform, representing significant updates from previous generations.
Design Updates For 2005:
Minor cosmetic updates, interior refinements, and powertrain enhancements for this model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Platform:
NS Platform (shared with Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
N/A (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings may vary, but not typically a 'Top Safety Pick' recipient in this era for minivans).
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically mixed to below average for this generation of Dodge Caravan.
Emisiones Standards:
Meets applicable EPA and California (if applicable) emissions standards for 2005 model year.