Segment:
Mid-size Minivan
Historical Significance:
Dodge Caravan was a pioneer in the minivan segment, offering practicality and family-friendly features.
Key Competitors 2001:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana
Unique Selling Points:
Flexible seating configurations (Stow 'n Go not yet introduced, but modular seating was key), powerful V6 engine options, comfortable ride
Engine:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32)
Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (30-32LE), 4-speed Automatic (41TE, 42LE)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Twist Beam Axle with Coil Springs
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Full system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, liftgate
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major repairs, component overhaul
Rebuild:
Engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures (where applicable)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text (typical for factory manuals)
Print Readability:
Designed for easy reading and printing of individual pages
Binding:
Not applicable for digital format, but original would be comb-bound or hardbound
Paper Quality:
Not applicable for digital format, but original would be durable, coated paper
Variant 1:
3.3L (201 ci) V6 OHV (EGA)
Displacement 1:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 158 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Variant 2:
3.8L (231 ci) V6 OHV (L32)
Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Chrysler's proprietary engine control modules (e.g., NGC - Next Generation Controller)
Type 1:
3-speed Automatic (30-32LE)
Type 2:
4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE - electronically controlled)
Overdrive:
Included on 4-speed automatic transmissions
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Capacity 32Le:
Approx. 9.5 pints (4.5 quarts)
Capacity 41Te/42Le:
Approx. 11.3 pints (5.3 quarts)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.3 inches
Length:
Approx. 189.3 inches
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 67.8 inches
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (2-2-3 configuration standard)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 30.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3,900 lbs
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4,300 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,600 lbs
Standard Tire Size:
P215/70R15
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Standard Wheel Size:
15x6.0 inches
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Four Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Four Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Five Stars (2001 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Five Stars (2001 Model Year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2001-2007 model years, with improvements over time)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly with the 3.8L engine
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) introduced in later models, likely present on some 2001 vehicles
Child Safety Locks:
Standard on rear doors
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player options, available premium Infinity sound system.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment systems (VCR or early DVD players) were available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature.
Trailer Tow Prep:
Available trailer tow package, including wiring harness and transmission cooler.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (refer to manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for copper plugs (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (critical for longevity, refer to manual for exact interval).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ or higher
Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L:
Approx. 4.5 quarts with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Prediluted 50/50
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.5-12.0 quarts
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings), wheel bearings, ignition coils, EGR valve, catalytic converter.
Transmission Reliability:
While generally robust, regular fluid changes are paramount to prevent failure, especially with the 4-speed automatic.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can be an issue in older models, leading to coolant loss and a musty smell in the cabin.
Power Sliding Door Issues:
Can be problematic due to mechanism complexity and wear (if equipped).
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge established the modern minivan segment with the original Caravan in 1984, creating a blueprint for family transport.
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) - Launched in 1996, with a significant facelift for the 2001 model year.
Facelift Features 2001:
Revised exterior styling (grille, headlights, bumpers), interior updates, improved safety features, new powertrain options.
Manufacturing Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico
Production Period For Gen:
1996-2007
Consumer Guide Van Best Buy:
The Dodge Caravan and its siblings (Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country) frequently received 'Best Buy' awards from publications like Consumer Guide during this era.
Kbb Used Car Value:
While KBB doesn't issue awards, the 2001 Caravan's market demand and value are reflected in their used car guides, often indicating strong demand for well-maintained examples.
