Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture
Unique Selling Points:
Flexible seating arrangements, Stow 'n Go seating (introduced later generations but Caravan known for practicality), powerful V6 engine options, family-oriented design
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (4-speed, model 41TE/42LE), clutch, torque converter, shift control
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (ABS optional), hydraulic system, parking brake
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear torsion beam axle with trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and operation
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, power accessories (windows, locks), liftgate, sliding doors
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, component testing
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Overhaul Procedures:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wear limits
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics
Engine 1:
3.3L OHV V6 (EGA)
Horsepower 1:
158 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 1:
199 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Bore Stroke 1:
3.92 in x 3.58 in (99.5 mm x 90.9 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.5:1
Engine 2:
3.8L OHV V6 (L32)
Horsepower 2:
180 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 2:
235 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Bore Stroke 2:
3.92 in x 3.98 in (99.5 mm x 101.0 mm)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.4:1
Engine 3:
2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder (EDZ - for specific markets/trims, less common)
Acceleration 0 60 Est:
Approx. 9.5 - 11.5 seconds depending on engine and configuration
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 18 gallons (68 liters)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed automatic transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A for these model years
Transmission Model:
41TE (3.3L V6), 42LE (3.8L V6)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)
Length:
Approx. 179.5 - 181.4 inches (4559 - 4608 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
Approx. 66.9 - 68.4 inches (1699 - 1737 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.1 inches (2847 mm)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.4 cubic feet (578 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 49.0 cubic feet (1388 liters)
Cargo Volume Max Folding Seats:
Approx. 149.0 cubic feet (4219 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700 - 4100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5300 - 5600 lbs (2404 - 2540 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars) for 2002-2004 models
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars) for 2002-2004 models
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars) for 2002-2004 models
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (G) for 2002-2004 models
ABS:
Available (standard on some higher trims/later years)
Traction Control:
Available (often tied to ABS)
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available side curtain airbags (optional)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all outboard positions, 2-point lap belt for center rear seat
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (4,800 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement 3.3L:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) with conventional plugs, up to 100,000 miles with platinum plugs
Spark Plug Replacement 3.8L:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) with conventional plugs, up to 100,000 miles with platinum plugs
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km)
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L:
Approx. 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
Approx. 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-5901)
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (e.g., solenoid failure, torque converter shudder), power door lock/window regulator failures, headliner sagging, ABS sensor failures, EGR valve issues, rear axle bearing noise
Brand Established:
Dodge, founded in 1900 as Dodge Brothers Company, became part of Chrysler Corporation in 1928.
First Generation:
1984 (Chrysler/Dodge M Platform)
Current Generation Start:
1996 (NS Platform - Second Generation)
Generation Covered:
NS Platform (1996-2007), with significant updates for 2001 model year
Assembly Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Windsor Assembly Plant)
Production Years Specific To Manual:
2002, 2003, 2004
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varied across model years, often rated as average or below average in reliability for certain components, particularly transmissions.
Jd Power Dependability:
Generally received average to below-average ratings in dependability studies during this era.
Epa Fuel Economy Est City:
Approx. 15-17 MPG (Varies by engine, check specific year for details)
Epa Fuel Economy Est Highway:
Approx. 21-24 MPG (Varies by engine, check specific year for details)