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Dodge Caravan V 3.3 V6 (178 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Dodge Caravan:
The Dodge Caravan is a series of minivans manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 through 2020 model years. The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans, was marketed as both a passenger van and a cargo van. For 1987, the model line was joined by the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan. Produced in five generations across 36 model years, the Dodge Caravan is the second longest-lived Dodge nameplate. Initially marketed as the Dodge counterpart of the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was later slotted between the Voyager and the Chrysler Town & Country. Following the demise of Plymouth, the model line became the lowest-price Chrysler minivan, ultimately slotted below the Chrysler Pacifica....(Read more on Wikipedia)
V Overview:
Dodge Caravan (V). With 278 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1961 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 179 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Dodge Caravan V (tested as Chrysler Grand Voyager) achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, indicating solid crashworthiness for its time, though pedestrian safety was a concern.
3.3 V6 (178 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level V6 offers adequate power for city driving and light loads, but can feel strained when fully loaded or on highway inclines. Best suited for less demanding use.
Fuel Economy
Despite being the smallest V6, its fuel economy is on par with the more powerful 4.0L, suggesting it might be working harder to move the large minivan, thus not offering a significant efficiency advantage.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with Stow 'n Go seating
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Range of V6 engines offering adequate power
- • Strong towing capabilities for a minivan (with 4.0L)
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially in urban driving
- • Interior materials might feel dated compared to rivals
- • Handling is typical minivan, not particularly engaging
- • Some common electrical or transmission issues reported with age
- • Euro NCAP pedestrian safety score was low
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(IV LWB: 2000 - 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Dodge |
| Model: | Caravan |
| Generation: | V |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 V6 (178 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 178 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 53.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 278 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3301 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 12.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 5600 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 179 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11 kg/Hp, 90.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1961 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4086 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 2350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 816 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5144 mm mm [51mm more] |
| Width: | 2000 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Height: | 1750 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3078 mm mm [48mm more] |
| Front track: | 1663 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1645 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.92 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 225/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
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