Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Caravelle T5 3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic
Overall Rating
7.4 / 10
Volkswagen Caravelle:
Volkswagen Caravelle is the nameplate of a van based on the Volkswagen Transporter. For information about the Caravelle, refer to the regular Transporter articles:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
T5 Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle (T5). With 315 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2080 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year
2003
Adult Occupant
Good (29 points)
Stars
4
Expert Note:
The Caravelle T5 achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 2003, indicating a solid safety performance for its class and era.
The Caravelle T5 achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 2003, indicating a solid safety performance for its class and era.
3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers outstanding, car-like acceleration and refinement, making it the most powerful option for those prioritizing performance over economy.
Fuel Economy
Extremely high fuel consumption, making it an expensive choice to run, especially with rising petrol prices. Best for occasional or enthusiast use.
Best Use Case:
Enthusiast / Occasional use / Performance
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 57%
Neutral: 14%
Issues: 29%
3.6 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 14 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
The JD power reviews and bullshit and bought out
VW's are reliable. Their 2.0T engines are nearly bullet proof. Granted they have been having issues with their tiguans but overall great cars!
👍 POSITIVE
Yes. I had a 2013 Jetta S, put 160k on it with zero issues and nothing but basic maintenance and traded it in for a new Jetta.
👎 NEGATIVE
A lot of people conflate cost of maintenance with reliability. The people bashing brands like VW, Audi, and BMW will turn around and praise Porsches for being reliable. Yes, Porsches are reliable, but maintenance costs are high.
Being reliable means that the car won't break down on you unexpectedly. Unless you're buying a VW that is well known to fail (for example, 1st and 2nd gen EA888 engines),
👎 NEGATIVE
I’m at 105k miles and had to replace two emissions systems valves ($1800) and the 21’s have shit brakes. I’ve spent more money on brakes and rotors than anything. Almost never have to change them on a Yota or a Honda. Facts
👍 POSITIVE
I've owned 3 beetles (real ones) 3 jettas 2 audis. I try to only buy in the VWAG.
👍 POSITIVE
Take care of the car and it'll take care of you for a long while.
👍 POSITIVE
Every 5,000 miles change the oil using the Volkswagen standard 502 synthetic, and you should have many years of hassle-free driving. I'm driving a 25-year-old Passat wagon with 190,000 mi on the clock. So I guess what I'm saying is they're reliable as long as you do the maintenance.
👍 POSITIVE
We have a 22 year old Golf with 200 k, got a new battery and egr valve, a 13 year old polo with a new battery and 75k. And an ID.3 with 20k and 4 years old.
👎 NEGATIVE
Reliable? Yes but not as good as they used to be (built wise). They used to be better but VW cut corners since Diesel gate.
👍 POSITIVE
They are reliable. I only have to top off my coolant reservoir in 4 months.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and highly versatile interior, ideal for families or business use.
- • Comfortable ride quality, making long journeys enjoyable.
- • Wide range of robust and efficient diesel engine options.
- • Excellent build quality and strong residual values.
- • Available 4MOTION AWD enhances capability in various conditions.
Cons:
- • Entry-level engines (86hp 1.9 TDI) are significantly underpowered.
- • Some common reliability issues, particularly with the 2.5 TDI engine's water pump and vacuum pump.
- • High purchase price, especially for well-equipped models.
- • Petrol V6 engines have very high fuel consumption.
- • Older models may suffer from rust issues if not well maintained.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4, facelift 1996) Long: 1996 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | T5 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 V6 (235 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 5-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 235 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.7 Hp/l [299mm less] |
| Torque: | 315 Nm @ 2950 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA390 / BKK More details about the engine EA390 / BKK |
| Engine displacement: | 3189 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | VR-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.1 l |
| Coolant: | 7.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.85:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18-18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.7-9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.7-12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 18-18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.7-9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.7-12.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1965-2195 |
| Max. weight: | 3000 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 805-1035 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 5800 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4890 mm mm [299mm less] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [64mm more] |
| Height: | 1969 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3000 mm mm [320mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2242 mm |
| Front track: | 1620 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1620 mm |
| Front overhang: | 894 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 165 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 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 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Tiptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 333x32.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Your first impression of the Volkswagen Caravelle in one word? Go!