Volkswagen Caravelle (T4, facelift 1996) Long 2.0 (84 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.0 / 5

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)

(T4, facelift 1996) Long Overview:

Volkswagen Caravelle ((T4, facelift 1996) Long). With 159 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1725 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 144 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

2.0 (84 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Basic performance, adequate for city driving but struggles on highways, especially when loaded. Lacks the torque of diesel options.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for a petrol engine of its size, but not as efficient as the TDI diesels.

Best Use Case: City / Short Trips / Budget

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 50% Neutral: 0% Issues: 50%
rating
3 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 4 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


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional versatility and spacious interior for passengers or cargo.
  • • Robust and reliable build quality, leading to long lifespan.
  • • Wide range of engine options, including efficient TDI diesels.
  • • Good ride comfort for a van, especially in Caravelle trim.
  • • Strong aftermarket support and community.

Cons:

  • • Older petrol engines can be very thirsty.
  • • Some lower-powered diesel engines feel underpowered when fully loaded.
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating).
  • • Rust can be an issue on older, neglected models.
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to modern vehicles.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T4) Long: 1993 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Caravelle
Generation:(T4, facelift 1996) Long
Modification (Engine):2.0 (84 Hp)
Start of production:1996
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Van
Seats:6-9
Doors:4-5
Engine:
Power:84 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:42.7 Hp/l [134mm more]
Torque:159 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AAC More details about the engine AAC
Engine displacement:1968
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:9 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:95.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):9.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 2
Maximum speed:144 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:20.5 kg/Hp, 48.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.8 kg/Nm, 92.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1725
Max. weight:2625-2800
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:900-1075
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:6300 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:700 kg
Permitted towbar download:100 kg
Size:
Wading depth:350 mm
Length:5189 mm mm [134mm more]
Width:1840 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1940 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:3320 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2175 mm
Front track:1589 mm
Rear (Back) track:1554 mm
Front overhang:968 mm
Rear overhang:901 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):180 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Trailing arm

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