2001 Dodge Caravan Review
2001 Dodge Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Car-like driving characteristics, torquey engines, solid value, attractive styling.
Cons
- Cheap interior fittings, missing some key features.
What’s new
America's best selling minivan has been revised for 2001 and boasts new sheetmetal, boosted horsepower, a refined suspension, upgraded brakes, improved safety features, and plenty of additional gadgets. Third row seats are now easier to remove and install, but still don't fold flat.
Edmunds says
Pleasant to drive and ride in, but lacking a few key features and the rock-solid reliability of certain rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 3A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$212/mo for Caravan SE
Caravan SE
vs
$217/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
Chrysler single-handedly inspired the phrases "mommymobile," "soccer mom" and other insipid sound bites back in 1983 when it invented the minivan. Dodge Caravan has been the best-selling minivan for all of those years, but needs to further distance itself from the many upstarts that have been nipping at its heels (and certainly surpassed it in some respects), such as the Mazda MPV and the Toyota Sienna. Now with its fourth generation Caravan, it seeks to transform the minivan once again, with a sleeker exterior, more powerful engines and an interior chock-full of buttons and gadgets. Caravan comes in two trim levels: SE and Sport. The SE is a stripped-down version with manual windows and locks, but it still comes with air conditioning, dual power outlets, 15-inch wheels and an overworked 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower and 167 foot-pounds of torque. While not a thrill ride, the SE is a decent 7-passenger transport that'll come in under 20 grand. It also allows for a bit more feature content, with the choice of optional cruise control, power windows, four-wheel ABS, and the larger 3.3-liter V6, among other extra-cost features.
Step up to the Sport and get the more power 3.3-liter V6 as standard equipment. This engine produces up to 180 horsepower and 210 foot-pounds of torque. Also standard on Sport models are front disc/rear drum brakes with four-wheel ABS. A four-speed automatic with overdrive, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel and a removable second-row seat are part of the Sport model package as well. Options include 16-inch wheels, a power-sliding door, an in-dash 4-disc CD changer, dual-zone air conditioning and remote keyless entry.
Although Dodge is still parsimonious about a stowable third seat that makes the Mazda MPV so pleasing (the well in the back when the seat is raised creates excessive road noise, they opine), they made installing and removing the seats easier by using rollers and lightening the load. The third-row bench now weighs just 55 pounds. The reconfigurable rear bench seat splits 50/50, allowing users to remove either one or both sides. Each seat reclines, tilts, tumbles forward, folds in half, or is removable. However, we still take umbrage at the fact that they don't provide a folding third-row seat that quickly disappears into the cargo floor.
Although DaimlerChrysler minivans have previously been criticized for not measuring up in terms of safety ratings, Caravan's optional side airbags should boost these scores. Those, along with improved brake components, dual-stage front airbags and energy absorbing interior materials should go a long way toward insuring the safety of Caravan's occupants.
The sleek shape of yore has been rendered obsolete as well, replaced by stylish creased sheetmetal for an upmarket look. Dodge's signature "cross hair" grille helps distinguish the Caravan from its Chrysler brethren.
Though Chrysler hasn't redefined the minivan with this 2001 redesign, we recognize the company's latest effort to maintain leadership in the minivan segment.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Dodge Caravan.
5 star(36%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(3%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Minivan
Eddie Leal, 09/01/2015
2001 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I have it forl 15 years. honestly speaking it's the best car I ever had I have no problem whatsoever he's just run it every time where I want to go I have two hundred seventy thousand miles on itno major issues since I bought it just routine maintainence oil change brakes batteries which are all normal to replace.
3.75 out of 5 stars
great minivan
dghost1, 10/18/2011
2001 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I bought it a year ago with 155k miles , have not made any repairs but regular maintance oil changes,.
I put in a KN air intake and it gives me 22 plus MPG.
I really like it,
runs great can't even feel the motor running. Great family vehicle, plan on trading it for a newer model.
I was really suprise a dodge could deliver a great review.
1 out of 5 stars
problem van (PLEASE READ THIS)
junk van, 12/07/2003
2001 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 3A)
i have nothing but problems with it. I
have water leaks,engine oil
leaks ,trans leaks, wind noises,squeaks
and rattels,trans not shifting
corectly, engine not running
corectly,all doors not opening and
closeing corectly. if this is not only
a few of the problems that i have had
with this van I have taken this van
back to the dealer where it was bought
from about … four times a month from the
time i bought it new in 2001 it is now
almost 2004 and still have not had
these problems corected . the say they
want me back in another dodge product
I WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER PRODUCT
FROM THEM!!!!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reliable car
kirat12gill, 08/12/2014
2001 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I purchased this minivan in 2013. This 2001 model has 136000 kms on it, since then the only problem was the key was stuck in the ignitor and a part had to be replaced for 200$, once i entered the wrong fuel in the van but got it drained later on and had no problems. Its a great family hauler at a very affordable price. Good value for money. Less repairs. Had a 2000 model before this … which also ran good
2001 Caravan Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,160 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $212/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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