2002 Dodge Caravan Review
2002 Dodge Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Surprisingly agile handling, quiet ride (with V6), low price.
Cons
- Some cheap interior bits, limited features and options, questionable reliability.
What’s new
Dodge brings out the Caravan eC, a value leader that lists for just $17,000. Power adjustable pedals debut as well.
Edmunds says
Enjoyable to drive and ride in, the Caravan offers no-frills minivan transport for the family on a tight budget.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Caravan eC Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 4A) 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$226/mo for Caravan eC
Caravan eC
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Not as long as the Grand Caravan, the shorter-wheelbase (113.3 inches versus the Grand's 119.3 inches) Caravan is geared toward families that need a seven-passenger vehicle but can't afford the larger and pricier minivans. The Caravan starts at around $17,000 and comes in three trim levels: eC, SE and well-equipped Sport.
A 150-horsepower 2.4-liter inline four hooked up to a primitive three-speed automatic propels the SE. Optional is a 3.3-liter V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Making the SE a foolish choice (and causing us to question Dodge's logic) is the new and cheaper eC model that comes only in Bright Silver paint with a taupe interior. Equipped with the 2.4-liter I4 and a four-speed automatic gearbox, the eC lists for $3,000 less than the SE, yet has a better automatic tranny and the same equipment level. The downside of the eC is that you can't get a V6 engine or different colors, and the options list is very short.
The Sport is fitted with a 180-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 coupled to a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic.
Air conditioning and a stereo with cassette player are standard on the eC and SE versions, and Sport models add antilock brakes; power windows, locks and mirrors; and cruise control. Optional on all Caravans are power adjustable pedals, a feature that allows shorter folks to get comfortable behind the wheel without having the airbag-equipped steering wheel too close to their bodies. Certain features such as leather seating, DVD player and traction control are not available on the Caravan. If you're looking for a mega-loaded minivan, Dodge has a Grand Caravan with your name on it.
And if you expect to use the Caravan's seven-passenger capability and/or generous luggage capacity, we'd advise you to get the V6, either as an option on the SE or by opting for the Sport model. In addition to more muscle, another benefit of the V6 is its quiet performance in contrast to the four, which can get buzzy when pushed.
One of the things we've raved about while piloting any of the new Chrysler or Dodge minivans is their agile handling and supple ride characteristics. We suspect that these vans will surprise a lot of folks who expect the driving experience to be an exercise in lethargic vehicle dynamics.
Crash-test scores are mostly good, but not outstanding as on class leaders, such as the Honda Odyssey and Ford Windstar. Another area where the Dodge falls a bit short is in reliability history, though it has improved in this respect in recent years.
For the money, these are sweet-driving and comfortable shuttles that deserve a look if a short-money purchase is the main objective.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Caravan.
5 star(38%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(19%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(4%)
53 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
good investment
peter39120, 04/06/2010
2002 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 3A)
Bought used with 50k miles. good fuel economy, few repairs, just the usual minor repairs. except trans. rebuild. have owned a 92, 96, 02, 04 and 06 caravan. so far, the three old ones all needed trans. repair 70k-100k. but considering other costs are very reasonable, not a big problem. since i paid just $6200 for this van and have put 40k miles on it, it's been a dream. good ride. seats … could be a bit more supportive. have a 06 caravan too. it has too firm a ride, but does have more supportive seats. i am a big caravan fan. my old 96 had a four cyl 2.4 L would get 20-21 mpg in town but be prepared. caravan are cheap to buy, cheap to maintain. but they will need transmission repairs.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Buyer Beware!
Donna, 03/29/2008
2002 Dodge Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (2.4L 4cyl 3A)
I bought this minivan because it fit into my budget. The Toyota and Honda were rated higher but I didn't like the way the Toyota felt and the Honda was too pricey. About 2 months past the 3 year warranty on my Caravan I started having to dole out for repairs. To date I have spent about $6,500. I think I spent $2,500 of that in year 4. The rear seat bench cup holder has broken off … twice...I don't have young children who abuse it. In fact, it rarely gets used. Each repair for that has been over $100! The bearing on the sliding door has also broken 2x and I refuse to fix it again! Also had sway bar issues, power steering issues, defective spark plugs, oil leaks,...I will never buy a Dodge again
3.5 out of 5 stars
Driving Customers Away!
Blair L. Ritchie, 08/26/2008
2002 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I have owned two minivans. The first a 96 and now this one. Dodge/Chrysler will never see one penny from me ever again! Both vehicles I owned from them have required repair for items that are clearly a result of poor design. The 96 had the well known transmission problems that so many experienced and now my 02 is having front end problems (sway bar, pwr steering). I can understand that … vehicles will have problems. However, why they will never see my money again is that they do not admit to an obvious problem and then stand behind it in terms of repair. It is actually insulting to be treated by a company as if mine is the only one showing these issues yet others share similar stories.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Dodge repairs too many
John, 08/26/2009
2002 Dodge Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I had a few Dodge cars, all had head gasket problems that I had to pay to fix. For awhile I avoided Dodge. I liked the sport caravan so after talking to a dealer they assured me engine problems were solved. I leased for 3 years to be sure problems were really gone. After lease I purchased. During the lease time the air bag light kept coming on. I took it to the dealer at least 7 or more … times for repair. Whatever they did kept the light off for a few days or up to a month. After warranty was over the light came on again. Then I took it to a non dealer repair center. They showed me the problem was the passenger airbag needed replacement They said no way would dealer not know about this.
2002 Caravan Highlights
eC
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,430 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.1 cu.ft. |
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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