2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfy ride, DVD video option, refined drivetrain, impressive handling performance.
Cons
- No fold-flat third-row seat, unimpressive reliability history, potentially pricey.
What’s new
Dodge brings out the Caravan eL, a value leader that lists for around $24,000. The luxury factor on higher-line trims is boosted with the availability of power adjustable pedals, rear-seat audio with wireless headsets and the coupe de grace: a DVD video system for the rear seat, which also includes wireless headsets.
Edmunds says
Pleasant to drive and ride in but lacking a few key features and the rock-solid reliability record of certain rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$241/mo for Grand Caravan SE
Grand Caravan SE
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Redesigned last year, the Dodge Grand Caravan sports a number of neat features, such as a moveable center bin equipped with power points and a power rear liftgate.
Still, a few key conveniences are missing, such as a hide-a-way third-row seat and adjustable fore/aft second-row seating and a reverse sensing system.
Make no mistake, the Grand Caravan has many charms, among them a comfortable interior, good looks, a power liftgate, plenty of power and crisp handling that belies the size of the vehicle. Depending on what trim level and options are selected, driver and passengers can be ensconced in soft, gathered-leather seats while triple zone climate control keeps everyone comfortably cool or warm. Making it easier for parents to entertain the kids is the option of a DVD video system that is integrated into the dash.
The Grand Caravan is available in several trim levels, ranging from the base SE to the top-of-the-line ES. In between those are situated the eL, Sport and the EX. Both Sport and ES can be had with all-wheel drive. Choosing the SE will get you the basics, such as a 3.3-liter 180-horsepower V6 hooked up to a smooth four-speed automatic, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo and antilock brakes. The Sport comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; triple-zone climate control; and cruise control. The eL, which comes only in Bright Silver Metallic, is equipped like the Sport and even adds a trip computer, yet costs nearly a grand less.
The EX was introduced late in 2001 and positioned squarely against Honda's Odyssey EX (what a coincidence!). To battle the Honda, the Grand Caravan EX is similarly priced and boasts standard equipment that includes a 3.8-liter V6 (which makes 215 horsepower), alloy wheels, triple-zone climate control, power driver seat, CD player and power liftgate door.
In a classic "shot myself in the foot" move, the more expensive ES inexplicably comes with a few downgrades compared to the EX, such as the 3.3-liter V6 versus the 3.8 (which is optional). The ES does, however, come with a superior sound system (a 10-speaker Infinity job) and a trip computer. A different marketing scheme for the EX (comes one way -- no options -- and there are currently no rebates or incentives) is the reason for the strange hierarchy.
In the Grand Caravan lineup, the EX is perhaps the best choice, as it has most of the features one could want in a minivan (save for a disappearing third seat and the option of a navigation system). But in spite of the Dodge's superior driving dynamics, Honda's exemplary Odyssey offers more useable features than the Grand Caravan and has something else that Dodge won't be able to simply bolt in: a long-standing reputation for exemplary reliability and build quality.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan.
5 star(47%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
70 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Not too bad, after 8 yrs and 160k miles
Dave, 06/09/2010
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Purchased in 2004 with 20k miles on it. Swore I'd never own a minivan. LOVE the carrying capacity, although removing the bench seats to make room for plywood sheets was a pain. The built- in kid seats (2nd row) was very handy after the kids got out of car seats. Love all the power outlets. Multi-zone climate control was nice. Very comfortable overall. Mechanically, the brakes/rotors got … worked on more than I'd have preferred. It needed some kind of engine sensor replaced ($300) at about 160k. Tires = normal wear/tear. Fuel = approx 17 (but I have a heavy foot). A/C is still awfully cold, cruise works fine, very pleased overall. Just bought another used one!
5 out of 5 stars
Dodge Caravan Owner for Life~
Dawn, 05/11/2016
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Very reliable van. purchased when it had about 26,000 miles. It now has 188,700 miles. We have had to do the standard repairs (Tires & Brakes). Around 100,000 miles we did have an antifreeze leak. Finally after a couple years of dealing with that they figured out it was a crack in a hose. They repaired that and we have not had any problems since. Currently the only thing wrong is … the Drivers auto lock broke and the exhaust needs replaced.
2.75 out of 5 stars
Never again
Dennis, 06/15/2010
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan eX Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Bought the van because of affordable pricing and good looks. Reliability and build quality are poor with several recalls and replacement of transmission, water pump, AC compressor, sway bar bushings and now the blower motor only works on high. Have replaced blower motor resistor but that only worked for a short time before it failed. Many other problems, thank goodness I took out the … extended warranty on this thing.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love our van
Bockhowierrr, 06/27/2003
2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport Fwd 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
We just bought this van a week ago, so
reliability will have to wait to be
determined. But so far, we love it! Very
spacious, captain chairs are nice, easy
to move, and remove. 3.3 V6 is plenty
of power if not pulling anything behind it.
We thought of buying 2003, but found a
2002 w/ 12,000 miles for $10,000 less!
Dual climate control is sweet, as is rear
climate … control. Nice van!
2002 Grand Caravan Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,980 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $241/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.6 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 RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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