The 3.8-liter V6 in the Grand Caravan SXT delivers strong power. This big V6 employs a traditional pushrod overhead-valve design rather than the more contemporary overhead-cam setup found on many imports. Dodge is advertising lower horsepower and torque numbers for this engine this year, but it's only the numbers that have changed. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently revised its test procedures for determining horsepower and torque, and nearly everyone's figures are coming out smaller. Numbers for the Caravan's four-cylinder were affected only slightly and for the 3.3-liter V6 not at all, but the 3.8-liter is now rated 205 horsepower and 240 pound-feet instead of the 215 horsepower and 245 pound-feet advertised last year. What's important to remember is that the engine itself is as strong as ever, even though its strength is now measured more conservatively.
We recommend the 3.8-liter V6 to anyone who regularly carries a heavy load of passengers. It offers good response when merging into fast freeway traffic, accelerating from intersections, or passing on two-lane roads. EPA City/Highway estimated fuel economy is a reasonable 18/25 mpg. An optional towing package is available with the 3.8-liter engine that raises the trailer rating to 3800 pounds.
Models equipped with the 3.3-liter V6 have enough power to climb hills without breathing hard. The 3.3-liter is smooth and quiet when cruising, although it makes itself known under full-throttle acceleration. Merging onto the freeway may not give you visions of your life insurance salesman, but it doesn't offer the acceleration performance of the larger 3.8-liter. The 3.3-liter is rated 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, which is significantly less than the 3.8-liter. Fuel mileage is only slightly better than the 3.8-liter, at 19/26 EPA city/highway. The 3.3-liter V6 is a flexible-fuel engine, so it can use E85 ethanol.
Both engines allow the Grand Caravan to be certified as low-emissions vehicles in all 50 states.
We haven't tested a Caravan with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but with just 150 horsepower and, more important, only 165 pound-feet of torque, we don't expect it to be a rocket. It's rated 20/26 mpg.
The Grand Caravan's brakes offer good feel, performance and durability. Standard brakes for the short-wheelbase Caravan are discs in front with heavy-duty rotors and drums at the rear. ABS is optional on the short SXT, and standard on all Grand Caravans. ABS allows the driver to brake and steer in a panic stop. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on Grand Caravan SXT. Disc brakes generally offer more resistance to brake fade (the tendency of the brakes to lose performance when heated by repeated use) than drum brakes. Next Page