Families, commercial users requiring passenger or cargo transport.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2003:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza.
Key Features Model
Practicality:
Known for its spacious interior, versatile seating configurations (Stow 'n Go functionality introduced later, but early models offered flexible seating), and family-friendly features.
Key Features Manual
Authenticity:
Directly sourced from factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Value Proposition:
Cost-effective alternative to dealership service for maintenance and repairs.
Routine maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Includes overhaul and rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, scan tool usage, data stream interpretation, specific diagnostic tests for various systems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and assembly instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Search:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4L (2429 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder (DOHC)
Engine 1 Power:
150 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.3L (3301 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6 (OHV)
Engine 2 Power:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.8L (3778 cc)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V6 (OHV)
Engine 3 Power:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Diesel Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5L (2499 cc)
Diesel Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)
Diesel Engine 1 Power:
114 hp @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Diesel Engine 1 Torque:
177 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (approx.)
Diesel Engine 2 Displacement:
2.8L (2776 cc)
Diesel Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)
Diesel Engine 2 Power:
147 hp @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Diesel Engine 2 Torque:
259 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Gasoline Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel Delivery:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for 2.8L, likely Indirect Injection for 2.5L.
Performance
0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine, generally 9-12 seconds.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Gasoline Trans Type:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 41TE for 2.4L, 42LE for V6s)
Diesel Trans Type:
4-speed automatic (e.g., 45RFE for 2.8L Diesel, manual possible for 2.5L)
Optional
Optional Trans:
5-speed manual (available on some diesel models).
Features
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.
Trans Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification) for most automatic transmissions, manual transmission fluid for manual gearboxes.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (standard wheelbase), 119.3 inches (long wheelbase option on some models)
Length:
186.0 inches (standard), 197.5 inches (long)
Width:
72.0 inches
Height:
68.4 inches
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 30-40 cu ft (varies by wheelbase)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3500-4500 lbs (approx., varies by engine and configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (with optional towing package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for most configurations)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, rear-seat entertainment systems available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Connectivity
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed (if equipped).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (conventional) or 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium, if applicable).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on usage).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine requirements and ambient temperature suitability).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent meeting MS-9769. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially on 41TE/42LE), EGR valve clogging (particularly on V6 engines), heater core leaks, power sliding door issues (if equipped), front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in the mid-1980s.
Model Evolution
Third Generation:
The 2003 Caravan belongs to the third generation (1996-2007), which saw significant redesigns and updates over its lifespan.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Konsumen Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by year and configuration, often citing average to below-average reliability for transmissions.