| Stats |
| Doors/Seats: 4/7 |
| HP/Torque: 180/210 |
| Manual/Auto: Std/No |
| Forced Inj.: No |
|
FWD/RWD: Std/No AWD/4WD: No/No |
| MPG City: 19 |
| MPG Hwy: 26 |
| Invoice: $25764 |
| Retail: $28195 |
Dodge entered 2003 in jeopardy of losing the 2WD Minivans wars. The 2WD Minivans segment is fast becoming as important as the midsize sedan segment, as more and more families are discovering the compromise of utility and efficiency these cars provide. Gas mileage was an important consideration in the 2WD Minivans for 2003. [[make]] could imagine what kind of greeting it would receive.
In 2003, Dodge upped the ante by offering the most powerful and most luxurious Caravan ever. The more safety features of the Caravan was an important factor in the 2WD Minivans models for 2003.
Specifications
By increasing the wheelbase and widening the track, the new Caravan offers more interior space and a more stable ride than did its predecessor. In frontal crash (conducted by the IIHS), the Caravan has earned a "very good" score. The high cost of fuel and manufacturing pushed the invoice price for the 2003 Caravan up to $25764. Heavy incentives kept the final sale price below the retail $28195. We got 19 miles per gallon even with traffic and bad weather. Driving on the freeway netted 26.
Updated Interior Styling
The rear seats recline, making it easy to stretch out on long road trips. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable and roomy, and the trunk has a generous 15.1 cubic foot capacity. As 2WD Minivans go, the Caravan is well appointed with features and amenities. This model has improved in its internal advent for this car year.
On the Road with the 2003 Caravan
Our experience with the Caravan has proven to be more than satisfactory. A determined chassis translates into a car that's easy to drive and satisfyingly precise on the highway. The controls were properly positioned for optimal driving alleviation.
Some buyers find the Caravan's retail price of $28195 (before options) to be the best in the 2WD Minivans category. The dealer cost of $25764 plus $680 leaves little room for negotiation.
Summary of 2003 for the Dodge Caravan
- For 2003, the Caravan received minor updates such as revised taillights (all red) and new wheel designs.
- A redesigned manual transmission with hydraulic clutch was introduced.
- Production issues slowed the release of some trim levels.
