The 2005 Dodge Caravan is outclassed in more areas than not by its competitors. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are both more powerful without much loss of fuel economy, they’re both more comfortable, and they’re both more high-end in the interior. And they both cost thousands of dollars more without necessarily delivering thousands of dollars worth of extra value.
Is the 2005 Dodge Caravan a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The 2005 Dodge Caravan is mediocre in almost every way. A solid C+ vehicle, through and through.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Plenty of interior space and smooth-riding suspension make for a comfortable ride, but excessive road noise and cheap-feeling trim dampen the overall experience.
- Reliability 7/10 – The engine and transmission will probably make the journey to 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. But you should expect to shell out for a lot of nickel-and-dime fixes along the way, with lots of little electrical problems to worry about.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2005 Caravan’s safety tech is outdated and its crash test scores are mediocre, but the build is sturdy enough and you won’t feel unsafe behind the wheel.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – You’ll get more miles to the gallon than you expect of a 2005 minivan, but it’s still a 2005 minivan, averaging around 23 miles to the gallon, combined.
- Value 8/10 – Low sticker prices and moderate cost-of-ownership make the 2005 Caravan a serious contender in spite of its many shortcoming.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
Consumer Reports reviewed a Grand Caravan, noting good interior flexibility with fold-flat seats, a feature that had been sorely lacking in previous versions of the Caravan and Grand Caravan. Unfortunately, they felt this was too-little-too-late for an unwieldy and unrefined vehicle.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2005 Dodge Caravan a pretty good recommendation at 85%, praising the generous cargo space and comfortable seating, and even the big wide-open window design offering good visibility for the driver. Road noise and some cheap-feeling interior materials were among the few knocks.
Edmunds found the new Caravan to be more agile than previous models, with a quiet-riding V6 engine and a nice low sticker price. Cheap interior and poor reliability stats cost the van a few points, as did out-of-date safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Dodge Caravan Have?
Complaints for latches and locks make up 203 of the 537 complaints the Caravan has on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The main issue here: The door lock system fails due to a computer glitch, leaving the doors unlocked while the van is in motion.
Other electrical issues include headlight failure, and blinkers and other exterior lights flashing on and off for no apparent reason. Dashboard alerts may go off without explanation, as well. Basically, the electrical features will be the first thing to go after so many years of wear and tear.
Engine and powertrain issues are few and far between, with the most common issue being loss of power while in motion, which usually turns out to be an electrical issue, not a mechanical one. There aren’t many complaints on file for major transmission issues below 200,000 miles.
The 2005 Dodge Caravan has 9 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which is within reason for a vehicle of this age. Your main problem here is going to be all those little nickel-and-dime electrical fixes. A new wiring harness here, new headlights there. It’s not as expensive as a new transmission, but it adds up.
How Long Will the 2005 Dodge Caravan Last?
Drivers generally report a minimum mileage of 200,000 with a Dodge Caravan. Drivers have also reported as many as 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. Realistically, you should expect to reach a maximum mileage of 250,000 before the powertrain finally gives out.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $430, with the most expensive common repair being wheel replacement, starting at around $867.
Very reliable, no major problems, it has high miles, needs an oil change, new struts and new tires. But still runs great.
It has never had any problems other than regular maintenance like windshield wipers, oil changes, etc.
Yes very reliable, brought the car four states over and drove it back home haven't had a problem but a tune up.Great heat.
I haven't. Had any real problems with it I have been to a few states it's a lot of fun to drive and travel with.
It is very reliable and have very little problems the car needs only basic maintenance and is very dependable and easy to maintain.
Very reliable. I have had no major issues except a fuel pump. The rest have been normal maintenance issues.
It has so far been reliable, my husband checks the oil regular. I only drive locally mostly. I did already mention most of the problems. It does have a good radio and CD player, it also came with a DVD player, but we have never used. It does have a bit of rust but the water/ flood damage. I was driving once and the back bumper came off, I pulled over and got it.
No problems if you keep it up clean oil change brakes air conditioning engine matinee tire changed and more
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is adequate for a 2005 minivan. CD players come standard, some models include a backseat DVD player, and that’s about it. No MP3 players or anything like that.
Safety technology is pretty basic. Anti-lock brakes are and multi-stage airbags are standard, and that’s about all you get.
Is the 2005 Dodge Caravan a Good Value?
A 2005 Dodge Caravan is a solid value. An entry-level passenger van with just over 150,000 miles on the odometer typically lists at around $3,464, which is less than you might spend on a comparable SUV.
Cost of ownership isn’t too bad, either. The Caravan may be a bit thirsty when it comes to refueling, but maintenance costs are manageable and major repairs are fewer and farther between than you might expect.
What are the Different Models of the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
The Dodge Caravan is offered in three trim levels, from the Base model to the high-end SXT.
With the entry-level Base you’re getting:
- Manual air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- CD player with two speakers
- Anti-lock brakes
The mid-range SE adds:
- Two extra speakers
- Two extra power outlets
- Optional speed control
Finally, the top-of-the-line SXT features:
- Dual zone air conditioning with separate controls for the back
- Speed control
- Six speakers
- Power windows and door locks
What Engines Come In the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
- The base engine found in the 2005 Dodge Caravan is a 2.4L inline-four delivering 150 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in front wheel drive, averaging 20/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Next up is a 3.3L V6 delivering 180 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is paired to a 4-speed automatic, configured in front wheel drive, and averages 16/23 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2005 Dodge Caravan Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
The 2005 Dodge Caravan remains one of the most comfortable vehicles on the market with a vast 67.8 inches of rear hip room. That’s wide enough for an average-sized adult to lay down and take a nap, making the Caravan a great choice for long road trips.
There are few suspension complaints to speak of, so the ride should still be as smooth today as it was when the 2005 Caravan was first released.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2005 Dodge Caravan Have?
With the seats up, you’ve got 15.1 cubic feet of storage space in a 2005 Caravan. Folds the seats down and you’ve got 146.7 cubic feet. That’s enough cargo space for the Caravan to function as a moving van if you need it to.
Previous models didn’t have fold-flat seating, you had to completely remove the seats to make use of all that cargo space.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2005 was the fifth model year for the Dodge Caravan’s 4th Generation, which ran from 2001 to 2007.
2002: New for 2002 was an optional backseat DVD player. Adjustable pedals and tire-pressure monitoring were new, as well.
2003: An optional power sunroof was added for 2003.
2004: A new keyfob and 17″ Titan Chrome wheels were the most notable of a number of minor changes for 2004.
2005: No big changes for 2005.
2006: No big changes in 2006, either.
2007: By 2007 Dodge were gearing up the Caravan’s replacement, the Dodge Minivan, so this was another “no big changes” year.
How Does the 2005 Dodge Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Sienna is widely considered to have been the class leader for mid-00’s minivans. The Sienna is roughly comparable to the Caravan in terms of fuel economy, but the interior is more luxurious, and maintenance a bit easier, given Toyota’s reputation for longevity. But, the Sienna can list for as much as twice the cost of a comparable Caravan.
Compared to the 2005 Honda Odyssey, the Odyssey is a little more powerful without much loss of fuel efficiency, and, again, you’ve got Honda’s reputation for long-lasting powertrains to lean on. And, again, we’re looking at a difference of about two grand in the Caravan’s favor.
The Caravan isn’t the best minivan released in 2005, but it’s almost as good as its competitors at a much lower price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2005 Dodge Caravan?
Yes, one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned. It is roomy, hauls a lot of things, is comfortable for me and my family, low maintenance and durable.
Yes, it handles well and is very safe for any passengers; it also has plenty of cargo room for everything.
Yes previous owner took well car of this vehicle. Great interior, no engine or transmission problems only needed a motor mount somehow these cars rust.
Yes I have had it for a few years with very little problems. I have took it on several trips and enjoyed it very much.
Drive nicely and comfortably take me to wherever I need to go a little bit hard on the mileage need very little maintenance and overall quite a pleasure to drive.
I have owned two Dodge Caravans since 2002. Both have been extremely reliable. I drove the 2002 until 112,000 miles. My 2005 now has 87,000
It still runs but, the air conditioning is shot the heat does not work, the horn does not work. It was purchased from someone that had been in a flood it is on the title. The lights on the dash go on sometimes and then go off. We are hoping it will last through the fall until we can save enough money.
Yes very roomy good for traveling good on gas not hard to repair last a long time with up keeping nice seats and windows nice vacation van
