Against 458 other V6 cars rated 2006–2008, the Caravan sits right on their 19.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1984–1987), does 22.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl (2001–2002), 18: $411 a year apart.
Every Dodge Caravan engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 19.8 / 26 | 1984–1987 | $1,722 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 18.3 / 25.1 | 1988–1995 | $1,837 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 17.6 / 23.8 | 1996–2007 | $1,920 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 17 / 24 | 2003–2008 | $1,949 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16.9 / 21.9 | 1987–2000 | $2,032 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 22 | 2001–2002 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2008) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2006–2008 | +$31 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,267 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2008 Dodge Caravan gives up 7 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 17 in the city, $659 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2008) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Caravan changed over the years
The Caravan peaked in 1985 at 23 mpg (21 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 18.5 — 4.5 mpg apart, or $406 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2008 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2005 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2004 | 17 / 24 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2003 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 23 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1999 | 17.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1998 | 17.5 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1997 | 17.5 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1996 | 17.5 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1995 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1994 | 17.5 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1993 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 17.5 / 22 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1991 | 17.5 / 22 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1990 | 18 / 24 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1989 | 17 / 23 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1988 | 17 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1987 | 18 / 23.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1984 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
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How we count
This page rests on 46 EPA ratings of the Dodge Caravan — 6 engines across 1984–2008. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,267. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2008 Dodge Caravan get?
19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Caravan has averaged 19.9 mpg.
Is the 2008 Caravan more efficient than the 2007?
No: 19 against 20 mpg combined, about $101 a year more to run.
Which Caravan year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 26 highway).
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