Dodge Reviews2002 Dodge Caravan Review
America's most popular minivan. 2002 Dodge Caravan Base Price (MSRP) $19,155 As Tested (MSRP) $32,925 Dodge Caravan is one of the most popular vehicles on the road. Dodge sells more than 350,000 of them every year; one in every five minivans sold is a Dodge Caravan. Dodge Caravan's popularity comes from its family friendly attributes: The Grand Caravan can carry half the little league team while delivering a smooth car-like ride and reasonable fuel mileage, and offering the features and flexibility America wants. A broad range of models means that nearly anyone who needs a minivan can find a Caravan that fits their needs and budget. While the Chrysler Voyager starts at $19,800 and the Town & Country Limited has a base price of $38,000, the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan stake out the middle ground, offering the most popular options at an affordable price. Dodge Caravans range from $19,155 for a front-drive Caravan SE to $33,320 for an all-wheel-drive Grand Caravan ES that's stretched across a long wheelbase. Dodge completely redesigned the Caravan for 2001, but several new features are available for 2002: adjustable pedals, DVD rear-seat video and audio, a tire-pressure monitoring system. There's also a new Grand Caravan EX model loaded with a powerful V6, a power rear liftgate and other popular options. 2002 Dodge Dakota Review 
The biggest little truck you can buy. 2002 Dodge Dakota Base Price (MSRP) $14,810 As Tested (MSRP) $29,935 We've often seen the Dodge Dakota classified as a mid-size pickup, or even as the mid-size pickup: smaller than a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or Dodge's own Ram, yet bigger than the Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10, GMC Sonoma, or Toyota Tacoma. Dodge strategically promotes the Dakota as the biggest, most powerful, most capable compact pickup on the market. Call it a compact and it's the only compact offering optional V8 power. Whatever you call it, the Dakota offers more versatility than other compact pickups, without quite as much bulk as a full-size truck. Or as Shakespeare might have put it: A Dakota by any other name would be precisely the same size. And that size seems to fit some pickup buyers just right. Dakota's biggest change for 2002 is the addition of the value-priced SXT, which offers sporty looks and features for under $17,000. And unlike some competitors' compact-trucks-with-attitude, SXT comes in two or four-wheel drive. For more serious performance, Dakota continues to offer the big-engined R/T model, now with chromed wheels optional. Most Dakotas ride into 2002 with an increased GVW, and the rear-wheel anti-lock brake system (RWAL) now includes electronic brake apportioning (EBA) for more effective stopping and increased lining life. 2002 Dodge Durango Review 
Not too big, not too small, and very rugged. 2002 Dodge Durango Base Price (MSRP) $25,100 As Tested (MSRP) $36,420 Dodge Durango is handsome, powerful, versatile, and refined. For many buyers, however, Durango's most appealing feature is its just-right size. Based on the Dakota pickup, Durango is smaller and more maneuverable than the full-size SUVs, such as the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Yet Durango still offers six-passenger seating, V8 power, and a hefty towing capacity. Dodge Durango has found a comfortable niche that Ford and GM missed. With theater-style seating that gives rear-seat passengers a view of the road ahead, and other interior creature comforts, the Durango is a smart choice for large families. It's also a good choice for people who tow light to medium-sized trailers. A beefy 5.9-liter V8 is available, and it delivers plenty of pulling power, while the more sophisticated 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 offers decent performance and an added measure of refinement. A new five-speed automatic transmission is available for 2002 that should improve fuel economy. Also new for 2002 are optional side-curtain air bags ($495), available for every trim level. For 2002, Dodge has added a high-value trim level called SXT with unique Graphite trim. Last year, Durango benefited from an all new, more comfortable and more car-like interior, plus a new performance-tuned R/T model. 2002 Dodge Intrepid Review
A fresh interpretation of the Great American Full-Size Sedan. 2002 Dodge Intrepid Base Price (MSRP) $20,370 As Tested (MSRP) $26,050 Remember the big cars of the Seventies? The Dodge Intrepid offers that kind of abundant power and comfortable ride, with room for five passengers (six, if you opt for the front bench seat). Intrepid's styling is modern and handsome, yet evokes the sweeping sleekness of those days as well. Best of all, Intrepid delivers the precision handling and high fuel efficiency that 21st century consumers expect. What's not to love? Last year, highly modified versions of the Intrepid proved competitive in NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing. Now, Intrepids are appearing in other stock-car series as well, where they run mostly against mid-size body styles. That's a real tribute to the Intrepid's efficient aerodynamic design. Dodge has simplified Intrepid engine and transmission choices for 2002, and added some new exterior colors. Prices of some models and options have actually been reduced slightly. Beyond that, the 2002 model remains much the same as the 2001. 2002 Dodge Neon Review 
Sporty new face to go with performance, roominess and value. 2002 Dodge Neon Base Price (MSRP) $12,240 As Tested (MSRP) $16,680 Dodge Neon has been restyled for 2002 with a stronger Dodge identity. The new look actually shortens Neon by about an inch. More significant is the upgraded automatic transmission option, now a four-speed instead of a three-speed, for quieter running on the highway, and better fuel economy. In fact, the whole Neon lineup has been re-shuffled for better value. A lower-priced base model packs nearly as much equipment as last year's SE, while the SE and ES models move up in content. The high-performance R/T and competition ACR models still deliver some of the most driving fun you can have in a small, economical car. 2002 Dodge Ram Review 
Truckville gets a new mayor. 2002 Dodge Ram Base Price (MSRP) $16,955 As Tested (MSRP) $30,090 Dodge has completely redesigned and re-engineered its Ram for the 2002 model year. This all new pickup boasts levels of refinement and comfort that match those of the best trucks from General Motors and Ford. New designs from GM and Ford had put them ahead on this score, but that's all changed with the 2002 Dodge Ram. The new Ram offers a much smoother ride and a bigger, more comfortable, and more convenient cab. Refinement doesn't mean the Dodge Ram has gone soft, however. This year's Ram offers improved towing and hauling capability, and more powerful, more efficient engines. This complete overhaul puts the Dodge back on solid ground with the half-ton pickups from Ford and GM. 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe Review 
Value with style. 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe Base Price (MSRP) $17,920 As Tested (MSRP) $22,795 Swaggering, sleek and muscular, the Dodge Stratus recalls a bygone era of big coupes, hulking, family-size coupes, that absolutely demanded your attention. Dodge's own Charger comes to mind. Arrogant and powerful, they were the toys and status symbols of the young and successful, some 30 years ago. Stratus brings that excitement back, in a modern, efficient, and aerodynamic package, still with a family-size back seat, and all for starting price under $18,000. Stratus was all new last year (2001), when it replaced the similarly themed Dodge Avenger. Compared to the Avenger, however, the Stratus Coupe features a stiffer platform and larger engines, including a 200-horsepower V6. Changes to Stratus for 2002 are minimal, consisting mostly of upgrades to sound systems and other optional equipment. 2002 Dodge Stratus Sedan Review 
Sport-coupe styling with four-door practicality. 2002 Dodge Stratus Sedan Base Price (MSRP) $17,400 As Tested (MSRP) $22,810 Sleek as a coupe, but roomy like a sedan, the mid-size, four-door Stratus sedan was totally redesigned and re-engineered last year for better ride, handling, and performance. Its improved road manners now boost Stratus squarely into the same league as the most popular imports, including the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. But for sheer style, the Stratus struts more individual personality than any 10 Pacific Rim products put together. For 2002, Dodge has reinforced the individualistic image of the Stratus with a sporty R/T sedan, powered by a 200-horsepower V6 and riding on a lowered suspension and 17-inch Vertex alloy wheels. 2002 Dodge Viper Review 
Last chance before it sheds its skin. 2002 Dodge Viper Base Price (MSRP) $69,225 As Tested (MSRP) $90,100 Dodge has promised an all new and significantly evolved Viper for 2003. So if the original species has slithered into your heart, you need to catch one now before they become extinct. Although entering its 11th season, this snake is still the behemoth of the jungle, suffocating its rivals with outrageous styling and brutal torque. The Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette are each more refined and easier to drive. They each possess a longer pedigree in the sports car world. But they also convey a very different image. If the Porsche is Wagner, and the 'Vette is Jim Morrison, then Viper is Mettalica. Armed with sledgehammers. And in just over a decade, the Viper has established a pedigree of its own: Vipers won the GT Class at Le Mans in 1998, 99, and 2000. They earned international GT2 and GT championships in 1997, 98, and 99. A factory Viper team won the class title in the American Le Mans Series in 1999. Then a Viper won the 2000 24 Hours of Daytona outright, bettering the European prototypes that were assumed to be faster. It remains the hot setup among production street cars, if Car and Driver magazine's One Lap of America is any indication. As a sports car with real credentials, the Viper doesn't have to apologize to anyone. Not that it looks like it's going to be making any apologies. Dodge Reviews
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