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Dodge Caravan
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Chrysler introduced the Dodge Caravan minivan along with its rebadged variant, the Plymouth Voyager in November 1983, for the 1984 model year — followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager long-wheelbase (LWB) models in 1987, the rebadged Chrysler Town and Country in 1990, and the Volkswagen Routan in 2008.
Chrysler manufactures and markets its minivan series worldwide.
Together with its nameplate variants, the Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, and Plymouth Voyager, the Chrysler minivans have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.
Overview
Chrysler introduced the Dodge and Plymouth minivans in November 1983 for the 1984 model year, using an extended derivative of the Chrysler K platform, the Chrysler S platform.
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Encyclopedia
Chrysler introduced the Dodge Caravan minivan along with its rebadged variant, the Plymouth Voyager in November 1983, for the 1984 model year — followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager long-wheelbase (LWB) models in 1987, the rebadged Chrysler Town and Country in 1990, and the Volkswagen Routan in 2008.
Chrysler manufactures and markets its minivan series worldwide.
Together with its nameplate variants, the Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, and Plymouth Voyager, the Chrysler minivans have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.
Overview
Chrysler introduced the Dodge and Plymouth minivans in November 1983 for the 1984 model year, using an extended derivative of the Chrysler K platform, the Chrysler S platform. Chrysler followed with a long wheelbase (LWB) model, the Grand Caravan in 1987, also based on the Chrysler S platform.
Lee Iaccoca and Hal Sperlich had conceived their idea for a modern minivan during their earlier tenure at Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford II had rejected Iaccoca's and Sperlich's idea (and a prototype) of a minivan in 1974, then rumored to carry the name "Maxivan". Iaccoca followed Sperlich to Chrysler Corporation, and together they created the T115 minivan — a prototype that was to become the Caravan and Voyager.
The Chrysler minivans launched a few months ahead of the Renault Espace (the first MPV/minivan in Europe, initially presented to executives as a Talbot in 1979, but not launched until 1984), making them the first of their kind — effectively created the modern minivan segment in the US.
Since their introduction in the fall of 1983, the Chrysler minivans have outsold other minivans in the United States, with over 12 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans in over 80 countries sold as of October 2008. Only recently, has Chrysler ceded the top-selling minivan spot to the Honda Odyssey.
- Magician Doug Henning was used as a spokesman to introduce the Caravan as a vehicle with the space of a cargo van that would fit in a standard garage and a low step-in height for small children.
- A first year production Dodge Caravan is displayed at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit.
- In 2004, Chrysler held a Stand By Your Van Contest, where contestants had to place one hand on the new van. The person whose hand was on the longest won a brand new Caravan, and be one of the first consumers to experience the new Stow 'n Go seating. The event was held during the Chicago Auto Show.
Special anniversary editions of the Chrysler minivans have included, in 1994, the "10 Year Anniversary Edition" Dodge SE with badges and special two-tone paint, as well as the 2004 Anniversary Edition SXT Caravan.
Generation I (1984-1990)
Generation I Caravans used the Chrysler S platform, which was closely related to the K-cars Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. There were four trim levels on the Generation I Caravan: base, mainstream SE, upscale LE, and sporty ES. The Caravan was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985. Both a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a five-speed manual were available with the inline-4, including the turbocharged 2.5 L (this was a rare combination).
A cargo version of the Caravan, called the Mini Ram Van, was also introduced in 1984. It was renamed as the Caravan C/V for 1989, and was discontinued after 1995. It was available either with the short or long wheelbase models. Unique to the Caravan C/V was the option of either having the traditional hatch door in the back or the optional "barn doors" (with or without windows), swing-out versions similar to those of more traditional cargo vans. These doors were made of fiberglass and required the C/V vans to be "drop shipped" as these doors were custom installed by another vendor. Another version of the Caravan was the camper. The camper wasn't very popular and dropped within 2 years.
Engines
Trims
- 1984-1990 - base
- 1984-1988 - Mini Ram Van
- 1989-1990 - C/V
- 1984-1990 - SE
- 1984-1990 - LE
- 1988-1990 - ES
Generation II (1991-1995)
Through 1991 through 1995, the Caravan used the Chrysler AS platform. These were the last minivans that were derived from the Chrysler K platform.
This generation of vans brought additional innovations, such as:
- "Quad Command" bucket seating (1991)
- Integrated child safety seats (1992), improved design with recliners (1994)
- Available anti-lock brakes (1991)
- First driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991), made standard (1992), and first dual front airbags (1994)
- First minivan to meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1994)
- All wheel drive was introduced for the minivan. (1991)
Changes for this generation included revised trim for 1992, including roof-racks and doorhandles, among other components (prior to this, said components were largely like those found on the previous generation). 1993 marked the final year for optional woodgrain and wire wheels on higher lever models. 1994 saw a redesigned interior, with slightly different seat contours/fabrics, along with a new dash, in order to accommodate a passenger-side air bag. 1994 also saw exterior trim changes, such as a body colored grill and moldings on certain models, as well as the addition of a one year only "10th Anniversary Edition" model. Available as an option on a mid-level Caravan and Grand Caravan (also offered on Voyager models as well), the popular "10th Anniversary" package featured 2-tone paint schemes, which included a contrasting light gray colored lower break, along with a gold fender badge. Only select colors were available on this model.
Engines
- 1991–1995 2.5 L K I4, and
- 1991–1995 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, and
- 1991–1995 3.3 L EGA V6, and .
- 1991–1995 3.8 L EGH V6, and .
Trims
- 1991-1995 - base
- 1991-1995 - C/V
- 1991-1995 - SE
- 1991-1995 - LE
- 1993-1995 - Sport Wagon
- 1991-1995 - ES
Note: All wheel drive was only available on SE or higher models.
Generation III (1996-2000)
With Generation III, the Chrysler minivans long - and short - wheelbase models, three - and four-door configurations, and eight different powertrains -- including electric and compressed natural gas, on a single, flexible platform.
The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a number of innovations, including a driver's side sliding door (optional initially, to become standard equipment later), a first for Chrysler. With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as Easy Out Roller Seats.
Base models of the Caravan were offered in most states with either a 2.4 L four-cylinder or the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 engine, except in several northeastern states, where the Mitsubishi V6 didn't meet emissions standards. In those locales, the 3.3 L engine was offered as the V6 option from 1997 through 2000. The manual transmission, never popular, was dropped. The 2.4 L four-cylinder engine produced more power than the Mitsubishi 3.0 had in the first two generations.
The 1996 Caravan, along with the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country won the North American Car of the Year award. The Caravan itself won Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year 1996 and appeared on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.
1999 also saw the addition of a one year only 15th anniversary "Platinum Edition", to mark Caravan's 15th year of production. This package was offered on various trim levels, and included Platinum Metallic paint, and fender badges. The 2000 model year offered packages which included the "2000+" and "Millennium" package, however these were little more than unique fender badges on vans with popular equipment.
Changes were relatively limited during this generation's run, and included a revised front fascia in 1999 for up level Sport, ES, LE models, as well as color, wheel, and interior fabric changes between 1996-2000.
Engines
- 1996-2000 2.4 L EDZ I4, 150 hp (112 kW) and 167 ft·lbf (226 N·m) (Canadian vans beginning in 1999 included a 3.0 V6 as standard equipment)
- 1996-2000 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 142 hp (106 kW) (not available in certain states)
- 1996-2000 3.3 L EGA V6, 158 hp (118 kW) and 203 ft·lbf (275 N·m)
- 1996-1998 3.8 L EGH V6, 166 hp (124 kW)
- 1999-2000 3.8 L EGH V6, 180 hp (134 kW)
Trims
- 1996-2000 - Base
- 1996-2000 - SE
- 1996-2000 - Sport
- 1996-2000 - LE
- 1996-2000 - ES
Note: All-wheel drive was only available on SE or higher models
Concepts
Other plans for this model year included three minivan concepts all to be made in the Windsor Assembly, the Dodge Caravan R/T, Voyager XG, and the Chrysler Pacifica. The Caravan R/T was to include the most powerful engine ever for a minivan, rated at 325 hp (240 kW). It had two Dodge Viper hoodscoops, a brushed aluminum instrument panel, racing-style pedals, and black and white rubber flooring. The Voyager XG was more rugged, and included many outdoor amenities, such as a built-in ice pack. The Chrysler Pacifica was more luxurious, had power leather seats and footrests, overhead bins and lighting, an LHS grille, and roof-long skylights. The skylight feature was used by Nissan in the Quest. The Pacifica actually did come to be in 2004, based on the current Caravan, except that it became a crossover SUV rather than a minivan.
Dodge Caravan EPIC
In 1999, Dodge introduced the Caravan EPIC, a fully-electric mini-van. The EPIC was powered by 28 12-volt NiMH batteries and was capable of traveling up to 80 miles on a single charge. The EPIC was sold as a fleet-only lease vehicle. Production of the EPIC was discontinued in 2001. Only a few hundred of these vehicles were produced and sold. After the leases expired they were returned and crushed. Approximately 10 vans remain in private hands today.
Generation IV (2001-2007)
Beginning in 2001, the Generation IV minivans were based on the Chrysler RS platform and featured a larger body frame with modified headlights and taillights. In addition to other detailed changes, power sliding doors and a power hatch became available as options. The Mitsubishi 3.0 L V6, which no longer met emissions standards in California and the northeastern U.S., was discontinued, and a more powerful 3.8L engine, based on the 3.3L, became available. All Wheel Drive Continued to be offered on high end models. Other innovative available features included remote operated sliding doors and rear hatch, which could be opened and closed as the push of a button, either inside the vehicle, or with the keyless entry fob.
In 2003, the Caravan C/V and Grand Caravan C/V returned after having been discontinued in 1995. The C/V featured the option of deleted side windows (replaced by composite panels), optional rear seats, a cargo floor made of plastic material similar to pickup truck bedliners, rubber flooring in lieu of carpeting and normal hatch at the rear.
2004 offered an exclusive one year only "Anniversary Edition" package to mark Caravan's 20th year in production. This package was offered on higher level SXT models, and included chrome wheels, body color moldings, special interior accents and a unique fender badge.
2005 changes to the Caravan included a revised grille, new foglight fascia, relocated information center (from behind the gauges to the overhead console) and a system of in-floor folding second and third row seats, marketed as With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as Stow'n Go seating.
2009 Production of the IV generation continues in China http://www.dodge.cn/en/Caravan.html
Engines
- 2001-2007 2.4 L EDZ I4, 150 hp (112 kW) at 5400 rpm and 165 lb·ft (224 N·m) at 4000 rpm
- 2001-present 3.3 L EGA V6, 180 hp (134 kW) at 5000 rpm and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m) at 4000 rpm
- 2001-present 3.8 L EGH V6, 215 hp (160 kW) at 5000 rpm and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) at 4000 rpm
Note: In Canada, the 3.3 L V6 is standard on all models.
Trims
- 2001-2003 - Sport
- 2001-2007 - base
- 2001-2007 - SE
- 2003-2007 - C/V
- 2004-2007 - SXT
- 2001-2003 - Grand Caravan EL
- 2001-2003 - Grand Caravan ES
- 2002-2003 - Grand Caravan EX
- 2001-2007 - Grand Caravan SE
- 2001-2007 - Grand Caravan Sport
- 2004-2007 - Grand Caravan SXT
(some of the above trim levels were not available to all markets)
Generation V (2008-present)
Beginning with Generation V in model year 2008, Chrysler offered only the long wheelbase Grand Caravan — debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show with exterior styling by Ralph Gilles.
A six-speed automatic transmission became standard with the 3.8 L V6 and the new 4.0 L V6. The four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.3 L Flex-Fuel V6. Available features include With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as Swivel'n Go seating, the MyGIG entertainment system, second and third row video screens, powered second row windows, standard side curtain airbags and dashboard-mounted transmission controls.
With discontinuation of the short-wheelbase Caravan, Dodge offered the Journey on nearly an identical wheelbase and in crossover rather than minivan form. Although the SWB model, which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada,
cost approximately $2,000 less and offered a four-cylinder engine option with improved fuel economy, Chrysler executives noted the SWB Caravan was discontinued to accommodate new features offered in the Grand Caravan, consistent with the demands of the majority of the minivan market. Shortly thereafter, the market shifted briefly away from minivans and SUVs with the gasoline price spikes of the earlier part of 2008. This trend began to reverse itself towards the fall of 2008 as prices held steady and more drivers were planning their trips ahead to save fuel.
Volkswagen Routan
Beginning with Generation V, Volkswagen began marketing the Routan, a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform minivan with revised styling and content, for the North American and Mexican markets.
The Routan is manufactured at Windsor Assembly alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008, and features neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems.
Seating innovation
Chrysler has regularly innovated new seating systems for their minivans, to enhance interior flexibility.
Integrated child safety seats
In 1992 innovated a second row bench seat integrating two child booster seats. These seats have continued as an available option through Generation V.
Easy-Out Roller Seats
In 1996, Chrysler introduced a system of seats to simplify installation, removal, and re-positioning— marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats. When installed, the seats are latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lift each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks have locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks release the floor latches single handedly without tools and raise the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks are permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions are aligned, fascillitating the longitiudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.
When configured as two and three person benches (available through Generation IV), the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. Beginning in 2001, second and third row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration — bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third row three-person 50/50 split "bench" — with each section weighing under 50 lbs. The Easy-out system remained in use through Generation V — where certain models featured a two-person bench and the under-floor compartments from the Stow'n Go system.
The Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on its second row seating.
Stow'n Go seating
In 2005, Chrysler introduced a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments — marketed as Stow 'n Go seating and exclusively available on long-wheelbase models.
In a development program costing $400 million, engineers used an erector set to initially help visualize the complex interaction of the design and redesigned underfloor components to accommodate the system — including the spare tire well, fuel tank, exhaust system, parking brake cables, rear climate control lines, and rear suspension. Even so, the new seating system precluded incorporation of an AWD system, effectively ending that option for the Chrysler minivans.
The system in turn creates a combined volume of of under floor storage when second row seats are deployed. With both row folded, the vans have a flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of .
The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.
The Stow 'n Go system is not offered on the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.
Swivel 'n Go
Chrysler introduced a seating system in 2008, marketed as Swivel'n Go. In the system, the two second row seats swivel to face the third row. A detachable table can be placed between the second and third row seats. Swivel'n Go is not available with Stow 'n Go seating. The Swivel 'n Go system is offered on the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, but not the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.
These Swivel 'n Go Seats are manufacted by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. The tracks, risers and swivel mechanisms are assembled by Camslide, a division of Intier. The swivel mechanism was designed by and is produced by Toyo Seat USA Corp.
The system is noted for its high strength. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.
The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers to allow easy rotation.
The seat is NOT meant to be left in an unlocked position or swiveled with the occupant in it, although this will not damage swivel mechanism.
Minivan production
The long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan with Stow 'n Go seats are built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada at Windsor Assembly (WAP Plant 3) by members of Canadian Auto Workers Local 444. The short wheelbase Dodge Caravan was produced in Fenton, Missouri at Saint Louis Assembly by members of the United Auto Workers Local 110.
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