The Dodge Caravan and the Dodge Grand Caravan are both minivans that were sold by the Chrysler Corporation starting with the 1984 model. The Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager really were the first modern minivans and created the space in the market for this type of vehicle. Since their introduction in 1983 with the 1984 model the Dodge Caravan has been the best selling minivan in the United States.
The Dodge Caravan was based on the Chrysler S platform from the very beginning, which was a variant of the Chrysler K platform. In 1987 Chrysler introduced a longer wheelbase for the Caravan, which they called the Grand Caravan. Though the wheelbase was longer for more cargo room, the minivan was still based on the Chrysler S platform. Two Anniversary Editions of the Caravan have been released in both 1994 and 2004 and those models featured two-tone paint.
From 1984 until 1990 the Chrysler S platform was used and it offered three trim levels, which were base, the mainstream SE, and the upscale LE. The Caravan offered a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or a five speed manual transmission with a four-cylinder engine. There was also a very rare turbocharged 2.5 litre engine that was available.
Beginning in 1991 through 1995 the Caravan used the Chrysler AS platform and they were the last minivans that used a variant of the old Chrysler K platform. This new generation of minivans brought bucket seats, integrated child safety seats, antilock brakes, and airbags. The Caravan really was instrumental in setting the standards for the minivan market during this time. The Caravan had several different engines during this time including a 3.3 litre Chrysler V6, a 2.5 litre, 3.0 litre Mitsubishi V6, and 3.8 litre Chrysler V6 which provided consumers with a great range of engine power.
From 1996 until 2000 the Caravan used the Chrysler NS platform, which was also the first platform to provide the drivers side sliding door. This generation of the Caravan also offered all wheel drive starting in 1997. The base models were found in most areas with either a 2.4 litre four cylinder or a 3.0 litre Mitsubishi V6 engine. In states where the V6 didn't meet inspection criteria a 3.3 litre engine was offered in its place. The manual transmission was never popular and was soon dropped altogether.
Starting in 2000 the Caravans used the Chrysler RS platform which beginning in 2005 featured the popular Stow ‘n Go second and third row seating. This made the Grand Caravan more popular than ever as many people found the idea of being able to fold the seats down very attractive. From 2001 until the present time the 3.3 lire Chrysler V6, 3.8 litre Chrysler V6, and the 2.4 litre Neon I4 have been used in the Caravans.
The Dodge Caravans will both be redesigned for the 2007 and 2008 models. A six speed automatic transmission will likely be added to its list of features as well as a 4.0 litre V6 engine, as well as a possible diaper changing station making this vehicle more ideal for families than ever!
