Dodge Caravan

Dodge Caravan
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge
Production	1984-present
Assembly	Fenton, Missouri, USA Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Class	Minivan
Chronology
Successor	Dodge Journey (for regular Caravan)

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 — and the rebadged Chrysler Town and Country in 1990.

The Chrysler minivans had been launched a few months ahead of the Renault Espace (the first MPV/minivan in Europe, first pitched 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, the Chrysler minivans have been the best-selling minivans in the United States.

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.

The modern minivan had been conceived by Lee Iaccoca and Hal Sperlich 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". After Iaccoca moved to Chrysler Corporation, he recruited Sperlich to also join Chrysler and together they created the T115 minivan — a prototype that was to become the Caravan and Voyager.

Since the beginning of production in the fall of 1983, over 12 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold as October 2008.

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.

• 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.

First generation (1984-1990)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model)
Production	1984-1990
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door minivan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler S platform
Related	Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager
Powertrain
Engine	2.2 L K I4 2.5 L K I4 2.5 L Turbo I4 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6
Transmission	4-speed A460 manual 5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A470 automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1984-1988 SWB: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan & C/V Extended: Template:Auto in 1989-1990 SWB & C/V: Template:Auto in
Length	SWB & C/V: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in 1989-1990 LE SWB: Template:Auto in 1989-1990 Grand Caravan LE: Template:Auto in C/V Extended: Template:Auto in
Width	1984-1988: Template:Auto in 1989-1990: Template:Auto in
Height	1984-1988 SWB: Template:Auto in 1987-1988 Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in C/V: Template:Auto in 1989-1990 SWB: Template:Auto in 1989-1990 Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in

The first generation 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 first generation 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. 1989-1990 turbocharged models are highly sought after by collectors.

• 
  1984-1986 Dodge Caravan camper
• 
  1987-1990 Dodge Caravan
• 
  A Dodge Caravan C/V

Engines

• 1984-1987 2.2 L K I4, 99 hp (74 kW)
• 1987½-1990 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (75 kW)
• 1989-1990 2.5 L Turbo I4,150 hp (106 kW)
• 1984-1987 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4
• 1987½-1989 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 136 hp (101 kW)
• 1990 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 141 hp (106 kW)
• 1990 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (112 kW)

Trims

• 1984-1990 - base
• 1984-1988 - Mini Ram Van
• 1989-1990 - C/V
• 1984-1990 - SE
• 1984-1990 - LE
• 1988-1990 - ES

Second generation (1991-1995)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model)
Production	1991-1995
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door minivan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler AS platform
Related	Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L K I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1991-1993 C/V: Template:Auto in SWB & 1994-1995 C/V: Template:Auto in 1991-1993 C/V Extended: Template:Auto in C/V AWD: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan & 1994-1995 C/V Extended: Template:Auto in
Length	1991-1993 C/V: Template:Auto in 1991-1993 SWB & 1994-95 C/V: Template:Auto in 1991-1993 C/V Extended: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in 1991 C/V: Template:Auto in 1992-1993 C/V: Template:Auto in
Height	SWB & 1991-93 C/V: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in 1991-93 AWD: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in 1994-95 SE: Template:Auto in

1991-1995 Dodge Grand Caravan

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. (1994)

Engines

• 1991–1995 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (70 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf
• 1991–1995 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 150 hp (112 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf
• 1991–1995 3.3 L EGA V6, 162 hp (121 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf.
• 1994–1995 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf.

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 loaded SE or higher models.

Third generation (1996-2000)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model) Chrysler Voyager (outside US)
Production	1996-2000
Body and chassis
Body style	3/4-door minivan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler NS platform
Related	Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager Chrysler Voyager
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L EDZ I4 3.0 Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission	3-speed 31TH automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed 41TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in
Length	SWB: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan FWD: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan AWD: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in FWD: Template:Auto in

The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a driver's side sliding door (optional at first, but standard later), a first for Chrysler. The 1996 Caravan, along with the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country, all won the North American Car of the Year award. The Caravan, however, was also Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996. It was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.

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.

Easy-Out Roller Seats

With its third generation, Chrysler introduced a system of seats that could be easily removable — marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats. Operation required pushing down a handle, causing the seat to lift up onto rollers. Unlatched, the seats could be moved within the vehicle or removed and rolled away for storage. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. When configured as two and three person benches, these seats could be unwieldy. When configured in a quad configuration — that is four removable sections complementing the two fixed front seats — the seats weighed 30 lbs.

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 loaded 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.

Fourth generation (2001-2007)

Fourth generation
Overview
Production	2001-2007
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door minivan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler RS platform
Related	Chrysler Town & Country Chrysler Pacifica Chrysler Voyager
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L EDZ I4 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission	3-speed 31TH automatic with 2.4EDZ 4-speed 41TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in
Length	2001-2004 SWB: Template:Auto in 2005-2007 SWB: Template:Auto in Grand Caravan: Template:Auto in/Template:Auto in in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

2001-2004 Dodge Grand Caravan

Beginning in 2001, the fourth generation 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.

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.

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 Stow 'n Go seating.

Stow'n Go seating

In 2005, Chrysler began offering exclusively on long-wheelbase models a system of second and third row seats — marketed as Stow 'n Go seating — that folded completely into under-floor compartments. 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. The new seating system precluded incorporation of an AWD system, effectively ending that option for the Chrysler minivans.

To accommodate conflicting design requirements of the second row's tight folded dimensions as well as the necessity for seating comfort, engineers used Super High Density (SHD) foam cushion seating originally developed by NASA for astronaut seating comfort — the same foam used in Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

In addition to creating a nearly flat load floor and a cargo volume of 4,550 litres with seats stored, the system created two underfloor storage compartments of 340 litres with seats deployed. The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.

Engines

• 2001-present 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
• -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

Fifth generation (2008-present)

Fifth generation
Overview
Production	2008-present
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door minivan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler RT platform
Related	Chrysler Town and Country Volkswagen Routan Dodge Grand Caravan
Powertrain
Engine	3.3 L 175 hp (130 kW) V6 3.8 L 197 hp (147 kW) V6 4.0 L 251 hp (187 kW) V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic(3.3 engine) 6-speed automatic (3.8, 4.0 engines)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

Beginning with its fifth generation in model year 2008, Chrysler offered only the long wheelbase Grand Caravan — 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 "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 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.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Swivel'n Go seating

With the introduction of its fifth generation minivans in 2008, Chrysler introduced a seating system marketed as Swivel'n Go, whereby the two second row seats can swivel to face the third row seating — with a detachable table between the facing seats.

The swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement, is designed to accept the entire load, in the event of a crash.

The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers for easy rotation. The seat is not intended to be left unlocked nor swiveled with an occupant.

The system is manufactured by Intier Corp. a division of Magna International. 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. Swivel'n Go is not available with Stow 'n Go seating.

Volkswagen Routan

Chrysler, at the time known as DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen created a joint venture in 2006 by which the German automaker receives a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, the Routan, for the North American market — with minor interior and exterior revisons along with content revisions. The minivan, manufactured at Windsor Assembly alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008.

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.

References

• "Generations: Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth Minivans". Edmunds.com. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

External links

• Official 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan web site
• Dodge Grand Caravan in film