The Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan are minivans manufactured by the Chrysler Group (they were sold by the DaimlerChrysler from 1998-2007). They were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year along with sister model the Plymouth Voyager (later Chrysler Voyager). The first modern minivans, the Chrysler company minivans are credited with creating the entire market segment for these vehicles. The Chrysler twins were launched a few months ahead of the Renault Espace (the first MPV/minivan in Europe, first pitched t- executives as a Talbot in 1979 , but not launched until 1984), making them the first of their kind. However, they did not offer the interior versatility (individual, folding seats that could be used as tables or removed completely) of the first generation Espace until subsequent generations.

Since their introduction, the Chrysler minivans have been the best-selling minivans in the United States. Contents



* 1 Overview * 2 1984-1990 - 2.1 Engines - 2.2 Trims * 3 1991-1995 - 3.1 Engines - 3.2 Trims - 3.3 Differences between the Caravan and Voyager * 4 1996-2000 - 4.1 Engines - 4.2 Trims - 4.3 Concepts * 5 2001-2007 - 5.1 Engines - 5.2 Trims * 6 2008-present * 7 Minivan production * 8 External links * 9 References

Overview

Introduced in November 1983 for the 1984 model year, the first minivan of all time, the Dodge Caravan was based on the Chrysler S platform, an extended derivative of the Chrysler K platform. For the 1987 model year, a longer wheelbase was introduced, which was called the Grand Caravan. It was still based on the Chrysler S platform.

The idea of a minivan was the brainchild of both Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich during their days at the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford II denied Iacocca's and Sperlich's idea (and a prototype) of a minivan back in 1974. When Iacocca was in the midsts of turning around the then-ailing Chrysler Corporation, he and Sperlich (wh- had been scouted t- Chrysler by Iacocca) and many others n- doubt, created the T115 minivan. The T115 ultimately was christened Caravan and Voyager.

Since the beginning of production in the fall of 1983, over 11 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold as of mid-2005.

Special anniversary editions of the Chrysler minivans have been issued t- mark significant milestones; the first, in 1994, is notable for the "10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION" badges and special two-tone paint, and was offered on the Dodge SE models. The twentieth anniversary was marked in 2004 with the Anniversary Edition SXT Caravan.

Also, in 2004, Chrysler held a Stand By Your Van Contest, where contestants had t- 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 t- experience the new Stow 'n G- seating. The event was held during the Chicag- Aut- Show.

1984-1990

The first generation Caravans used the Chrysler S platform, which was closely related t- the K-cars Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. There were three trim levels on the first generation Caravan: base, mainstream SE and upscale LE. 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 four-cylinder engines, including the turbocharged 2.5 L (this was a rare combination). A carg- version of the Caravan, called the Mini Ram Van, was als- introduced in 1984. It was renamed as the Caravan C/V for 1989, and was discontinued after 1995. 1989-1990 turbocharged models are highly sought after by collectors.

1984-86 Dodge Caravan (Camper)





1987-1990 Dodge Grand Caravan



Engines

* 1984-1987 2.2 L K I4, 99 hp (74 kW) * 1987¨ö-1990 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (75 kW) * 1989-1990 2.5 L Turb- I4, 142 hp (106 kW) * 1984-1987 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4 * 1987¨ö-1989 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 136 hp (101 kW) * 1990 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 142 hp (106 kW) * 1990 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (112 kW)

Trims

* 1984-1990 - base * 1984-1990 - SE * 1984-1990 - LE * 1989-1990 - Turbo

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 t- meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1994)

Engines

* 1991?1995 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (75 kW) and 135 ft¡¤lbf (183 N¡¤m) * 1991?1995 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 142 hp (106 kW) and 173 ft¡¤lbf (235 N¡¤m) * 1991?1995 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (112 kW) and 185 ft¡¤lbf (251 N¡¤m) * 1994?1995 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW) and 194 ft¡¤lbf (263 N¡¤m)

Trims

* 1991-1995 - base * 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.

Differences between the Caravan and Voyager

The main ways that the Caravan can be distinguished from the Plymouth Voyager, other than badging, are the headlights and taillights. The headlights on the Voyager have chrome strips on the top and bottom - on the Caravan, the form factor of the lights is slightly higher, and the chrome strips are not present. On the Caravan, the taillights appear t- have black stripes running horizontally, whereas on the Voyager, these are not present, but the taillights have textured grooves. Another difference between the Caravan and the Voyager is the grille. The Caravan has the standard Dodge "plus sign grille" while the Voyager has an eggcrate grill, a Plymouth staple of that era. Of course, because these parts are interchangeable, and people often use whatever parts are most readily available, these are not a sure indicator as t- what the vehicle was originally manufactured as.

1996-2000

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. All wheel drive was reintroduced in 1997. The Caravan was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996. The Caravan was als- 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 horsepower than the Mitsubishi 3.0 had in the first tw- generations.

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 t- be made in the Windsor Assembly, the Dodge Caravan R/T, Voyager XG, and the Chrysler Pacifica. The Caravan R/T was t- include the most powerful engine ever for a minivan, rated at 225 hp. It had tw- 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 t- be in 2004, based on the current Caravan, except that it became a crossover SUV rather than a minivan.

2001-2007

The current generation minivans use the Chrysler RS platform. Foldable Stow 'n G- second and third-row seats, available only on the Grand Caravan, were introduced for 2005. The 2001 model year vans only slightly differed from the previous generation, except for the interior, it had a larger body frame, wider headlights, flipped taillights, and a few minor mechanical adjustments.

In 2001 Chrysler introduced power sliding doors and a power hatch t- their vans. These were options at first, adding the passenger sliding door, hatch, and driver sliding door, in that order. These later became standard.

The new minivan was much larger than before, with more carg- space, and is probably larger than the current Dodge Durango.

In 2004, the 2005 minivan lineup had changes t- the Caravan, including a revised grille, new foglight fascia, new back seats, and other minor interior touches. The information center was moved from behind the gauges t- the overhead console, in addition t- Stow 'n G- seating. However, in order t- accommodate the Stow 'n G- seating, the all-wheel drive system was dropped.

The Mitsubishi 3.0 L V6, which n- longer met emissions standards in California and the northeastern U.S., was dropped from the engine lineup for 2001. A 3.5 L V6 was als- planned for a mid-year introduction for 2001, but this never came t- fruition.

The Caravan C/V als- returned t- the lineup for 2003 after being discontinued in 1995. The C/V features deleted side windows and optional rear seats among other features.

Engines

* 2001-present 2.4 L EDZ I4, 150 hp (112 kW) at 5400 rpm and 165 ft¡¤lbf (224 N¡¤m) at 4000 rpm (Caravan SE only) * 2001-present 3.3 L EGA V6, 180 hp (134 kW) at 5000 rpm and 210 ft¡¤lbf (285 N¡¤m) at 4000 rpm * 2001-present 3.8 L EGH V6, 215 hp (160 kW) at 5000 rpm and 245 ft¡¤lbf (332 N¡¤m) at 4000 rpm

Note: In Canada, the 3.3 L V6 is standard on all models.

Trims

* 2001-present - base (als- referred t- as SE) * 2001-present - Sport * 2004-present - SXT * 2001-2003 - ES * 2002-2003 - eX

2008-present

In 2007, Ralph Gilles redesigned the Grand Caravan for the 2008 model year. Gilles previously worked on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.8L V6 and the new 4.0L V6. The four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.3L V6 Flex Fuel engine. There are thirty five new or improved features on the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Some of the more notable available features are:

Swivel-N-G- Seating with Stowable Table (The seats rotate 180 degrees t- face the third row), MyGIG Infotainment Radi- AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 (20gb HDD, Touch Screen, USB input, GPS navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio), 2nd and 3rd Row 8 inch Vide- Screens, Sirius Satellite BackSeat TV (Three channels offered, Cartoon Network Mobile, Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel), L.E.D Interior Lighting, ParkView Back Up Camera, Powered Third Row Stow-N-Go, Powered second row windows, Standard Side Curtain Airbags (all models), Standard ESP Traction Control (all models), Heated first and second row cloth & leather seats, 9 Speaker Infinity Sound system with a 506 watt amplifier, 13 Cup Holders, Sun Shades for the second and third row windows.

Chrysler has finalized a deal through which Volkswagen will receive a variant of the Chrysler RT platform van with its own styling and features. It is expected t- be produced at Saint Louis Assembly alongside the Caravan. Volkswagen says it is not the same as the Chrysler minivans, but still uses the same platform. The short-wheelbase Caravan is discontinued.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan debuted at the 2007 North American International Aut- Show.

Minivan production

The long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan with Stow 'n G- seats are built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada at Windsor Assembly (WAP Plant 3) by members of Canadian Aut- Workers Local 444. The short wheelbase Dodge Caravan is produced in Fenton, Missouri at Saint Louis Assembly by members of the United Aut- Workers Local 110.

Dodge Caravan 2001-2004 Grand Caravan Manufacturer Dodge Parent company Chrysler (1984-1998, 2008-present) DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007) Production 1984-present Assembly Fenton, Missouri Windsor, Ontario, Canada Class Minivan

First generation 1987-1990 Dodge Caravan Production 1984-1990 Body style(s) 3-door minivan Layout FF layout Platform Chrysler S platform Engine(s) 2.2 L K I4 2.5 L K I4 2.5 L Turb- I4 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6 Transmission(s) 4-speed A460 manual 5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A470 automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic Wheelbase 1984-88 SWB: 112.1 in Grand Caravan & C/V Extended: 119.1 in 1989-1990 SWB & C/V: 112 in Length SWB & C/V: 175.9 in Grand Caravan: 190.5 in 1989-90 LE SWB: 177.3 in 1989-1990 Grand Caravan LE: 191.9 in C/V Extended: 190.6 in Width 1984-88: 69.5 in 1989-1990: 72 in Height 1984-88 SWB: 64.4 in 1984-88 Grand Caravan: 65 in C/V: 64.2 in 1989-1990 SWB: 64.6 in 1989-1990 Grand Caravan: 64.8 in Related Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager

Second generation 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan ES Production 1991-1995 Body style(s) 3-door minivan Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Platform Chrysler AS platform Engine(s) 2.5 L K I4 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6 Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 3-speed A413 automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed A604 automatic Wheelbase 1991-93 C/V: 112 in SWB & 1994-95 C/V: 112.3 in 1991-93 C/V Extended: 119.1 in C/V AWD: 112 in Grand Caravan & 1994-95 C/V Extended: 119.3 in Length 1991-93 C/V: 175.9 in 1991-93 SWB & 1994-95 C/V: 178.1 in 1991-93 C/V Extended: 190.6 in Grand Caravan: 192.8 in Width 72 in 1991 C/V: 72.2 in 1992-93 C/V: 69.6 in Height SWB & 1991-93 C/V: 64.2 in Grand Caravan: 64.8 in 1991-93 AWD: 65.9 in Grand Caravan: 66 in Grand Caravan: 66.7 in 1994-95 SE: 64.3 in Related Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager

Third generation 1996 Dodge Caravan Production 1996-2000 Body style(s) 3/4-door minivan Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Platform Chrysler NS platform Engine(s) 2.4 L EDZ I4 3.0 Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6 Transmission(s) 3-speed 31TH automatic 3-speed A670 automatic 4-speed 41TE automatic Wheelbase SWB: 113.3 in Grand Caravan: 119.3 in Length SWB: 186.3 in Grand Caravan FWD: 199.6 in Grand Caravan AWD: 199.7 in Width 76.8 in Height 68.5 in FWD: 68.7 in Related Chrysler Town & Country Plymouth Voyager Chrysler Voyager

Fourth generation 2005-2007 Grand Caravan SE Production 2001-2007 Body style(s) 4-door minivan Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Platform Chrysler RS platform Engine(s) 2.4 L EDZ I4 3.3 L EGA V6 3.8 L EGH V6 Transmission(s) 3-speed 31TH automatic with 2.4EDZ 4-speed 41TE automatic Wheelbase SWB: 113.3 in Grand Caravan: 119.3 in Length 2001-04 SWB: 189.1 in 2005-07 SWB: 189.3 in Grand Caravan: 200.5 in/200.6 in Width 78.6 in Height 68.9 in Related Chrysler Town & Country Chrysler Pacifica Chrysler Voyager

Fifth generation 2008 Dodge Caravan Production 2008- Body style(s) 4-door minivan Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Platform Chrysler RT platform Engine(s) 4.0 L V6 Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic Wheelbase 121.2 in Length 202.5 in Width 76.9 in Height 68.9 in Related Chrysler Town & Country Chrysler Pacifica