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Dodge Caravan

1997 third-generation (NS platform) Dodge Grand Caravan
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1997 third-generation (NS platform) Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Caravan (also Dodge Grand Caravan) is a minivan marketed by the Chrysler Corporation. It was introduced in 1984 with its twin models, the Plymouth Voyager (nee Chrysler Voyager) and Chrysler Town and Country. It was the first modern minivan, and is credited with creating the entire market segment for these vehicles.

For the 1987 model year a longer platform of the minivans was introduced called the Grand Caravan. It was based on the Chrysler S platform. The Grand Caravan model features a longer wheelbase than the standard Caravan.

In the 1970s, before the debut of the 1984 Plymouth Voyager, there was a full-size passenger van by the same name based on the Dodge Sportsman van—this was a bit of badge engineering to help Plymouth dealers improve their sales. It could hold as many as 12 passengers (15 in the stretched version) and was was Plymouth's first truck-bodied vehicle in many decades.

For Europe, the vehicle has been known as the Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Caravan. It was produced at Chrysler's Eurostar plant, which was transferred, along with Voyager production, to Magna Steyr.

Contents

1984

First minivans used the Chrysler S platform. The Caravan and Voyager were on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985.

Engines:

1992


1992 minivans used the Chrysler AS platform.

Engines:

1996

1996 redesign uses the Chrysler NS platform and includes driver's-side sliding door, a first. All wheel drive reintroduced in 1997. The Caravan was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996. The Caravan, Town and Country, and Voyager were also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.

Engines:

  • 1996–1999 2.4 L Neon I4, 150 hp (111.9 kW) and 167 ft.lbf (226.4 Nm)
  • 1996–2000 3.3 L Chrysler V6, 158 hp (117.8 kW) and 203 ft.lbf (275.2 Nm)
  • 1997–2000 3.0 L V6
  • 1997–1998 3.8 L Chrysler V6, 166 hp (123.8 kW)
  • 1999–2000 3.8 L Chrysler V6, 180 hp (134.2 kW)

2001

2001 minivans used the Chrysler RS platform. The US Plymouth Voyager became Chrysler Voyager, since 2001 was Plymouth's last year. Chrysler Voyager saw its last year in the US in 2003, replaced by a shorter wheelbase version of the Town & Country in 2004. Foldable Stow 'n Go second- and third-row seats are a first for 2005 along with other updates.

Engines:

  • 2001 3.4 L V6, 180 hp
  • 2001-2005 3.3 L Chrysler V6, 180 hp (134.2 kW)
  • 2001-2005 3.8 L Chrysler V6, 215 hp (160.3 kW)
  • 2002-2005 2.4 L Neon I4, 150 hp (111.9 kW)

2008

The minivans will be redesigned for Model Year 2007 or 2008 by Ralph Gilles , who also worked on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.

Last updated: 05-07-2005 11:10:07
Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46