The Grand Caravan has represented the Dodge in the minivan market
for over a decade. In fact, the Dodge Caravan is one of the pioneers
of the minivan market. The Grand Caravan has changed immensely since
it was first rolled out, in looks, design, technology, and cabin.
Over the years, Dodge's hauler has faced increased competition from
import-brand minivans. In some ways, it has risen to the challenge,
offering groundbreaking features like driver-side sliding doors and
Stow 'n Go seating. The latter enables owners to fold both the
second- and third-row seats into the floor, or flip the third-row
split bench completely rearward to provide tailgate seating. The
Grand Caravan has long offered roominess, versatility and value --
especially for growing families with lots of kids and cargo to haul
around. The current van represents the fifth-generation Dodge Grand
Caravan that debuted for 2008. The van hasn't changed much since,
though for '09 Dodge added standard Stow'n Go seating and SXT
options like a dedicated iPod interface, a blind-spot monitoring
system and the Rear Cross Path system. The Grand Caravan is also
available in four previous generations. The first spans 1987-90;
the second, 1991-95; the third, 1996-2000; and the fourth,
2001-07.
The Grand Caravan Innovations
In 1987 that the Dodge Grand Caravan was introduced to the American
public, three years after the shorter wheel based version, the
Caravan arrived. The Grand Caravan was larger, provided three-row
seating for seven, and featured AWD; making it the first ever
minivan to hit the streets with AWD. Also, Dodge came up with the
innovative idea to have sliding rear doors on both sides of the
minivan, a welcome feature for mothers hauling around kids to
soccer, ballet, and making trips to the market.
The Grand Caravan has been known for its excellent fuel economy (for
a minivan), superior safety features, and incredible roominess. The
repairs have ranged from engine trouble and brake problems to
recalls on airbags and tires. Nevertheless, this has not stopped
buyers from picking their favorite off the sales floor. Most buyers
say that they feel more comfortable purchasing a minivan that gets
excellent gas mileage, but also doesn't break the bank. The Grand
Caravan's affordability has been a selling point from its inception
in 1987.
Grand Caravan Features Throughout the Years
The 1991 version of the Grand Caravan had changes that customers
themselves had suggested. The public felt acknowledged when Dodge
revealed the newest edition of the minivan. A more expansive
wheelbase and superior suspension were installed. While Dodge's
sister company Chrysler began manufacturing a more luxurious
translation of the minivan (Town & Country), Dodge charged on with
its no frills design of the Grand Caravan. Dodge's third generation of its minivan got a complete redesign of
the exterior provided a more sleek and streamlined appearance. The
body was shorter than its predecessor. Bigger handles were installed
on the doors, and a much improved DOHC 2.4L 16-valve engine was
swapped for the older version. The interior was revamped and became
more passenger friendly, with additional cup holders, a movable
third row seat, and a modern interior design concept to replace the
outdated interior wood paneling.
Over the next ten years, the Grand Caravan has stayed a staple in
Dodge's lineup. The Dodge Grand Caravan, as long as it stays on its
well-worn path, will continue to grace highways and byways.