The Dodge Caravan is a minivan manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and sold under its Dodge brand. Along with its nameplate variant, the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was introduced in November 1983, for the 1984 model year. The Dodge Grand Caravan long-wheelbase (LWB) model was introduced in 1987 and was sold alongside the short-wheelbase (SWB) Caravan until the SWB model was discontinued for the 2008 model year. Since the 2008 model year, the van has been sold exclusively under the Grand Caravan nameplate.

Aside from the aforementioned Plymouth Voyager (1984–2000), other nameplate variants of the Caravan include the Chrysler Voyager (1988–present), Chrysler Town and Country (1990–present), and Volkswagen Routan (2008–present).

Chrysler manufactures and markets its minivan series worldwide. Together with its nameplate variants, the Chrysler minivans have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.

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.

Lee Iaccoca and Hal Sperlich had conceived their idea for a modern minivan 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". Iaccoca followed Sperlich to Chrysler Corporation, and together they created the T115 minivan — a prototype that was to become the Caravan and Voyager, known colloquially as the "Magic-wagons" (a term used in advertising)

The Chrysler minivans launched a few months ahead of the Renault Espace (the first MPV/minivan in Europe, initially presented to executives as a Talbot in 1979, but not launched until 1984), making them the first of their kind — effectively creating the modern minivan segment in the US.

Since their introduction in the fall of 1983, the Chrysler minivans have outsold other minivans in the United States, with over 12 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans in over 80 countries sold as of October 2008. Only recently, has Chrysler ceded the top-selling minivan spot to the Honda Odyssey.

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.
The "America on the Move" exhibit at the National Museum of American History opened in In 2003. The display also marked the 20th anniversary of the minivan and the year Chrysler sold its 10 millionth minivan worldwide.
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.
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.

Generation I (1984–1990)

Also called Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model)
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 Turbo 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 1984–1988 SWB: 112.1 in (2847 mm)
Grand Caravan & C/V Extended: 119.1 in (3025 mm)
1989–1990 SWB & C/V: 112 in (2844.8 mm)
Length SWB & C/V: 175.9 in (4468 mm)
Grand Caravan: 190.5 in (4839 mm)
1989–1990 LE SWB: 177.3 in (4503 mm)
1989–1990 Grand Caravan LE: 191.9 in (4874 mm)
C/V Extended: 190.6 in (4841 mm)
Width 1984–1988: 69.5 in (1765 mm)
1989–1990: 72 in (1829 mm)
Height 1984–1988 SWB: 64.4 in (1636 mm)
1987–1988 Grand Caravan: 65 in (1651 mm)
C/V: 64.2 in (1631 mm)
1989–1990 SWB: 64.6 in (1641 mm)
1989–1990 Grand Caravan: 64.8 in (1646 mm)
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Plymouth Voyager

Generation I Caravans used the Chrysler S platform, which was closely related to the K-cars Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. There were three trim levels on the Generation I Caravan: base, mainstream SE and upscale LE. The Caravan was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985. All trim levels were also available in a slightly longer body, called the Grand Caravan, which allowed significantly more cargo space behind the rear seat. Most of the interior trim, controls, and instrumentation were borrowed from the K-car, leading to a very "car-like" interior look and feel. Coupled with the lower floor that the front wheel drive design allowed, this helped to make the Caravan seem more like a large station wagon than a van, enticing many buyers who would not have otherwise been comfortable driving a van.

The vans came equipped for 7 passengers in 3 rows of seating, putting it between a typical 12 passenger/4 row full-size van, and a 6 passenger/2 row large sedan. 2 bucket seats with attached armrests and open floor space between them in the front, a 2 person bench seat in the second row, and a 3 person bench seat in the back row. The two bench seats in the rear were independently removable, and the large 3 person bench could also be installed in the 2nd row location via a second set of attachment points on the van's floor, ordinarily hidden with snap-in plastic covers. This configuration allowed for conventional 5 person seating with a sizable cargo area in the rear. The latching mechanisms for the benches were very intuitive and easy to operate. The act of moving the seats, however, typically required 2 adults, and lifting them back into the van was a very awkward procedure.

Safety features were typical of vans of the era, and consisted of 3-point seat belts for the front two passengers, with simple lap belts for the rear 5. The front seats were equipped with non-adjustable headrests while the rear seats had none, and legally mandated side-impact reinforcements were at all seating positions, front and rear. Airbags or ABS were not available.

Access to the rear rows of seating was by a large sliding door on the passenger side. The sliding door allowed easier access in a confined suburban garage, compared to the double doors found on most full-size vans of the era. Because only one sliding door was offered, the smaller 2nd row bench seat was installed off center, shifted to the drivers side of the van, to allow easy passenger access to the 3rd row seat. The cargo area behind the rear seat was very limited on the standard short body model, however, the seat could be adjusted forward in 2 increments, the first of which removed roughly 6 inches (150 mm) of legroom from the back row passengers, and the second of which would push the bench all the way to the back of the 2nd row, making the seats unusable. The seatback of the rear bench could also be folded forward, providing a flat cargo shelf. The smaller 2nd row bench was not adjustable, nor foldable; it could only be removed entirely.

Cargo access to the rear was via a hatchback, similar to the one on the K-Car station wagons. The hatch was hinged at the top and held open by gas struts, and it was the source of much confusion among Caravan owners. It could only be released by the key, or by a button on the driver's control panel; it did not have a traditional door handle. Once the hatch had been "popped", the key could be removed, and the hatch lifted by a handhold above the license plate holder. However, many owners did not identify the handhold area, and instead used the turned key as a handle to lift the hatch, resulting in many broken keys.

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. Another version of the Caravan was the camper. The camper wasn't very popular and dropped within 2 years.

Transmissions
Both a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a five-speed manual were available with all inline-4 engines, including the turbocharged 2.5 L (this was a rare combination). V-6 engines were only offered with the venerable fully hydraulically operated TorqueFlite, until the computer controlled Ultradrive 4-speed automatic became available in 1989. The Ultradrive offered much better fuel economy and responsiveness, particularly when paired with the inline-4 engine. However, it suffered from reliability problems, usually stemming from what is known as "gear hunt" or "shift busyness", resulting in premature wear of the internal clutches. It also requires an uncommon type of automatic transmission fluid and is not clearly labeled as such, leading many owners to use the more common Dexron II rather than the specified "Mopar ATF+3", resulting in transmission damage and eventual failure.

Subsequent years would see many design changes to the Ultradrive to improve reliability, and many early model transmissions would eventually be retrofitted or replaced with the updated versions by dealers, under warranty. These efforts were mostly successful, and most 1st generation Caravans eventually got an updated transmission.

 Engines
For the first 3 years of production, only 2 engines were offered in the Caravan, and both were inline-4 engines with 2 barrel carburetors. The base 2.2L was borrowed from the K-cars, and only produced 84 horsepower. The higher performance fuel injected version of this engine later offered in other Chrysler products was never offered in the Caravan, and the weak 2-bbl version would remain the base powerplant until mid-1987. Alongside the underpowered 2.2L, an optional Mitsubishi 2.6L engine was available. This 2.6 produced 114 horsepower, and did a much better job motivating the bulky van, but required 91 octane fuel due to its 8.8:1 compression ratio, and was plagued by reliability problems.

At launch, the Caravan's low horsepower to weight ratio had not been much of a concern. Its main competitors were the Toyota Van and the Volkswagen Vanagon, both of which had similarly sluggish performance. However, by 1988, new competition from Ford's Aerostar and Chevrolet's Astro had highlighted how underpowered the Caravan was. Therefore in 1988, the base engine became a fuel-injected 2.5L, which produced a respectable 100 hp (75 kW), and gave the base Caravan noteworthy performance among its (mostly heavier, rear wheel drive) peers.

All other inline-4 engines were dropped, and a new fuel-injected 3.0L Mitsubishi V-6 producing 136 hp (101 kW) became available, which was an extraordinarily popular upgrade. Shortly thereafter in 1989, an even more powerful engine became an option, with a turbocharged version of the base 2.5L producing 150 hp (112 kW). This engine would not prove popular, though. In 1990, revisions to the Mitsubishi V-6 upped its output to 141 hp (105 kW), and a new 150 hp (112 kW) 3.3L V-6 was also added to the option list. Sales of the 2.5 turbo dwindled to nothing, and it was quietly dropped at the end of the year. 4 cylinder engines had fallen out of favor in the minivan market, regardless of their performance.

1984–1987 2.2 L K I4, 84 hp (63 kW)
1984–1987 2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4, 114 hp (85 kW)
1987½–1990 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (75 kW)
1987½–1989 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 136 hp (101 kW)
1989–1990 2.5 L Turbo I4150 horsepower (110 kW)
1990 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 141 hp (105 kW)
1990 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (110 kW)
 Trims
1984–1990 – base
1984–1988 – Mini Ram Van
1989–1990 – C/V
1984–1990 – SE
1984–1990 – LE

Generation II (1991–1995)

Also called Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model)
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 1991–1993 C/V: 112 in (2845 mm)
SWB & 1994–1995 C/V: 112.3 in (2852 mm)
1991–1993 C/V Extended: 119.1 in (3025 mm)
C/V AWD: 112 in (2845 mm)
Grand Caravan & 1994–1995 C/V Extended: 119.3 in (3030 mm)
Length 1991–1993 C/V: 175.9 in (4468 mm)
1991–1993 SWB & 1994–95 C/V: 178.1 in (4524 mm)
1991–1993 C/V Extended: 190.6 in (4841 mm)
Grand Caravan: 192.8 in (4897 mm)
Width 72 in (1828.8 mm)
1991 C/V: 72.2 in (1834 mm)
1992–1993 C/V: 69.6 in (1768 mm)
Height SWB & 1991–93 C/V: 64.2 in (1631 mm)
Grand Caravan: 64.8 in (1646 mm)
1991–93 AWD: 65.9 in (1674 mm)
Grand Caravan: 66 in (1676.4 mm)
Grand Caravan: 66.7 in (1694 mm)
1994–95 SE: 64.3 in (1633 mm)
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Plymouth Voyager

From 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. (1991)
Changes for this generation included revised trim for 1992, including roof-racks and doorhandles, among other components (prior to this, said components were largely like those found on the previous generation). 1993 marked the final year for optional woodgrain and wire wheels on higher level models. 1994 saw a redesigned interior, with slightly different seat contours/fabrics, along with a new dash, in order to accommodate a passenger-side air bag. 1994 also saw exterior trim changes, such as a body colored grill and moldings on certain models, as well as the addition of a one year only "10th Anniversary Edition" model. Available as an option on a mid-level Caravan and Grand Caravan (also offered on Voyager models as well), the popular "10th Anniversary" package featured 2-tone paint schemes, which included a contrasting light gray colored lower break, along with a gold fender badge. Only select colors were available on this model.

 Engines
1991–1995 2.5 L K I4, 100 hp (70 kW) and 135 lb·ft (183 N·m)
1991–1995 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 150 hp (112 kW) and 173 lb·ft (235 N·m)
1991–1995 3.3 L EGA V6, 162 hp (121 kW) and 194 lb·ft (263 N·m).
1994–1995 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW) and 213 lb·ft (289 N·m).
 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 SE or higher models.

 Generation III (1996–2000)

Also called Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB Model)
Chrysler Voyager (outside US)
Production 1996–2000
Body style(s) 3-door and 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 (2878 mm)
Grand Caravan: 119.3 in (3030 mm)
Length SWB: 186.3 in (4732 mm)
Grand Caravan FWD: 199.6 in (5070 mm)
Grand Caravan AWD: 199.7 in (5072 mm)
Width 76.8 in (1951 mm)
Height 68.5 in (1740 mm)
FWD: 68.7 in (1745 mm)
Curb weight 3,528 lb (1,600 kg)
3,680 lb (1,669 kg) (Grand Caravan)
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Plymouth Voyager
Chrysler Voyager

With Generation III, the Chrysler minivans long – and short – wheelbase models, three – and four-door configurations, and eight different powertrains – including electric and compressed natural gas, on a single, flexible platform.

The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a number of innovations, including a driver's side sliding door (optional initially, to become standard equipment later), a first for Chrysler. With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as Easy Out Roller Seats. A conventional door handle and lock was added to the rear hatch, eliminating the confusing pop-and-lift maneuver which had been required on earlier models.

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, 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.

The 1996 Caravan, along with the Plymouth Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country won the North American Car of the Year award. The Caravan itself won Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year 1996 and appeared on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. 1999 also saw the addition of a one year only 15th anniversary "Platinum Edition", to mark Caravan's 15th year of production. This package was offered on various trim levels, and included Platinum Metallic paint, and fender badges. The 2000 model year offered packages which included the "2000+" and "Millennium" package, however these were little more than unique fender badges on vans with popular equipment.

In 1999 the Dodge Grand Caravan got new front styling on all trims, and the Sport and ES models received even more sportier styling. The ES model was the first minivan to receive the "AutoStick" transmission and 17 inch wheels. A cargo net between the driver and front passenger seats was added. Some other changes during this generation included new colors, and interior fabric.

 Engines
1996–2000 2.4 L EDZ I4, 150 hp (110 kW) and 167 lb·ft (226 N·m) (Canadian vans beginning in 1999 included a 3.0 V6 as standard equipment)
1996–2000 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 150 hp (110 kW) (not available in certain states)
1996–2000 3.3 L EGA V6, 158 hp (118 kW) and 203 lb·ft (275 N·m)
1996–1997 3.8 L EGH V6, 166 hp (124 kW)
1998–2000 3.8 L EGH V6, 180 hp (130 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 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 horsepower (242 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 minivan. The EPIC was powered by 28 12-volt NiMH batteries and was capable of traveling up to 80 miles (130 km) 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.

 Crash test results
The 1996-2000 Dodge Grand Caravan received a "Marginal" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 40 mph offset test. The structural performance and restraints were graded "Acceptable", but the foot injuries were very high.

In the NHTSA crash tests, it received 4 stars for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact. In the side-impact test, it received 5 stars for the driver, and 3 stars for the rear occupant, and resulted in a fuel leak that could cause a fire hazard.

Generation IV (2001–2007)

Production 2001–2007 On going production in China
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 (2878 mm)
Grand Caravan: 119.3 in (3030 mm)
Length 2001–2004 SWB: 189.1 in (4803 mm)
2005–2007 SWB: 189.3 in (4808 mm)
Grand Caravan: 200.5 in (5093 mm)/200.6 in (5095 mm) in
Width 78.6 in (1996 mm)
Height 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Voyager

The redesigned Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town&Country were released in August 2000. The release was part of a promotional tie-in with Nabisco, who unveiled their new product, dubbed "Mini Oreos" inside the van during the unveiling. The first vans rolled off the line at the Windsor Assembly Plant on July 24.

Beginning in 2001, the Generation IV 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. All Wheel Drive continued to be offered on high end models. Other innovative available features included remote operated sliding doors and rear hatch, which could be opened and closed as the push of a button, either inside the vehicle, or with the keyless entry fob.

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. Minor changes were made to the Grand Caravan ES including many of the features included in Option Group 29S becoming standard, the 17 inch Titan Chrome wheels no longer being an option replaced with standard 16 inch chrome wheels, and the disappearance of the AutoStick Transmission option. This year also saw the appearance of an optional factory-installed rear seat DVD system with single disc player mounted below the HVAC controls.

2004 offered an exclusive one year only "Anniversary Edition" package to mark Caravan's 20th year in production. This package was offered on higher level SXT models, and included chrome wheels, body color moldings, special interior accents and a unique fender badge.

2005 changes to the Caravan included a revised grille, new foglight fascia, and a system of in-floor folding second and third row seats, marketed as With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as Stow'n Go seating.

2009 Production of the IV generation continues in China http://www.dodge.cn/caravan/index.html

 Engines
2001–2007 2.4 L EDZ I4, 150 hp (110 kW) at 5400 rpm and 165 lb·ft (224 N·m) at 4000 rpm
2001–present 3.3 L EGA V6, 180 hp (130 kW) at 5000 rpm and 210 lb·ft (280 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
2004–2007 – 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
(some of the above trim levels were not available to all markets)

 IIHS Results
The 2001 model of this version got a "Poor" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 's 40 mph offset test. While it did protect its occupants reasonably well, a fuel leak occurred. Chrysler corrected this problem starting with the 2002 models, moving it up to an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2006 model year brought optional side curtain airbags and a stronger B-pillar, which was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's side impact crash test. With the side airbags, it got an "Acceptable" rating. For the driver, there is a chance of serious neck injuries, rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries. The rear passengers, however, could leave this accident unharmed, as there is a low risk of significant injury in a crash of this severity for them.

 Generation V (2008–present)

Production 2008–present
Body style(s) 4-door minivan
Layout FF layout
Platform Chrysler RT platform
Engine(s) 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(s) 4-speed automatic(3.3 engine)
6-speed automatic (3.8, 4.0 engines)
Wheelbase 121.2 in (3078 mm)
Length 202.5 in (5144 mm)
Width 76.9 in (1953 mm)
Height 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Curb weight 4,306 lb (1,953 kg)
Related Chrysler Town and Country
Volkswagen Routan
 
Beginning with Generation V in model year 2008, Chrysler offered only the long wheelbase Grand Caravan — debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show 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. With Generation III, Chrysler introduced a seat management system marketed as 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. Much like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey the Grand Caravan now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, but in a higher position.

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, which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada, 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.

On November 4, 2009, Fiat announced that "the Dodge Caravan, assembled in Windsor, Ont., will remain in the company’s product line until at least 2014".

The previously unavailable Electronic Stability Control was made standard on this generation.

 Total American sales
Calendar Year Sales
2008 123,749
2009 90,666

 Volkswagen Routan
Beginning with Generation V, Volkswagen began marketing the Routan, a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform minivan with revised styling and content, for the North American market.

The Routan is manufactured at Windsor Assembly alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008, and features neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems.

 Seating innovation
Chrysler has regularly innovated new seating systems for their minivans, to enhance interior flexibility.

 Integrated child safety seats
In 1992 innovated a second row bench seat integrating two child booster seats. These seats continued as an available option through Generation V until they were discontinued in 2010.

 Easy-Out Roller Seats
In 1996, Chrysler introduced a system of seats to simplify installation, removal, and re-positioning— marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats. When installed, the seats are latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lift each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks have locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks release the floor latches single-handedly without tools and raise the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks are permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions are aligned, facilitating the longitudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.

When configured as two and three person benches (available through Generation IV), the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. Beginning in 2001, second and third row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration — bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third row three-person 50/50 split "bench" — with each section weighing under 50 lb (23 kg). The Easy-out system remained in use through Generation V — where certain models featured a two-person bench and the under-floor compartments from the Stow'n Go system.

The Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on its second row seating.

 Stow'n Go seating
In 2005, Chrysler introduced a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments — marketed as Stow 'n Go seating and exclusively available on long-wheelbase models.

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. Even so, the new seating system precluded incorporation of an AWD system, effectively ending that option for the Chrysler minivans.

The system in turn creates a combined volume of 12 cubic feet (340 L) of under floor storage when second row seats are deployed. With both row folded, the vans have a flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of 160.7 cubic feet (4,550 L).

The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.

The Stow 'n Go system is not offered on the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.

 Swivel 'n Go
Chrysler introduced a seating system in 2008, marketed as Swivel'n Go. In the seating system, two full size second row seats swivel to face the third row. A detachable table can be placed between the second and third row seats. The Swivel'n Go seating system includes the 3rd row seating from the Stow'n Go system. The system is offered on the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, but not the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.

These Swivel 'n Go Seats are manufacted by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. 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.

The system is noted for its high strength. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.

The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers to allow easy rotation.

The seat is not meant to be left in an unlocked position or swiveled with the occupant in it, although this will not damage the swivel mechanism.

 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. Both wheelbase models were produced in Fenton, Missouri at Saint Louis Assembly by members of the United Auto Workers Local 110.