DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

OVERVIEW

• Manufacturer:

Chrysler

(Chrysler Corporation; 1984–1998)

(DaimlerChrysler; 1998–2007)

(Chrysler LLC; 2007–2009)

(Chrysler Group LLC; 2009–2014)

(FCA US LLC; 2014–2020)

• Production: November 2, 1983[1] –August 21, 2020
• Model years: 1984–2020
• Assembly:

Windsor Assembly, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Dodge Canada)

Fuzhou, China (Soueast) (2007-2010)

Arica, Chile (FCA LATAM)[citation needed]

Saint Louis Assembly, St. Louis, USA

 

BODY AND CHASSIS

• Class: Minivan
• Layout:

Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1992–2004)

• Related:

Plymouth Voyager

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Mini Ram

Chrysler Voyager

Volkswagen Routan

 

CHRONOLOGY

• Successor:

Dodge Journey (SWB)

Chrysler Voyager (LWB)

 

POWERTRAIN

• Engine:

2.8 L 176 hp (131 kW) CRD I4 diesel

3.3 L 175 hp (130 kW) V6

3.8 L 197 hp (147 kW) V6

4.0 L 251 hp (187 kW) V6

3.6 L 283 hp (211 kW) Pentastar V6

• Transmission:

4-speed automatic (3.3 engine)

62TE 6-speed automatic (3.6, 3.8, 4.0 engines)

 

DIMENSIONS

• Wheelbase:2 in (3,078 mm)
• Length:5 in (5,144 mm)
• Ram Cargo Van:8 in (5,151 mm)
• Width:7 in (1,999 mm)
• Height:9 in (1,750 mm)
• Ram Cargo Van:0 in (1,753 mm)
• Curb weight: 4,306 lb (1,953 kg)

 

INFORMATION ABOUT GRAND CARAVAN

The Dodge Caravan is a series of minivans that was produced by Chrysler. It was produced from the 1984 to 2020 model years and was offered as both a passenger van and a cargo van.

The short-wheelbase Caravan was introduced alongside the Plymouth Voyager in 1983 and was marketed as the Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans. The long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan was offered alongside the Plymouth Grand Voyager as well as the Chrysler Town & Country and in production from 1987 to 2016.

The Dodge Grand Caravan was discontinued after the 2020 model year, and production ended on August 21, 2020. It was replaced by the revived Chrysler Voyager in the United States (rebadged as the Chrysler Grand Caravan in Canada) since the 2021 model year.

HISTORY

At the end of 1977, Chrysler commenced development on what would become the Chrysler minivans. Alongside the ability to park within a standard-height garage, designers sought to develop a vehicle with a low floor and car-like NVH levels.

While front-wheel drive was sought out for the design, rear-wheel drive was still considered an alternative for cost reasons. Following the move of both Hal Sperlich and Lee Iacocca from Ford to Chrysler in late 1978, the Chrysler minivan design (codenamed T-115 at the time) adopted front-wheel drive.

While the Dodge Caravan (and Plymouth Voyager) shared no chassis underpinnings with the K-cars, the two model lines retained mechanical commonality, sharing engines and transmissions.

• First generation (1984–1990)

Main article: Chrysler minivans

Originally slated for introduction as a 1982 model, the Dodge Caravan was introduced alongside the Plymouth Voyager in November 1983 for the 1984 model year.

Interior trim, controls, and instrumentation were borrowed from the Chrysler K platform together with the lower floor enabled by the front-wheel-drive, the Caravan featured car-like ease of entry. Three trim levels were available: base, SE, and LE. The Caravan, along with the Plymouth Voyager, are considered to be the first mass-produced vehicles to have dedicated built-in cup holders.

• Second generation (1991–1995)

Main article: Chrysler minivan (AS)

The second-generation Dodge Caravan was introduced for the 1991 model year. Intended as an extensive revision of the 1984-1990 generation, while the chassis underpinnings were carried over (renamed the Chrysler AS platform), the only shared body panels were the front doors and sliding door. Following the introduction of the Ford Aerostar and General Motors APV minivans, designers sought to improve the exterior aerodynamics and handling of the model line. Anti-lock brakes and all-wheel-drive became introduced as option, with a driver-side airbag becoming optional in 1991 (a first in the segment).

• Third generation (1996–2000)

Main article: Chrysler minivans (NS)

The third-generation Chrysler minivans were available in 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.

• Fourth generation (2001–2007)

Main article: Chrysler minivans (RS)

The fourth generation vans were available in the trim levels; SE, Sport, SXT, AWD Sports, “base” model, AWD Choice, eL, C/V, ES, EX, AWD Wagon, and SXT All-Wheel-Drive.

• Fifth generation (2008–2020)

Main article: Chrysler minivans (RT)

The fifth-generation Dodge minivan had debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show with exterior styling by Ralph Gilles.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR GRAND CARAVAN

You want to keep that minivan going for as long as possible, so it’s essential that you get it on a regular maintenance schedule. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid time-consuming and expensive emergency repairs, so a proper maintenance schedule can grant you more opportunities to spend with your family.

• 7,500 Miles

Your first service is going to be pretty minor, but it’s important to keep the details in mind as all other services stem from this one. Primarily, you need to get your oil changed and tires rotated. This needs to be repeated every 7,500 miles for the van’s entire lifespan. You should also get your brakes, belts and hoses checked. Chances are, nothing is wrong, but it never hurts to get them looked at.

• 15,000 Miles

At this time, you need to repeat the 7,500 mile service. Additionally, your brake pads may need to be replaced. It’s not uncommon for them to show wear by this point. Be prepared to check them again at the 22,500 mile service and the 24,000 mile service. Everything else is largely the same.

• 30,000 Miles

This is a major service, so make sure you’re prepared. You need to have the normal service completed in addition to a larger list of inspections. Fluids will likely need replacing at this time, such as brake fluid, transmission fluid and engine coolant. You might also have to replace the spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter.

• 60,000 Miles

Your next major service occurs at 60,000 miles. Your fluids will likely need replacing again, this time including differential fluid. It’s also a good idea to replace the valve adjustment, timing belt and spark plugs. Go ahead and also get the brake pads, tires and drive belts completely replaced.

• 75,000 Miles

Dodge Grand Caravan Maintenance ScheduleAt this point, you should have all the typical services completed. Replace the brake pads, tires and drive belts if you didn’t before, and also replace the shock absorber.

• 90,000 Miles

This is a major service involving replacement of transmission fluid and filter, engine coolant and differential fluid. Your timing belt and spark plugs also need to be replaced again. The hose for the engine coolant is probably pretty worn at this point, so get that completely replaced too.

• 120,000 Miles

In addition to the normal maintenance replacement intervals, you should also restore the engine mount, as well as any worn steering and suspension components.

Source: wikipedia, marinochryslerjeepdodge.