2020 Dodge Grand Caravan: End of an Era
May 22, 2020, will be a sad day for Dodge Grand Caravan fans as that is the day Fiat Chrysler will end production. What a life this minivan has lived since it first made its appearance 35 years ago. In certain states, the Dodge Grand Caravan will be available through the end of 2020, but in states where emission rules are more strict, such as California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington the Caravan won’t be available.
Let’s talk about all the good things about this minivan and all relive our fond moments with this generational minivan as we say goodbye to this Grand Caravan.
Although nowadays this minivan along with many others are being replaced by SUVs, it was a common car cruising around all of America. Chrysler began developing this minivan in the early 1970s. They developed a vehicle that can handle and drive like a sedan while also fit in the family garage. Chrysler first debuted the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan models. Both of these were huge hits featuring a front-wheel-drive, third-row seating, sliding door for rear passangers, large storage area, and seats that fold down.
In response to instant popularity, other companies such as General Motors and others began to release similar vans. Sales of minivans reached their high in 2000 when 1.4 million were sold.
The Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan went through five generations. It was Fiat Chrysler’s best-selling minivan, having sold over 300,000 in 1996. In 2019, it sold 122,000 units in the U.S. The new Dodge Grand Caravan is soldiering on with some new updates for its last model year. This minivan now comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and red accent stitching to contrast the beautiful blank upholstery. A Blacktop Appearance is now optional on both the SE Plus and SXT models.
The Dodge Grand Caravan comes in three levels: SE, SE Plus, and SXT.
- The SE comes standard with seating for up to seven, a second-row bench seat, third-row Stow ‘n Go seating, 17-in steel wheels, tri-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a backup camera, a 6.5-in touchscreen.
- SE Plus comes with all the same features ad the SE with the addition of auto headlights, remote start, floor-mounted center console, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and second-row Super Stow ‘n Go bucket seats
- The SXT comes with the additional roof rails, fog lamps, power-sliding doors, a power liftgate, upgraded center console and leather/faux-suede mix upholstery.
All trims can be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system that includes an overhead screen, a DVD player, HDMI input, USB ports, and wireless headphones.
A naturally aspirated 283 horsepower V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is what powers this Dodge. The engine emits a surprisingly baritone growl when the driver hits the throttle.
The grey hairs might be showing on this minivan, with some outdated but not horrible EPA fuel-economy ratings. It registered 22 mpg at a steady 75 mpg for 200 miles.
Not many vehicles are more practical than a minivan for people and cargo carrying. The Dodge Grand Caravan‘s rear seats can fold into underfloor bins when not in use and convert the Grand Caravan into a hollowed-out cargo hauler. The Grand Caravan shares the brilliant Stow ‘n Go system with the Chrysler Pacifica. With all seats folded, a large, flat load floor makes for easy carrying of bulky cargo and no heavy seats need to be pulled out to make the transportation.
The end of this era will be felt at the Windsor Assembly Plant where it’s built. Production will be redirected towards all the other all-new Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Pacifica models. The new Pacifica model is very much the way of the future for the company. We have a huge selection of Chrysler Pacificas and Chrysler Voyagers waiting for you! For more information on the history of the Dodge Grand Caravan or to purchase yours today, come into Ray CDJR. We are your local Dodge dealer near Fox Lake and will be happy to help you drive home in the car of your dreams!
