Back in the early 1980s there weren't a lot of choices for hauling a family. There was the stalwart family sedan, or "land yacht" as some used to call it; the venerable station wagon with its popular rear-facing third seat; or a number of truck-based SUVs or full-size vans. Americans didn't even know what they were missing until Chrysler pulled the wraps off its newest invention, the minivan. I asked Jody Victor to tell us more.
Jody Victor: The introduction of the 1984 Dodge Caravan gave Americans a new choice for transporting the family. This new vehicle provided easy access for passengers and cargo, a car-like ride and better handling than the current offerings. It was the perfect compromise among sedans, station wagons and big SUVs. Since that time Chrysler has sold almost 12 million minivans under both the Chrysler and Dodge brands, and in the process created a vehicle segment joined by just about every major automaker at one time or another. Even with increased competition, Chrysler has consistently had the best-selling minivans in America.
However, in the past few years minivans have fallen out of favor. They became the stereotypical "soccer mom" car, and while they make more sense as people movers, American car buyers began to embrace SUVs for the freedom, security and ruggedness they were marketed to represent.
Although Ford and General Motors have discontinued their minivan offerings, Chrysler has once again strayed from the herd and introduced a completely redesigned vehicle in hopes of luring back some of those SUV buyers. The design of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan moves away from the "jelly bean" look and adopts a more SUV-like styling. With the new "Swivel 'n Go" seating system and available table, the Chrysler Town & Country becomes a mobile family room.
While these new minivans are considerably more advanced than that first Dodge Caravan introduced almost 25 years ago, the Grand Caravan and Town & Country haven't strayed far from that original concept of providing an excellent family hauler that hits the sweet spot among sedans, wagons and SUVs.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!