The First Generation Dodge Caravan

When the Dodge Caravan was launched - in 1983 for the 1984 model year - it effectively created a new genre of automobile. What has become known as the minivan class brought space and style to the everyday family man, while giving versatility and capability to the first degree.

It is often forgotten that the Caravan preceded the car that many claim as the first of its kind, the Renault Espace, which was launched in Europe in 1984. The first of a kind, then, and one with innovation at its heart.

In fact, the Dodge Caravan should have been a Ford, as the concept was originally conceived in the middle of the 1970's by legendary designer Lee Iaccoca; when he moved to Chrysler he carried the concept with him, and the minivan - in the shape of the Caravan - became reality.

Early models were powered by a range of engines from 2.0 liter through to 3.3liter that hardly set the world on fire, but nevertheless gave this interesting new vehicle plenty of ability. With a choice of manual or automatic transmission also included, the Dodge Caravan range appealed right across the board.

A rarely chosen option was a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine, this then something that was offered only in small numbers in the automotive world. These are very scarce these days, and few are thought to survive.

The first generation of Dodge Caravan was not a particularly pretty car, but it was not designed with looks in mind: the idea was to provide space and carrying ability in a versatile layout, and this was undoubtedly achieved. Popular immediately thanks to this versatility, the Caravan was built until 1990, when a completely new vehicle became the second generation of Dodge Caravan. The first models remain as a reminder that American cars make history - the first of a new generation of automobile.