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Image Left 2011 Grand Caravan2013 Grand Caravan Image Right2013 Grand Caravan Blacktop Edition Image Right
 

Image credits: © Dodge.

MSRP: $20,995-29,995
Invoice: $20,810-28,670

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan news, pictures, and information

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: America's Best-selling Minivan Is now the Most Affordable With New American Value Package and a Starting U.S. MSRP of $20,995

• New Dodge Grand Caravan offers the most affordable minivan in America – starting Ú.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of only $20,995 (excluding destination)

• Creator of the minivan continues to innovate wîth -exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go seating, which can be easily operated wîth one hand in a matter of seconds

• Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 provides best-in-class 283 horsepower without a penalty at the gas pump

• More than 40 safety and technology features consumers expect and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provide peace of mind


September 1, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to lead the §egmènt it created. New for 2012, Dodge is offering a new American Value Package (AVP), which makes the best-selling minivan ever the most affordable minivan wîth a starting Ú.S. Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,995 (all prices exclude destination).

Vital Stats
Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder
Power: 283 hp
Torque: 260 ft-lbs

6-speed Automatic
'More than 27 years ago, Dodge created a revolution by launching the first minivan, and through continued innovations like our -exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go Seating, we've remained the leader ever since,' said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLC. 'Now for 2012, we are introducing our next revolution – the new American Value Package, which offers seven passenger seating, seven standard airbags and best-in-class storage for less than the price of a typical mid-size car at only $20,995.'


The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in five models for 2012 that fit almost any lifestyle and budget: the AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. Every model across the Dodge Grand Caravan range features added value for 2012.

• The American Value Package (AVP), wîth a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $20,995, includes the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 wîth 283 horsepower and six-speed automatic, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), seven airbags, second-row Super Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, third-row Stow 'n Go, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control and much more

• The SE has been repositioned by $1,000 to a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $22,995

• At a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $26,495, the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is the only minivan in America priced less than $30,000 to include the functionality of power dual sliding doors, power liftgate and power-adjustable pedals. The Grand Caravan SXT model now includes $1,800 in no-extra-charge equipment, including dual power sliding doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, §egmènt-exclusive Super Console and Stow 'n Place™ roof rack system

• The Grand Caravan Crew adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, bright chrome exterior accents, 6.5-inch touchscreen media center and backup camera, eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shifter, Sirius XM Satellite radio, ambient interior lighting and automatic temperature control, to name a few

• The Grand Caravan R/T includes a very distinctive monochromatic exterior and unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, premium black leather interior wîth red accent stitching, nine speakers wîth amplifier and subwoofer, a unique suspension and more

• The Grand Caravan Crew and R/T models also include $820 in no-extra-charge equipment for 2012, including remote start, power liftgate and security alarm. Added value can also be found in the available DVD rear entertainment system
Industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go® seating can be easily operated wîth one hand in a matter of seconds

The Dodge Grand Caravan features -exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go seating wîth new easy one-touch operation and more comfortable seats. The second row in the Dodge Grand Caravan can be effortlessly stowed in less than 5 seconds wîth just one hand. And when not stowed, only Dodge Grand Caravan allows secure storage in the second row in-floor bins. Also standard on all Grand Caravan models is the 50/50 split-folding third row Stow ‘n Go seating. Only Grand Caravan can so effortlessly be transformed from hauling seven passengers to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds.

New for 2012 are a new Sapphire Blue interior lighting scheme and an available quad leather seat option for R/T models.

A heart of gold
At the heart of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle. This engine was named a '10 Best Engines' by Ward's Automotive. In the Grand Caravan, the Pentastar V-6 delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

Dodge Grand Caravan also features a driver-selectable fuel economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule wîth the flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy. In addition, lower-rolling resistance tires, a spoiler and reduced mechanical drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan's class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy. Even wîth the potent V-6 powertrain, Grand Caravan still manages to deliver an impressive fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude. Úniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T features a suspension tuned for sporty handling, while still providing a comfortable ride. The shocks were re-tuned to work in conjunction wîth the higher rate springs at all four corners. These changes allow for quicker responses to driver input, and tighter handling characteristics.

Form gladly follows function
Grand Caravan's design is intended to convey the dynamic driving nature of the vehicle. A front fascia that sports the Dodge signature 'split crosshair' grille and quad headlamps combine to give the face of the 2012 Grand Caravan an aggressive feel. A sculpted rear fascia and liftgate and rear 'ring of fire' LED taillamps completes the look from front to back.

The latest innovation from the minivan leader is the Stow ‘n Place™ roof rack system that lets owners stow the roof bows in the side rails when they're not using them and snap them easily into place when needed. The ability to stow the roof bows when they're not being used means less aerodynamic drag and wind buffeting and better overall efficiency.

Premium interior design
Owners will step inside to a world-class interior. A modern, one-piece instrument panel is intuitive for the customer wîth instinctive ergonomics and large gauges, wîth premium bright accents and soft-touches throughout. An available 'super' center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter, as well as easy driver/passenger access wîth a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.

A three-spoke §teering wheel wîth integrated controls for audio, navigation and speed control also offers a minivan-first heated §teering wheel option. The best storage in the §egmènt rounds out the improved interior.

More than 40 safety, security and technology features keep families safe and connected
Safety and security features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags, a driver-side knee blocker air bag, three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere Package of features includes ParkSense® rear park assist system, ParkView® rear backup camera, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.

With class-leading cargo capacity, best-in-class power, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and §egmènt-exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan truly is the 's most versatile cargo and passenger vehicle. And wîth pricing now starting at an affordable $20,995 MSRP, it's also the most affordable.

For 2012, the Dodge Grand Caravan is available in seven paint colors: Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Redline Pearl, Stone White, Dark Charcoal Pearl, and new for 2012 colors True Blue and Copperhead Pearl.

The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will be built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter.

Source - Dodge
In the late 1970s, Baby Boomers were reaching adulthood and starting families in large numbers. But sedans and station wagons, the traditional standard-bearers among family transportation vehicles, were becoming smaller in response to concerns about pollution and fuel efficiency – and their passenger and cargo capacity was being reduced. Vans created for the commercial delivery market were being customized as passenger vehicles, but their large size, inefficiency and front-engine, rear-wheel drive configurations made them unsatisfactory substitutes for wagons and sedans as family transportation vehicles. Únder the leadership of executives Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich, Chrysler initiated development of a new type of vehicle that would offer considerable passenger and cargo-carrying space in a family-friendly package.

Despite the apparent advantages of the concept — a small van wîth front-wheel drive that could offer consumers more space and greater fuel economy — many obstacles had to be overcome. The final design needed to be low enough to fit in a typical home garage and travel through a standard car wash. The proposed front-wheel drivetrain, which permitted a flat floor and created more interior room, also required special front-end styling considerations, including a functional 'nose' to house the engine and offer 'crush space' in case of accident. Once all those criteria were met, the new concept – not really a car, not really a truck — had to be styled as an attractive, family vehicle that would appeal to a broad spectrum of potential buyers.

The result was referred to within Chrysler as the 'T-115' – but ultimately branded as the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Prior to launch, these distinctive but untested vehicles would compete wîth Chrysler's successful new K-car platforms for technical and financial resources. But, following its runaway success, it would be this new product, soon popularly described as the 'minivan,' that brought consumers – lots of them – into Chrysler dealerships.

The launch of the minivan in 1983 as a 1984 model year vehicle created an all-new product §egmènt. Car and Driver described it as 'the only American-built van that's not a truck,' noting that the T-115 was ten inches narrower, 15 inches lower and about four feet shorter than the most popular conventional vans. Observed Road & Track, 'Chrysler is betting there's a big market for a van of this size and is aiming it at current station wagon owners; those who already own larger, less efficient club wagons; growing families; those who need station wagons but hate the stodgy suburban image; women who aren't comfortable driving large conventional vans; people who used to own full-sized sedans and like plenty of interior room, and those who just enjoy the sheer novelty of the vehicle.'

The company's bet was well placed. One day in 1983, when members of Chrysler's Houston zone office drove to lunch in a newly-delivered minivan, a lady approached them in the restaurant's parking lot and unhesitatingly asked, 'What is this and where can I buy one?' The initial marketing, featuring popular magician Doug Henning, aptly described the vehicle as 'The Magic Wagon.'

The Chrysler minivan was an instant success and, despite spirited competition from other automakers over three decades, has always been the best-selling minivan in the Únited States.


1984-1990 model years: The first-generation Chrysler minivans were based on the S platform, a derivative of the Chrysler K platform used for the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant passenger cars. Three trim levels were available on the first Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models – a base level, the 'mainstream' SE and the 'upscale' LE, which featured vinyl 'woodgrain' side panels. The standard four-cylinder engine could be mated wîth a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. An early Chrysler minivan featuring the rare turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (available only in 1989 and 1990) is now considered a collector's item by many.

Both the Caravan and the Voyager were on Car and Driver magazine's 'Ten Best' list for 1985.

The Mini-Ram Van, a cargo version of the Caravan, also appeared in 1984. Renamed the Caravan C/V in 1989, it was discontinued after the 1995 model year.

In 1987, the Caravan and Voyager received some cosmetic updates – and new, longer-wheelbase Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager models were introduced.

1990 model year: The Chrysler Town & Country, a luxury version of the Chrysler minivan, was introduced (see the Town & Country Heritage section). The Town & Country nameplate dated to 1941 and had been used on a variety of Chrysler vehicles until 1988.

The standard Town & Country minivan was considered 'loaded,' wîth no optional trim levels. Power locks, windows, mirrors and driver's seat, front and rear air conditioning and leather seats were all standard. The 3.8-liter V-6 engine was made standard in the Town & Country in 1994.

1991-1996 model years: Chrysler's hot-selling minivans were freshened for the 1991 model year, and more option packages became available. Innovations included 'Quad Command' bucket seating (standard on the Town & Country beginning in 1992); integrated child safety seats (1992), available anti-lock brakes (1992), the first driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991, made standard in 1992), and the first dual front airbags (1994). This was the first minivan to meet 1998 Ú.S. federal safety standards (1994).

The 1991-1995 minivans used the AS platform, the last to be derived from the Chrysler K platform. Special '10-Year Anniversary Edition' trim packages were offered in 1994.

1996-2000 model years: Completely redesigned, the 1996 Chrysler minivans debuted in an elaborate program at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, during which Chrysler Chairman Bob Eaton and President Bob Lutz, dressed in Mr. Rogers-style cardigan sweaters, delivered the story of the new minivan from giant storybooks, then watched as one – wîth television character Kermit the Frog in the driver's window – soared over an artificial pond. It was Chrysler's way of giving notice that this new NS minivan would 'leapfrog' all competitors.

Spectacularly upgraded from its predecessor models, the NS was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1996 – and appeared on the Car and Driver 'Ten Best' list for 1996 and 1997.

An -first driver's side sliding door proved so popular it was made standard. The manual transmission was dropped and all-wheel drive added. Base models were offered in most states wîth either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a Mitsubishi 3.0-liter V-6. In California and several northeastern states wîth stringent emissions standards, a 3.3-liter engine was offered as a V-6 option between 1997 and 2000. Options added over the life of the NS included CD players, grocery-bag hooks and a rear-seat video entertainment system.

With the demise of the Plymouth brand, the Voyager was rebadged as the Chrysler Voyager after 2001, later becoming the short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country in 2004.

2001-2007 model years: The most recent generation of Chrysler minivans rode on the RS platform. Another benchmark of modern-day Chrysler engineering innovation, the Stow ‘n Go second- and third-row foldable seating system, was introduced in 2005. Power sliding doors and a power hatch, options beginning in 2001, later became standard.

Freshening the exterior, continually adding new safety features and providing additional cargo space, better entertainment systems, more cupholders, grocery hooks and other family-friendly features has kept Chrysler's minivans at the top of their §egmènt in popularity and sales.

2008 model year: Chrysler is now positioned to again make minivan history. In addition to thoroughly updating the many successful features of their predecessors, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans offer one-of-a-kind available features like Swivel ‘n Go second-row seats, which revolve to face the rear seats. A table can be placed between the second- and third-row seats, providing a convenient place for passengers to read, work or enjoy meals and games.

Both these features reflect well on Chrysler's proud heritage of innovative engineering: swivel bucket seats were standard on top-of-the-line Chrysler passenger cars in the late 1950s, and in the 1960s the Chrysler Imperial featured a 'Mobile Director' option, in which the front passenger's bucket seat swiveled 180 degrees to the rear and the center rear armrest unfolded to create a three-position conference table. The all-new 2008 minivan effectively updates these once-revolutionary ideas for the 21st Century, writing the latest chapter in Chrysler's continuing saga of -leading engineering.

Source - Dodge
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