2013 Dodge Grand Caravan – America's Most Awarded & Best-Selling Minivan Ever – Is Now Available for Under $20,000 MSRP

• New Revised lineup offering the lowest starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in 15-years of just $19,995 - $1,000 less than in 2012

• Grand Caravan AVP is the Most Affordable 7-passenger Vehicle in America

• New Industry-exclusive Blu-Ray video system with dual screens available on Crew and R/T

• Industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating can be easily operated with one hand

• Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 provides best-in-class 283 horsepower without a penalty at the gas pump. Dodge Grand Caravan gets up to 25 miles per gallon

• More than 45 safety and security features, including new–for-2013 Trailer Sway Damping, IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

September 1, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to innovate in the segment it created. It starts by offering an unprecedented level of functionality, convenience and safety at an unexpected price – the AVP now starts $1,000 less than in 2012 – at just $19,995 MSRP.

Also new for 2013, Dodge is offering an industry-first new dual-screen Blu-Ray DVD video system with four-times higher resolution on Crew and R/T models (available fourth quarter). This system is offered by no other auto manufacturer and is the latest innovation the Grand Caravan is bringing to the minivan segment. The system also features a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input for video game systems, a 115-volt power outlet and two USB ports so customers can charge their cell phones, laptops, tablet PCs or MP3 players. The Blu-Ray player can play both standard DVD's and Blu-Ray Discs.

The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in five models that fit almost any lifestyle and budget: the AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T, with innovative design and features inherent in every model.

New for 2013 is a second-row bench seat standard on the AVP. The second-row bench seat reclines, folds and is removable for added storage when required. Also standard on the AVP are segment-exclusive dual in-floor storage bins, providing concealed storage for valuables, toys and electronics. Available on the AVP and standard on the SE, SXT, Crew and R/T is the industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating with new easy one-touch operation and more comfortable seats. The second-row Stow 'n Go seats in the Dodge Grand Caravan can be effortlessly stowed in less than five seconds with just one hand. And when not stowed, only Dodge Grand Caravan allows secure storage in the second-row in-floor bins. Standard on all Grand Caravan models is the 60/40 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.

Other new features for 2013 include a new Black/Sandstorm interior color scheme, integrated Trailer Sway Damping standard on all models, standard 17-inch wheels (late availability on AVP models), new 17-inch aluminum wheels on SXT and R/T, anchored second-row floor mats and the exterior colors Maximum Steel, Billet Silver and Blue Streak.

AWARD-WINNING ENGINE

At the heart of the 2013 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 two years in a row. In the Grand Caravan, the Pentastar V-6 delivers a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class 3,600 lbs. towing.

Dodge Grand Caravan also features a driver-selectable fuel economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule with the push of a button 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 efficient fuel economy. Even with the potent V-6 powertrain, Grand Caravan still manages to deliver a generous fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, which translates to 500 miles on a single tank of gas.

R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude. Uniquely 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 with the higher rate springs at all four corners. These changes allow for quicker responses to driver input and tighter handling characteristics.

EXTERIOR DETAILS

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 2013 Grand Caravan a sporty feel. A sculpted rear fascia and liftgate and rear 'ring of fire' LED taillamps completes the look from front to back.

Another 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.

New exterior colors for 2013 include Maximum Steel, Billet Silver and Blue Streak.

PREMIUM INTERIOR

Owners will step inside to a world-class interior. A modern, one-piece instrument panel is intuitive for the customer with instinctive ergonomics and large gauges, with 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 with a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.

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

Anchored second-row floor mats are now standard on 2013 models, and the new interior color combination of Black and Sandstorm is available on AVP, SE, SXT and Crew models.

MORE THAN 45 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.

New for 2013 is integrated Trailer Sway Damping that automatically helps keep a trailer in line and towed safely down the road.

Dodge Grand Caravan is a 2012 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

With class-leading cargo capacity, best-in-class power, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and segment-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go, the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan truly is the industry's most versatile cargo and passenger vehicle. And with pricing now starting at an affordable $19,995 MSRP, it's also the most affordable.

2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AMERICAN VALUE PACKAGE (AVP)

With a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,995 and standard equipment like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with class-leading 283 horsepower and six-speed automatic, air conditioning, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), seven airbags, second-row in-floor storage bins, third-row Stow 'n Go seating, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control and much more, the Grand Caravan is a tremendous value in the minivan segment.

2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE

The Dodge Grand Caravan SE adds such features as second-row Super Stow 'n Go seating, three-zone climate control, floor console with cup holders, deep tint sunscreen glass, and body color exterior handles, side moldings and sill appliques to the already well-equipped minivan. New for 2013 is the addition of available 17-inch alloy wheels and tires for $1,400 less than in 2012.

2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT

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 and power liftgate. In fact, Grand Caravan SXT, starting at $26,495 MSRP, is positioned up to $8,230 less than the competition with these features. Other standard equipment includes second-row power windows, third-row power quarter air vents, body-color heated mirrors, segment-exclusive Super Center Console and Stow 'n Place Roof Rack and new 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires for 2013.

An industry-exclusive Blu-Ray DVD system with dual nine-inch screens in the second and third rows will be available on SXT models.

2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CREW

The Grand Caravan Crew adds bright chrome exterior accents, fog lights, 6.5-inch touchscreen media center and backup camera, power eight-way driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, SiriusXM satellite radio with 12-month subscription, universal garage door opener, ambient interior lighting and automatic temperature control. Also standard on Crew is power liftgate, remote start and security alarm.

The class-exclusive Blu-Ray DVD system will also be available on Crew models.

2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN R/T

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

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T models also include remote start, power liftgate and security alarm as standard. Added value will also be found in the new for 2013 available Blu-Ray dual rear DVD rear entertainment system.

For 2013, the Dodge Grand Caravan is available in eight paint colors: Brilliant Black, Redline, Stone White, Sandstone, True Blue and new for 2013 colors Billet Silver, Maximum Steel and Blue Streak.

The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan will be built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter.

by 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. Under 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 with 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 with 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 segment. 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 United 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 with 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,' with 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 U.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 – with 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 industry-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 with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a Mitsubishi 3.0-liter V-6. In California and several northeastern states with 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 segment 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 industry-leading engineering.

by Dodge