2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Celebrates Its 30th Birthday With Even More Desirable Content and Value

•New 30th Anniversary models will celebrate this special occasion with unique content

•Blacktop appearance packages now available on SE and SXT models

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

•Industry-exclusive Super Stow 'n Go seating can be easily operated with one hand, allowing users to convert from carrying seven to hauling cargo in a matter of seconds

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

•More than 45 safety and security features, an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty protect customers for years to come

•Dodge Grand Caravan is America's most affordable minivan with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,995 (excluding $995 destination)

September 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan celebrates its 30th birthday with a special model and a revised line-up to go along with its segment-leading innovations and unbeatable value. The 30th Anniversary edition will be available on SE and SXT models, as will an available Blacktop appearance package.

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan 30th Anniversary Edition will be available on both the SE and SXT models, and will continue to set the mark in minivan versatility, style and value. The Dodge Grand Caravan continues to be the best all-around vehicle for young families with more value added features.

Equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with class-leading 283 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, the exterior of the Dodge Grand Caravan SE 30th Anniversary Edition features unique 17-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels, body-color heated exterior mirrors and 30th Anniversary badging on the front fenders and the availability of Crystal Granite Pearl Coat paint. Unique interior appointments include silver accent stitching and piano black accents throughout, black cloth seats, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, black leather-wrapped shift knob, black headliner and overhead console, bright heating and air conditioning trim bezels, power second- and third-row windows, a 30th Anniversary logo in the gauge cluster and 30th Anniversary logo on the key fob and the Uconnect Handsfree Group featuring SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, Bluetooth streaming audio and voice command and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 30th Anniversary Edition builds on the SXT, including standard power sliding doors, power liftgate, Super Center Console, power adjustable pedals and much more. The 30th Anniversary Edition adds premium appointments, including unique 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with satin carbon pockets, bright chrome roof rack, bright window trim moldings, fog lamps, automatic headlamps and special 30th Anniversary badging.

On the inside, families are treated to all of the ingenious versatility of the Grand Caravan. Details include a customized gauge cluster with 30th Anniversary badging, Black Torino leatherette seats with premium suede inserts and silver accent stitching, power 10-way driver's seat, piano black accent trim bezels, bright chrome accents, Uconnect hands-free voice command with Bluetooth streaming audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Both models are available in unique Granite Crystal Pearl Coat paint and are also available in Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, Redline Red 2-Coat Pearl, Sandstone Pearl Coat or True Blue Pearl Coat.

The Blacktop package, an exclusive customized appearance, is available on SE and SXT models, and includes 17-inch polished aluminum wheels with gloss black pockets, a gloss black grille, black headlamp bezels, an all-black interior including headliner, door panels and console, unique black cloth seats and door trim panels with silver accent stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent stitching and a leather shift knob. SXT models also include fog lamps.

Models equipped with the Blacktop appearance package are available in Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Brilliant Black, Maximum Steel, Redline Red and -Bright White.

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in four models that fit almost any lifestyle and budget: the AVP, SE, SXT and R/T, with innovative design and features inherent in every model.

UNMATCHED VERSATILITY

Available on the AVP and standard on the SE, SXT 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.

AWARD-WINNING ENGINE

At the heart of the 2014 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 three 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 2014 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.

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..

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.

Dodge Grand Caravan is 2013 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 2014 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.

2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AMERICAN VALUE PACKAGE (AVP)

With standard equipment like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with class-leading 283 horsepower and six-speed automatic, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, 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, tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control and much more, the Grand Caravan is a tremendous value in the minivan segment.

New for the 2014 Grand Caravan AVP are easy-clean floor mats that now come with the optional second-row Stow 'n Go seats.

Optional equipment includes:

•Second-row Stow 'n Go seats

•SiriusXM radio

Uconnect Hands-free Group: •Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

•Rear-view auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•Steering wheel-mounted audio controls

•SiriusXM Radio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

2014 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, six speakers, body color exterior handles, side moldings and sill appliques to the already well-equipped minivan.

30th Anniversary models and the Blacktop appearance package are new for the 2014 model year.

Optional equipment includes:

•17-inch aluminum wheels

•SiriusXM radio

•Uconnect Hands-free group

SE 30th Anniversary Edition Package:

•17-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels

•Body-color heated exterior mirrors

•Fender 30th Anniversary badging

•Black cloth seats with silver accent stitching

•Black leather-wrapped steering wheel with piano black bezels

•Black leather shift knob

•Front door armrests with silver accent stitching and piano black appliques

•Instrument panel piano black appliques and climate control chrome trim bezels

•Black headliner and overhead console

•Power second- and third-row windows

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

•Rear-view auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•Steering wheel-mounted audio controls

•SiriusXM Radio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

•30th Anniversary logo on cluster

•30th Anniversary logo on back of key fob

Blacktop Package:

•17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets

•Gloss Black grille

•Black headlamp bezels

•All-black interior, including headliner, door panels and center console

•Unique black cloth seats with silver accent stitching

•Black door trim panel with unique silver accent stitching

•Leather steering wheel with unique silver accent stitching

•Leather shift knob

Power Window Group:

•Second-row power windows

•Power vented rear quarter windows

•One-touch front power windows

Single DVD Entertainment System:

•Uconnect 430 Radio

•6.5-inch Touch Screen Display

•Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera

•40Gb Hard Drive

•Second-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screen

•DVD console

•Two USB charging ports

•HDMI input

•115-volt inverter

•Two wireless headphones

•Video remote control

•SiriusXM Radio

2014 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. 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 power adjustable pedals.

An industry-exclusive Blu-Ray DVD system with dual nine-inch screens in the second and third rows is available on SXT models. 30th Anniversary models and the Blacktop appearance package are new for the 2014 model year.

Optional equipment includes:

•CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with 6.5-inch touchscreen, 30GB hard drive (approximately 6,700 song capacity), Gracenote Music ID and audio jack

•Garmin navigation

•SiriusXM radio

•Uconnect Hands-free group

•Power 10-way Driver Seat

SXT 30th Anniversary Edition Package:

Includes all of the SE 30th Anniversary content and adds: •17-inch polished aluminum wheels with Satin Carbon pockets

•Bright chrome window trim belt molding

•Bright chrome roof rack

•Fog lamps

•Auto headlamps

•Black Torino leatherette seats with suede insert and silver accent stitching

•Power driver's seat

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

•Rear-view auto-dimming mirror with microphone

•Steering wheel-mounted audio controls

•SiriusXM Radio

•Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth

•30th anniversary logo on optional radio splash screen (6.5' touch screen)

Driver Convenience Group (requires 30th Anniversary Edition)

•Heated steering wheel

•Heated first and second row seats

•Second- and third-row sunshades

•Remote USB port

•Overhead console system with storage bins, ambient lighting and rear swiveling reading/courtesy lights

Safety Sphere Group •Rain-sensitive wipers

•ParkSense rear park assist system

•Auto-dimming rearview mirror

•Blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection

Blacktop Package:

Includes all of the SE Blacktop content and adds fog lamps

Single DVD Entertainment System:

•Uconnect 430 Radio

•6.5-inch Touch Screen Display

•Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera

•40Gb Hard Drive

•Second-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screen

•DVD console

•Two USB charging ports

•HDMI input

•115-volt inverter

•Two wireless headphones

•Video remote control

•SiriusXM radio

Dual-DVD Blu Ray Entertainment System:

Includes all of the Single DVD Entertainment System content and adds: •Second- and third-row overhead 9-inch high-resolution video screens

•Blu Ray DVD console

Security Group: •Security alarm

•Remote start system

2014 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 Torino 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 can also be found with the available Dual DVD Blu Ray rear entertainment system.

New for the 2014 Grand Caravan R/T are standard auto headlamps with black bezels and the Security Group featuring remote start and security alarm.

Optional equipment includes:

•Black Roof Rails

•Garmin navigation

•Single DVD Entertainment System

•Dual DVD Blu Ray Entertainment System

Driver Convenience Group: •Auto-dimming rear view mirror

•Heated steering wheel

•Heated front and rear seats

•Uconnect Phone with voice command and Bluetooth streaming audio

•Second- and third-row sunshades

•Remote USB port

Safety Sphere Group: •Rain-sensitive wipers

•ParkSense rear park assist system

•Auto-dimming rearview mirror

•Blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection

Trailer Tow Group: •Heavy-duty engine cooling

•Trailer-tow wiring harness

•Load-leveling and height-control suspension

For 2014, the Dodge Grand Caravan is available in nine paint colors: Billet Silver, Blue Streak, Brilliant Black, Maximum Steel, Redline, Sandstone, Bright White, True Blue and Granite Crystal (30th Anniversary only).

The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to be the segment price leader with a starting price of $19,995. The 2014 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