Chrysler · 2007–2020

Chrysler minivans

The RT-platform Chrysler minivans are a series of passenger minivans marketed by Chrysler starting in model year 2008, the fifth in six generations of Chrysler minivans. Depending on the market, these vans were known as the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Lancia Voyager, Ram Cargo Van, and the Volkswagen Routan, a modified version sold by Volkswagen in North America. Only long wheelbase models were offered with the Dodge Journey replacing the short wheelbase model. While most versions were discontinued in 2016 with the launch of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Grand Caravan remained in production until 2020. It was replaced by the sixth generation Chrysler Voyager (continuing under the Grand Caravan nameplate in Canada), a new entry-level model based on the existing Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

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Overview

Chrysler debuted the 2008 model year minivans at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show — eliminating the short-wheelbase model. With discontinuation of the short-wheelbase minivans, Dodge offered the Journey on nearly an identical wheelbase and as a crossover rather than a minivan. Although the SWB model, which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada, cost approximately $2,000 less and offered a four-cylinder engine option with improved fuel economy, Chrysler executives stated the SWB Caravan was discontinued to accommodate new features offered in the Grand Caravan, consistent with the demands of the majority of the minivan market. The RT minivans were a completely new design, sharing few components with the previous model. They abandoned the rounded styling introduced on the NS vans, instead using a more boxy look styled by Ralph Gilles. New features include standard electronic stability control, the MyGIG entertainment system (a stereo with built-in hard drive for recording, storing, and playing music), second and third row video screens, powered second row windows, standard side curtain airbags, and dashboard-mounted transmission controls. Much like its competitors, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, the Town & Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, in a higher position. Another new feature of this generation was an available rear overhead console which featured LED map lights as well as halo ambient lighting. A new DVD system was also available, which featured dual screens for the rear passengers. SIRIUS Backseat TV was also offered, which featured three channels of children's programming. The Stow 'n Go seats, carried over from the previous generation, were standard, with a new

Discontinuation

With the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica introduced to replace the Chrysler Town & Country, the Dodge Grand Caravan was due to be discontinued after the 2016 model year. However, it was later announced that the Grand Caravan would be sold alongside the Chrysler Pacifica unchanged from the 2016 model, with a simplified model lineup. At the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said there may be a successor to the current Dodge Grand Caravan, which would be based on the Chrysler Pacifica, saying that the Grand Caravan successor would be "a Caravan-like vehicle". Marchionne is quoted as saying, "The replacement of the Caravan will be a Caravan-like vehicle. I need another minivan. It's going to be in line with the Pacifica architecture". Dodge originally announced that the Grand Caravan will be discontinued in May 2020 but has since pushed it back by three months, with the current end date being August 22. Its replacement will be the Chrysler Voyager, which is an entry-level version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and will offer similar pricing and features to its Grand Caravan predecessor. In Canada, a version similar to the Pacifica will be sold as the Chrysler Grand Caravan. For its final model year, the Grand Caravan will be offered in three trim levels: base SE, midlevel SE Plus, and range-topping SXT. The previous GT trim, a fleet-exclusive model, has been dropped for the 2020 model year. For 2020, the midlevel SE Plus receives standard "Super Stow-'n'-Go" second-row bucket seats and in-floor storage bin, a standard eight-way power front driver's seat, a black interior with "Cranberry Wine" stitching, and an available Blacktop Package. The base SE trim no longer offers aluminum-alloy wheels as an option. A compa

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Specifications

name: Chrysler minivans (RT)
aka: Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Ram C/V Tradesman, Chrysler Voyager, Lancia Voyager, Volkswagen Routan
Production: 2007–2020
Model years: 2008–2020 (Grand Caravan), 2009–2014 (Routan), 2008–2016 (Town & Country)
Manufacturer: Chrysler LLC (2008–2009), Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2014), FCA US LLC (2014–2020)
Designer: Ralph Gilles
Assembly: Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada: 2007–2020), St. Louis, Missouri, United States (2007–2008)
Body style: 4-door minivan
Platform: Chrysler RT platform
Engine: 2.8 L 176 hp CRD I4 diesel (export only), 3.3 L 175 hp V6, 3.8 L 197 hp V6, 4.0 L 251 hp V6, 3.6 L 283 hp V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (3.3 engine), 62TE 6-speed automatic (3.6, 3.8, 4.0 engines)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 121.2 in
Length: 202.5 in, 202.8 in (Ram C/V)
Width: 78.7 in, 76.9 in (Routan)
Height: 68.9 in, 69.0 in (Ram C/V)
Kerb weight: 4306 lb
Predecessor: Chrysler minivans (RS), Lancia Phedra/Lancia Zeta (For Lancia Voyager)
Successor: Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Voyager (RU), Chrysler Grand Caravan (Canada) , Ram ProMaster City (For Cargo Van)