DODGE has finally responded to fans’ calls to bring back a beloved discontinued model that was famous for its reliability.
Nostalgic drivers have long praised the “low cost” vehicle which is perfect for hauling the family around.
Car experts have long praised Dodge for setting the standard with its Grand Caravan, which debuted in the 1980s.
But production of the vehicle suddenly froze five years ago.
Slash Gear explained last March that the model “hit the market as an affordable option for families but doubled as a working man’s vehicle, thanks to its excess storage space.”
A Girls Guide for Cars review in 2016 concluded it was a popular low-cost people-mover which was perfect for “drivers who like sitting up high while driving.”
According to Car and Driver, the Grand Caravan was Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) best-selling minivan.
Sales peaked in 1996 at just over 300,000 units, with a later dip in stats showing more than 122,000 were bought in the U.S. in 2019.
Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger vehicles for then parent company Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) enthused in 2019: “There is nothing else that can compete with a minivan.
“From a carrying people and stuff perspective, nothing touches it.”
But then came the shock announcement: FCA decided to axe production of the Grand Caravan, despite more than three decades of transporting families on the open roads, citing economic factors.
FCA chopped 1,500 jobs at the factory in Windsor, Ontario, with the last minivan rolling off the production line in 2020.
It said five years ago: “This decision comes as the company works to align volumes with demand.”
And ever since then, online forums have called for the vehicle’s return.
Just 10 months ago, a driver wrote on Reddit: “They really need to bring back the Grand Caravan.
“The amount of Grand Caravans that I see driving around is incredible.
“Whether they’re being used as taxis or for hauling the family around.
“The market needs a low cost minivan that people can actually afford unlike the [Chrysler] Pacificas which are pretty darn expensive.”
Also on Reddit, another fan lamented on the platform two years after the model’s demise: “Does anyone else terribly miss the Grand Caravan already?
“The Dodge Grand Caravan without a doubt is an amazing car, plenty of storage, stow and go, adjustable seats, etc.
“It felt like a shot to the heart when I found out they discontinued them.”
The motorist added: “Some people say they’re trash but they genuinely stay in good shape if you take care of them properly. I’ve had experience with them. Great cars.
“It tugs on my heart strings when I think about how they’re discontinued.
“Does anyone else feel the same way about them or am I just a caravan obsessed weirdo?”
FUTURE PRODUCTION
The U.S Sun contacted Stellantis, the parent company to Dodge, to ask whether this model was likely to be produced again.
But a spokesman appeared to sit on the fence – and refused to confirm or deny any likely comeback.
He said of a potential return: “We don’t discuss future product plans.”
Cars being discontinued for 2025
Dozens of cars won't make it to the 2025 model year, including sedans, some SUVs, and sports cars.
Cars that are on the chopping block for this year are:
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (sedan) Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (SUV) Audi A4 (sedan) Audi A5 Coupe/Cabrio (2-door sedan) BMW X3M (SUV) BMW M8 Coupe Bugatti Chiron Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Malibu Ferarri SF90 Stradale Ferarri 812 GTS Fisker Ocean (EV) Ford Escape Ford Edge Infiniti Q50 Jaguar XE and XF sedans Jaguar F-Type Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV and E-Pace Lamborghini Huracán Maserati Ghibli Mitsubishi Mirage Mini Clubman Nissan GT-R Nissan Titan Ram 1500 TRX Toyota Supra (4-cylinder) Toyota Venza Volvo S60Although that’ll no doubt be a concern to enthusiasts, motorists can still purchase a pre-owned vehicle through their local dealer, said Stellantis.
One person who recently bought a pre-owned Dodge Grand Caravan vowed to never buy a new car again.
He said that despite having a six-digit mileage the 2014 vehicle still had its original engine and original transmission, with “no issues, it is impressive.”
A fellow motorist wrote: “I got a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and I love it, no issues so far.”
Another applauded: “Those vans are great and reliable if they’re taken care of, nice find.”
It comes as US car giants Chrysler recently confirmed the development of its next car has been paused.
Its lineup consists of two minivans — the upscale Pacifica and the reborn Voyager.
Will the Dodge Grand Caravan come back?
The U.S. Sun contacted Stellantis (Dodge parent company) to see whether this model is likely to be reintroduced.
Here is Stellantis’s full response:
“At the heart of Stellantis is a constellation of 14 iconic automotive brands, including, for example, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge in North America.
“While we don’t discuss future product plans, Dodge is America’s performance brand.
“This year, in what is one of the biggest transformations in the brand’s storied history, Dodge is launching the all-new multi-energy Dodge Charger lineup: the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and the 670 horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack—the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.
“Four-door Charger Daytona models will launch in the first half of 2025, followed by the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. and the 420-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK S.O. fueled by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane engine that will launch in the second half of 2025.
“The Chrysler brand sells the Pacifica, which was the best-selling minivan in the United States in 2024.”
DodgeThe new Dodge Charger is proof that muscle car performance still exists, said Stellantis[/caption] DodgeDodge is making a valiant effort to maintain its muscle-car image in the increasingly SUV-centric American market[/caption] DodgeThe new Dodge Charger Daytona is the first all-electric vehicle from the Dodge brand[/caption] Read More Details
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