Minivan Milestone: The Iconic American Auto Turns 40
It was the little van that could.
Forty years ago, the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan introduced Americans to the minivan and kicked off a craze.
The small, “garagable” vans became an instant hit that soon spawned imitations from other automakers.
The first vehicles rolled off the assembly line on November 1, 1983 as 1984 models promoted by a very 1980s ad campaign featuring magician Doug Henning.
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They dominated the family car segment for a decade until SUVs started taking over in the mid-1990s.
The larger Grand Voyager and Grand Caravan joined the lineup a few years later and were followed by the more luxurious Chrysler Town and Country in 1990.
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Today the Chrysler Pacifica carries the flag for Stellantis and production of the 2024 model is underway, adding to the more than 15 million that have been sold. It is available with the choice of a conventional V6 or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
“For 40 years, Stellantis minivans have been along for the ride helping families and road-trippers create a lifetime of unforgettable moments,†said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO.
“Many of today’s consumers first experienced the road in a Chrysler minivan, and we’re proud that four decades later, a new generation is making their own memories in a Chrysler Pacifica or Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid. As the Chrysler brand moves forward to an all-electric portfolio in 2028, the minivan will continue to play an important role in our vehicle lineup.â€
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The Pacifica is the last minivan still offered by an American brand and was the best-seller in 2022, followed by the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival.
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