A Chrysler Minivan Timeline


 
1984 Initial Introduction of the Dodge Caravan & Plymouth Voyager on November 2, 1983 as 1984 models. 
1987 Introduction of the extended chasis minivans later to become known as the Grand models
2.2 SOHC I-4 engine (96 bhp, 119 lb-ft of torque)  dropped mid year and the 2.5 SOHC EFI I-4 engine (100 bhp, 
133 lb-ft of torque) becomes the standard drivetrain on all models
2.6 litre engine dropped  mid year and replaced with the all new MMC 3.0 Litre V6 engine.
Chrysler re-entered the European market in 1987 by exporting the the Plymouth Voyager and other models. The Voyager was sold in Europe under the Chrysler badge.
1988 Heavy-duty trailer towing package introduced
1989 2.5 L SOHC MPI turbocharged I-4 engine option introduced (150 bhp, 180 lb-ft of torque) 
Electronically controlled 4-speed overdrive automatic transaxle introduced 
1990 3.3 L OHV MPI V-6 engine introduced (150 bhp, 185 lb-ft of torque) 
Last Year for the 2.5 L SOHC MPI turbocharged I-4 engine
Chrysler Town & Country minivan model introduced.
Last Year for the Dodge Mini Ram model
1991 All-new exterior body panels, instrument panel & interior trim 
All-Wheel Drive Option Introduced
Optional driver-side airbag 
1992 Sequential Multi-port fuel injection added to 3.0 & 3.3 L V-6 engines 
Dual child safety seats introduced
Standard driver-side airbag 
1993 Non-CFC R-134a air conditioning refrigerant 
Chrysler celebrated the 10th anniversary of the minivan and in December sold the 4 millionth minivan -- a Dodge Grand Caravan.
1994 Remote Keyless Entry system introduced
3.8-liter, OHV, 12-valve, SMPI V-6 engine introduced
Standard passenger-side airbag
Redesigned Dashboard
AWD limited to Grand versions
1995 Electronically controlled four-speed overdrive automatic transaxle refined
Chrysler minivan sales reached 5 million
Last year for the 2.5 SOHC EFI I-4 engine
1996 Completely redesigned body, chassis & interior.
2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve SMPI four-cylinder engine introduced.
Second sliding door becomes available.  1st minivan manufacturer to offer this option.
Increased torque -- 3.3-liter V-6 engine (203 lb-ft).
Increased torque -- 3.8-liter V-6 engine (225 lb-ft).
Load-Leveling suspension.
Easy-Out Roller Seats(TM).
Chrysler achieved another industry first in 1996, when Motor Trend awarded the company minivans its "Car of the
   Year" honor, a first for minivans.
1997 Refined Transmission Control Software 
Enhanced Accident Response System ­ Power Locks Unlock, If So Equipped, & Interior Lights Turn On After A    Crash If Airbag Deploys 
Liftgate Flood Lamps, Front Reading/Courtesy Lamps & Cargo Area Power Outlet Made Standard 
LE models get optional traction control.
1998 Next-generation passenger air bag introduced
Rear seat-back mounted grocery hooks introduced
1999 AutoStick® Transaxle Standard on ES
Rear Floor Pan & Spare Tire Winch Redesigned To Increase Angle of Departure
Fifteenth anniversary of the Chrysler minivan
Chrysler Town & Country Limited Intoduced
Slightly restyled front ends
2000 Last year for the 3.0 litre V6 engine
2001 All-new exterior body panels, instrument panel & interior trim 
3.3 Litre Engine Upgraded - 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque
3.8 Litre Engine Upgraded
Power Sliding doors & Power Liftgate Introduced

Do you have a tidbit you would like to see added to the timeline?  Drop us an email at Chrycominivans@netscape.net with your suggestions.



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