REUPLOAD - Here's why the Dodge Caravan was loved by so many - except me

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Please watch again so I can get this video back to over 100,000 views as it was before! Check out the discussion on my Community page at: / myoldcar .
This episode has been reuploaded due to a viewer who wanted a photo removed from the original video. Although I removed the photo in the original copy via KZbin's editor, he still would not retract the copyright claim. To avoid a copyright strike on my channel, I have had to delete the original copy and reupload a new version.
Watch Part 2: • Here’s how the third-g...
In this first part of a two-part episode, I provide the history of the first and second generation Dodge Caravan, which ran from 1984 to 1995, along with its corporate twin, the Plymouth Voyager. The Chrysler Town & Country joined them in 1989 as a more luxury-themed option. The front-wheel-drive Caravan and Voyager were a huge hit when they debuted in 1984, and created a new market segment, the minivan, a cross between a car and full-sized van. Ford and GM introduced competitors over the next couple years, but were rear-wheel-drive and truck based to bring them to market quicker, and could never reach the sales level of Chrysler. GM would later introduce their "dustbuster"-looking minivans in 1990, but they too could not compete, nor could Japanese models from Toyota, Mitsubishi, or Nissan. In a later episode I will review the third and later generation Chrysler minivans, which were a huge departure from the models they replaced starting in 1996.

[@robertrobert7924]

I am still driving my 2002 Dodge Caravan on 9/5/2022. It is 20.5 years old. I hope I die before it does. It has served me very well, and I consider it irreplaceable.

[@BoldBrandFlakes]

Sucks that the older version was taken down due to a BS copyright claim. I like your content and want to see you grow so I don’t mind watching the video again.

[@arthurmcaryanmcnuggetsblackone]

You meant, again and again 😅😅❤❤

[@Ojisan642]

The main thing I remember about the original Caravan from when I was a kid was the cramped footwell in the front passenger seat. IYKYK.

[@brettcannon74]

You don't have to like it, but you'd better sure as hell respect it

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

For 8 months in 1995 I worked at Minneapolis Auto Auction in Maple Grove Mn. I drove dozens of vehicles every day in the huge fenced in back lot which housed thousands of cars and trucks. One day my group was moving a group of cars and one old Dodge minivan wouldn’t start. Two of the older guys got the portable 2 wheel jump pack hooked up to the battery and had me jump in and turn the key. The van briefly lurched forward bumping into the battery jump pack as two of my coworkers jumped back out of the way. Understandably they both were mad at me as I was dumbfounded looking down to see a stick shift lever on a minivan. I had made the mistake of assuming that every single minivan made by Chrysler Corporation had an automatic transmission. I assumed wrong.

[@Brentastrophe]

The integrity of reuploading solely because a user wanted an image removed shows so much about you as a content creator. Keep it up man

[@314jeepsnmopars3]

I thought I was going crazy thinking I already seen this... lol

[@topper727]

I still own and drive a 1994 plymouth voyager with 257k miles.. Cheap parts to fix anything and possible to work on without taking to a dealer. I mean really cheap to fix.. .and runs great still!

[@scharfvehiclemedia]

Minivans rule! I don't care what others think, their practicality is unrivaled. As a kid, it was lame, but looking back it was amazing to have so much space and amenities. The ride is very comfortable too, with the long wheelbase options of most minivan models. Good video man!

[@adampollard513]

My first car was a 1986 Mercury Lynx, I bet not many of those are still on the road today!

[@earnestmatlock9694]

Hello, I used to have a 1993 Plymouth Voyager standard wheelbase. It had the Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 with 3 speed transmission and it still had the rear leaf springs. I literally drove the wheels off that thing. I lived in Michigan at the time and commuted between 6 shops where I worked. When I finally let it go it had 475 thousand miles and still didn't burn oil. The tranny was still stock original from the factory. This was the most reliable vehicle I had ever owned in my lifetime, I am now 65 years of age. It rode well, virtually no problems, I did change the water pump and timing belt about every 70k miles. I did replace the power steering pump, Because the housings rusted a small steering pump leak. Wish I could find another one.

[@patty109109]

That’s incredible 👍

[@kennethswain6313]

There many of us who enjoy your content and style. The Chrysler mini van was just what my family needed. We are glad you rose above the pettiness of detractors!

[@Henry_Jones]

I liked the voyager. I almost bought one. A coworker offered to sell me his so we took it to our mechanic friend to have it inspected. He put it on the lift and it was totally rotted in the middle underneath. The guy didnt even know. I didnt buy and he sold it to the junkyard. Thats why you always have a mechanic check out a used car before buying guys.

[@dirtpounder]

These things are worth welding patch panels into

[@jonathanLToronto]

I saw Dodge Caravans very often in the early 2000s in Canada. I would imagine this was very convenient vehicle for hockey moms and dads.

[@emacias1473]

Love how Canada has hockey mom's and down in the US we call them soccer mom's 🤭

[@jonathanLToronto]

@@emacias1473 truth is many hockey moms in Canada are also Soccer moms during the summer. They just cheer more when their kids are skating on ice.

[@joaoteixeira822]

Chrysler managed to make vans look fancy. 1st gen look like a bigger Jeep Cherokee for an Urban big family.

[@johnnymason2460]

The irony is that if Renault and AMC had stayed together through the 1990s, the Espace minivan could have been sold here at AMC/Jeep/Renault dealers(probably badged a Renault).

[@alfries9736]

I bought a 2004 Chrysler T&C. It was silver with a blue interior. 165,000 miles later I had to let it go due to rust. I waxed it yearly and kept it clean. I was sorry to see it go.

[@nathanjoseph4284]

My Old Car, your content is so good and you definitely deserve those views and subscribers. Even if I seen this before, I'll be happy to watch it again! :)

[@googleuser3760]

@Nathan Joseph I agree completely. I had to watch this one again!!

[@wscb01]

Yup watched it again

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

0:28 - THIS is progress folks: A wheezing, carbureted 1984 Chrysler minivan makes 24/37 MPG while a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica does 19/28 ..... jesus christ

[@IamNotashamed88]

We had a 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT and it was a rare gem. Put 240,000 miles on it with no major issues. Raised three kids in that beast and kinda hated to see it go. Sold it to a local coffee shop and they used it as their milk van. She had a few more years left in her.

[@ouch1011]

My parents inherited a 94 Plymouth Voyager with the 2.5L turd and the 3-spd automatic double-turd. It was an objectively awful vehicle, with so few gears and so little horsepower that full-throttle was required for almost any hill when loaded with people. However, it was so nice for us kids in the back and so easy for family road trips (aside from the lack of power) that my parents traded it for a new 01 Dodge Grand Caravan ES, which was an excellent vehicle for the time. They kept it for 10 years and sold it after after all the kids had grown up and moved out. I’m still a fan of minivans to this day, even though the ones that are available now are not great (in the US). It can be a family hauler one day, a cargo hauler the next, all while still being easy to park, easy to drive in tight city traffic, gets reasonably good fuel economy (much better than any SUV with the same capabilities). They also tend to be much more comfortable and have better driving dynamics than SUVs. It’s too bad that they developed so much of a bad reputation because they are better in almost every way than the crappy CUVs and “crossovers” that everybody wants now. Also, I’m 99% certain the 2nd gen minivans still had leaf springs in the back and I’m 100% certain the 3rd and 4th gens did. I’m pretty they only ditched the leaf springs during the 5th gen.

[@ChillkootMarkowee]

Yup I have a 96 Plymouth Voyager (3rd gen) still have leaf springs and solid rear axle! Absolutely love the design it's like a chuck wagon, great for handling heavier loads compared to coil springs and independent suspension.

[@jeffzekas]

What surprised me, is that these vehicles were infamous for blowing up Transmissions and general unreliability, yet people still bought them

[@TheLionAndTheLamb777]

Most people know absolutely nothing about vehicles and how they work. They purchase cars on solely cost, features, and appearance.

[@ericwhitehead6451]

The transmission problems started with the 4spd automatic. And a lot of the issues was the owners/garages using the wrong transmission fluid.

[@stansmith4054]

I still see these old Caravans on occasion. Usually they are blowing white smoke really bad, they are still running. Always a treat to see an 80's car on the road nowadays!

[@pokest225]

These were sold in Europe with a Turbo Diesel engine. A 4 cilinder 2.5 litre with 115hp made by italian manufacturer VM. With individual cilinder heads for each cilinder. Prone to cilinder head failures. Also fitted to Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee from that era.

[@toomanyuserids]

The long ones are great cause you can get 4x8s of plywood inside. The headlights on the third gen Caravans are among the worst I've ever experienced.

[@darkwingdork6195]

Re-watched as requested!👍 Sorry you had trouble with this one. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these, you make fantastic content, sir!

[@ImportDomestic2006]

Funny enough. One of those mini vans were featured in Malcolm in the middle. We even had one when I was in middle school. Eventually we upgraded to an Oldsmobile silhouette with the fully leather interior and air suspension.

[@itoohavedreams]

Stoked for Part 2, I was a baby rolling around in a 1996 Grand Caravan... and when I was finally old enough to drive it, I tested its performance thoroughly! Blew 2 transmissions...

[@TJ_918]

My sister used to beat on my parents GMC Safari… floor it and shove it into park. Idk why, she thought it was hilarious, lol.

[@smartymarty1965]

I don't care what anyone says, as a single person, I love minivans!! My father owned 3 before switching to Jeep: a 1990 Plymouth Grand Voyager, a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, and then a 2001 Grand Caravan. One of my sisters owned a 1991 Plymouth Grand Voyager and then a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager. One of my brothers owned a 2010 Grand Caravan and currently owns a 2018 Grand Caravan and I still have my 2012 Chrysler Town & Country!

[@kamest]

You absolutely nailed "Espace". 10/10

[@probochronicles3991]

I had a 93 Caravan, despite a transmission issue I liked it. I drove it out of state and in the snow, and it was good for both. I'm still campaigning for a video on the Isuzu Trooper....

[@shifty1927]

5:08 the government bailing out a billion dollar company..... thats rare🤣🤣🤣

[@jvtiii3909]

Here to rewatch and support this great channel!

[@kevinfox500]

Tye I drove it to prom commercial made me chuckle. Took a friend, and another couple to theirs in mom's 85 silver base model, A was the Only option it had, and the aftermarket tape deck I installed as a Christmas gift in 88, as it was the travel option. And there are western states with no reception, cell or radio, back before satellite radio. First wife and I owned it for a few years, then passed it along to her sister. The Upgrade, wife #2, owns a black 5th gen SXT as her daily. Loves the stow and go seating, as it's used more for cargo than people, and I'm in a wheelchair currently. Makes side door chair stowing easy. And yes. Drove something way cooler to the next prom. 1958 Plymouth Belvedere, red over white, 318, auto. Same friend's senior prom, and she helped restore it. She drove.

[@bobbob-lt9zh]

Thank you for the reupload!!! Everyone like and comment the vid to get him his exposure back.

[@ItalianCJM8232]

Great content as always!

[@JonBarraquio]

my family had an 85 with the bench front seats and the 2.6. didn't really know how rare the combination was. it would barely make it up hills fully loaded on family vacations but it would max out downhill at 160 kph. (that's as high as the odometer would read) we could clown car it at teenagers to get to places (we fit 12 in with a couple in the trunk and one sitting on the floor next to the second row bench). front bench seats are underrated. good times

[@akshonclip]

KZbin needs to revamp their copyright claims policy.

[@TheDanno210]

They did some weeks ago. And it got way, way worse, with no recourse for the content creator. There’s no one at KZbin to remediate the claims - it’s all automated.

[@drg5352]

I gave up on my channel due to constantly fighting BS claims. I had music companies copyright striking fucking silence.

[@themumblebrapper]

straight up

[@HollywoodHornet]

The best part about re-watching a re-upload is I can re-request a video on the Hyundai Tiburon.

[@travisstamp7428]

They made a turbo version, 4wd version, and a manual transmission version. I wish they made a combo of all 3!! Id slam it, put in 6 racing buckets, and put a huge roll cage in it!😂😂😂

[@thestrangechannelofjeff7426]

I'm watching it again. But I was also on a 3 day bender when it first came out . So I can't remember . But one of the best car channels on youtube

[@thezohan1960]

My first car in high school.. sometimes I didn't even need the key to start it.

[@dennisud]

My Dad had a 1st Gen (1988) While I had a 2nd Gen Plymouth Voyager (1991) and I NOW have A 2018 Grand Caravan GT!

[@christopherkraft1327]

This is a great video, I'm happy to see it again!!! The Dodge Caravan & Plymouth Voyager were a gamer changer for Chrysler!!! Thanks for sharing this informative video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@phantom0456]

My parents had two of these when I was a kid, the first was an 84 Caravan with the 2.2 and 5 speed manual that they bought new, and the second was an 85 with seating for 8, which was apparently a rarely ordered option. They were definitely rough by modern standards, but they’ll always be special to me as they remind me of my childhood. I’d still love to have either today, but the 84 was traded in for the 85 and the 85 was totaled in the late 90’s.

[@davidp2888]

Watching again (for the third time) and commenting again for the algorithm. You deserve the views.

[@MyFriendlyPup]

First view. Commenting again.

[@Dubya4321]

My fam had a red 92 with built in car seats and no tint. Like driving around in a fish bowl. A purple 94 Sport (captains chairs and a sunroof what whattt lol), a green 96 with the new dual sliding doors🤯, and a white 98 Sport with our first….CD player! Great memories!

[@michaelb.42112]

Minivans were the joke to young men like me, until I drove a Toyota Sienna with captain's seats. It is on the Camry chasis and I fell in love. I never bought one, but as a musician, it is perfect. Someday... It's funny how when these came out they were revolutionary, and now we take them for granted as always being. choice.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

My first vehicles was ‘94 Caravan.. worst transmission, speedometer broke, sliding door fell off track numerous times, AC leak on expansion valve, yet I drove this to 298K.. worn seals on tranny finally gave out..

[@patrickirish8110]

I absolutely loved the Caravan my parents owned back in the late 80s. As a teen, I could fit a bunch of my friends in and rip around. When we all went camping, it was a snap carrying the people and gear. And it was amazing when we went tubing as it could hold several tubes. Plus, I appreciated the increased height over the sedan we'd previously owned. Anyway, as always this was a great video. Cheers!

[@ricardokim544]

I saw this dodge mini vam in 1985 at L.A AUTO SHOW.

[@arthurmcaryanmcnuggetsblackone]

I wish I was born yet to see that

[@mastercylinder1939]

I love those Dust Buster vans. Especially the Pontiac.

[@Jwdude123]

Lee Iacocca was the man!

[@Gwmcmi02]

Back to support great content and a great content creator.

[@flipflopthong2]

The first minivans we saw in Australia were Mitsubishi Nimbus and Nissan Prairie c1983. Toyota Tarago (Space Cruiser then Previa in the UK) was a huge seller for almost 40 years. Chrysler Voyager gen3 was available for a short time c2000.

[@FWDSUXARSE]

I wouldn't mind having a first gen with a Turbo 4 cylinder.

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

_We're not just behind you in all this we're surrounding you with our support! We trust and believe that you have and will continue to do things on the up & up, so nevermind the mouths of the minority.Those of us who appreciate your hard work and cant get enough of your content will view, like and comment as many times as you have to pull and repost ANY and Every video. We got u!_ Love ya brother Keep em coming✌🏾

[@johnmorse8434]

Wow I had a 1984 caravan with the Mitsubishi engine, swapped the motor once and the transmission three times. But I really enjoyed that car thanks for posting this video.

[@karlavelo2482]

Once you’ve answered to the question « what’s the main purpose of a motorcar for most people » you can realize that minivans are the obvious choice. Young grown ups can carry their friends, bikes, surf boards, drumkits, etc. Older grown ups can carry their kids and all the junk that goes with them. Even older grown ups can enjoy the ease of getting in and out and a size that’s easy to park. BUT the car industry needs people to buy a lot of cars and to achieve that it has figured out very early that it would have to play on irrational pulsions : self indulgence, vanity, conformism, etc. That’s how the market is plagued with utterly stupid types of cars : saloons, coupes and recently SUVs and fancy pick up trucks.

[@bryn80524]

Loved the first and here to love the remake too! Let’s do this!

[@AmericanProspector1776]

Loved this. Just got a 2nd gen

[@shifty1927]

Years ago I bought my step mothers old 2002 town n country with the conversion/extendo roof. It had a 13inch crt type tv with a vcr in it lol. Limo style rope lights in the headliner and other "fancy" early 2000s tech. I loved it. Perfect reliable work vehicle. Used it when I first started building elevators. Carried all my tools and even loaded up 1000 lbs. of escalator stairs/plates in the back one time. Not to mention the sweet naps i would take on certain days lol. Damn I miss that van 😥

[@Offensively-normal]

If nothing else. This nonsense got me to watch 3 times. First when it came out, again this AM and now. Also down loaded both. I regret only having 1 thumbs up to give!

[@ambert.3792]

take my reupload watch time too! 😁 glad you got that photo out of there, lol.

[@jamesappling1212]

The Yuppie Shuttle!😂

[@CACressida]

Correction on the Toyota Van. It was produced until 1989 then replaced by the Previa for 1990. 1987 was the year it got rack and pinion steering, 4wd option and optional 2 speed transfercase, the big bore 4 and updated interior and exterior. Loved the 80s vans and their quirkiness.

[@rushnerd]

Loved your story about the Caravan. Fantastic episode as always.

[@WC_Beer_Reviews]

These will never get old!

[@fenchurchmarie5224]

the ubiquitous Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager... this vehicle defined my 80's childhood!

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

_CANT WAIT FOR PART_ ✌ Not cause I love the Chrysler vans but because your vids are entertaining AF !!

[@Beth9228]

My mother had a 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan in silver grey. My father put in a center console with cup holders for the middle seat. Even had a cooler in it for soda and sandwiches to put in. I even practiced in driving in it. It was a little bit longer to get comfortable in for me. I did wanted one in red a little bit shorter in length. It was a dream vehicle that I wanted in the late 80’s or early 90’s. The same as Ford Mustang and even Geo Tracker. I did get my 1st car in the late 90’s a 1998 Ford Contour SE in light denim blue.

[@AR-ed3xw]

Here to give you back the view stolen from ya, thanks for still bringing us content even though you're much more busy now!

[@johnnymason3265]

As I said before, a 1994-1995 Chrysler Town & Country minivan would be my choice for a family hauler. Dual airbags, antilock brakes, V6 engine. All standard. Works for me!

[@therackstar]

Love your videos!!

[@Johnnyynf]

I really think with current lust for 80's styled SUVs, a boxy dodge minivan similar to first gen with AWD option with modern touches would really have the chance to save Chrysler

[@bwtv147]

Chrysler decided the only problem with the Caravan was that it wasn't expensive enough. They solved that problem by discontinuing the Caravan and only selling the higher priced Grand Caravan. Then Chrysler decided the Grand Caravan wasn't expensive enough and replaced it with the higher priced Pacifica.

[@TJ_918]

I’m sorry you had to re-upload this but I’ll absolutely rewatch this even though I’ve seen it a few times already, lol.

[@horacio2603]

Looking forward to watch the second part as owner of a 2000 Chrysler Grand Caravan, one of the most useful and versatile cars I ever had.

[@blue_eyes_wander3901]

love your channel, thank you for the amazing content that you post! plz keep them coming and screw that dude that tried to mess up your first caravan post. You realize you’re doing something great and on the road to success when other people try to knock you down. chin up, your followers have your back 🙏😊

[@winterburden]

My mom had one, the transmission kept dying and she hated it.

[@TheLionAndTheLamb777]

Even driving it like it was made of egg shells, and changing the fluid and filter every 20K miles wouldn't save it from dying. The later ones are "better" but still problematic.

[@thomaslgrice]

Probably a 2nd gen with the electronic transmission. I had a 1994 Grand Caravan and rebuilt the transmission twice. When it started hunting gears again, I traded it in for a used 2002 Buick Century - one of the most enjoyable cars I've owned. Good power, great gas mileage, lots of interior space (cabin and trunk) and very comfortable for trips of 600 miles. Its Achilles Heel was oil seals, valve cover gaskets, iirc.

[@timathysills26]

Thanks!

[@DUNEATV]

I’m watching again to support the channel! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rdmineer1]

Excellent vehicle concept, beautifully executed. Efficient use of passenger space, adaptable to haul and access cargo. Seating was very comfortable for most and instrumentation was ergonomically sound. Great ride and handling. Plenty of room under the hood, everything was easily accessible. The electronically controlled 4-speed automatic of '89, rushed to be first to market, was the first major flaw.

[@Krakondack]

I remember the first gen Caravan (was actually a Voyager). Amazing what a view you got from even the middle row seat, and it handled so much better than the aqueous cars that came before. Maybe it wasn't executed the best, but the idea was spectacular for the time. I've come to love minivans precisely because so many obtuse slaves of fashion hate them, in spite of their practicality. As my many kids have grown, I had to get a beefier car, capable of carrying more weight, an SUV. But I kept my now 17 year old Honda Odyssey, because there's nothing better for light utility work, and yet it can carry people. Fading paint in certain spots just make me like it that much more - because I know people like you will never get it.

[@fadedjate7230]

It's strange really, now that minivans have fallen out of favor. People are starting to like them. Now people are complaining about how much they hate SUVs. Specifically the crossover SUVs.

[@landyachtfan79]

My uncle Don had a dark gray 1985 Caravan SE, & I just thought that was about the coolest vehicle in the world when I first saw it!!!!!! Since I had just flown for the first time with my parents going to Disney World in the summer of 1984, the map lights, key-in-ignition/seat belt warning chimes, & huge windows all around reminded me of being on that airplane all over again!!!!!

[@kyle1758]

Sorry about the silly reupload debacle. Giving another view and like on it because you deserve it, love your content.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Happy to watch this one again 👍

[@Craig-x2k]

I owned a 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan and it was the best vehicle that I ever owned the 3.3 took me and my wife everywhere we needed to go. But as fate would have it in 08 my van was taken from me thank to another driver's negligence. But seeing this video really did bring a tear to my eye. And trust me I never thought I would feel that way about one of them

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

My Dad had a 99 Caravan, drove the wheels off it and absolutely loved it!!

[@scottouimet2865]

I love them. I've had 4 90s Caravans. With with large competitive bass builds in them. Great and dependable.

[@juelzm149]

LOVE this channel!! We appreciate you and all you do. You can tell which creators have a true passion for what they do vs the ones that just are all about numbers and trying to make a buck. In the end your videos are better!! 👏🏾

[@biglakewheeler]

Thank you for the opportunity to like a video twice. Love the content

[@modifierle]

I had 91 and 93 dodge caravans. My 91 was a gross beige/brown with tan interior and I loved it because in high school it was my first vehicle that I could carry all my friends in. Years later in my mid 20s I had a 93 that was excellent for pizza deliveries and side gigs. I have the opposite reaction to you as I look back on them with fondness😅

[@Yestopeace365]

What a Fun journey through Minivan History! A wonderful useful no nonsense vehicle 👍

[@MillennialMeltdown]

This version is far superior than the original.

[@dawge30]

Glad to see the video re-uploaded. You make quality content, and quality content takes time.

[@Romiedahomie415]

Are you serious? You had to re-upload this because of a viewer threatened to file a copyright claim against u ppl r so miserable I’ll rewatch it again so you can get your views up I love your channel. Sorry that happened to you.

[@tylernail2146]

Yet again a great video great content thanks for all you do! Maybe more saab content…? I just recently got a 1959 saab 93b the first model they sold here but their second model as a company. 😉 the early 2 stroke Saabs were very popular here in New England and the Pacific Northwest also! And then the iconic saab 900 spg or 99 turbo the first car to mass produce a turbo modal back in the day.

[@thestuffz]

well glad I subscribed so I could see the re-upload! Anyone ever hear about the caravan's "Magic camper" tent addon. was a factory option apparently.

[@Keston_Peters]

I remember seeing these all over as a kid

[@WC_Beer_Reviews]

How about the Dodge Rampage, Plymouth Scamp, Subaru Brat, Ford Ranchero, Chevy Elcamino? Car-trucks!!!!!

[@tylernail2146]

I love the early Dustbuster vans more so than the other van options of the 1990s 😂

[@bolt5564]

Thank you for making these videos.