In late 1983, Chrysler virtually redefined family transportation when it bet $700 million by introducing a front-drive minivan into a market that did not exist.
Now it's almost 1991 and time for an encore to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, which have generated more than 40 percent of Chrysler's profits and allowed it to dominate this now-booming market for seven years.No other automaker, not even GM or Ford, has been able to duplicate Chrysler's minivan success, which helped it flourish after near-bankruptcy in the early 1980s.
But ever-increasing competition, new financial pressures and Father Time have dictated the need for the first major makeover of these popular family haulers to bow this fall.
Knowing enough not to mess with success, Chrysler chose evolution over revolution. In other words, capitalize on the strengths of the first-generation minivans, but listen to any gripes owners may have.
After all, there now are more than 2 million Chrysler minivan owners and a good many of them may be ready for trade-in time.
Base prices are up as much as 12 percent from 1990, but Chrysler insists more features are standard, like an automatic transaxle and rear shoulder harnesses.
A driver-side air bag also will be added later in 1991, but that could mean a further price hike.
Prices start at $13,195 for the standard-wheelbase Caravan/Voya-ger with a 100hp 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic transaxle. At the top is an all-wheel-drive version, powered by a 150hp 3.3 liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic. New for 1991, it ranges from $17,220 to $21,285, depending on model.
What is expected to be among the most popular models was evaluated: a standard-wheelbase, front-drive Caravan SE with typical options, like air conditioning, stereo cassette, power windows, speed control and tilt steering wheel.
It had the 3.3 liter V6 engine, also new for 1991 and standard in all long-wheelbase versions. A 141hp 3.0 liter V6 is optional in the standard-wheelbase versions.
While prices are not final, the test model cost an estimated $17,800, below the $18,400 typical transaction price Chrysler expects for 1991.
The new Caravan/Voyager has subtle exterior changes that make it hard to believe the only sheet metal carried over from 1990 is the roof.
The most apparent changes are wraparound front lights and a new grille. The glass area is up by 15 percent. Its rear hatch is more rounded and has a center stop lamp in its window.
But overall changes are so slight that during a weeklong test on the car-smart streets of Detroit, few motorists engaged in any head twisting to get a better look.
That's because the major changes are within.
Although interior space on the new Caravan/Voyager is essentially unchanged, all have new dashboards, seats and controls that give these minivans a softer look and higher quality feel.
The light switches and stereo have been moved up for easier reach. The wiper controls are off the signal stalk, moved to the right side of the instrument panel. The hatch release button now is on the dashboard's center and the optional speed controls are on the steering wheel.
A pull-out cupholder has been added directly above a deep bin at the bottom of the dash. The new glovebox is shallow, but there is still a lockable, lighted bin under the front passenger seat. Cup holders and storage compartments abound.
There was little fault to be found with Chrysler's redesigned minivan after several hundred miles, including some time spent with an all-wheel-drive version.
But few owners will detect a big difference in ride and handling from earlier versions despite suspension refinements and efforts to reduce interior noise. That means Toyota's new rear-drive Previa minivan still feels better in overall ride and structural integrity.
The Caravan's foot-operated parking brake juts out too far and can catch one's leg on the way out. Some gauges still are blocked from driver view when the adjustable steering wheel is in its lowest position.
Drivers will, however, notice that the switches, levers and controls no longer feel cheap and thin.
Observed fuel economy for this 3,400-pound Caravan was 20.8 mpg, within EPA estimates of 18/23 mpg. Estimates for other models range from 17 mpg to 25 mpg, depending on driving.
The Caravan tested was an early sample, but fit and finish were very good, partly because of more one-piece interior moldings that minimize the chance of misaligned trim.
Access to owner-serviceable items like the oil filter is good, though do-it-yourselfers may find changing the spark plugs on the rearward side of the V6 engine difficult.