The first-generation Dodge Caravan is a specimen of conundrums: it is significant, effectively creating an entirely new class of vehicles that today remain some manufacturers’ biggest sellers; it’s emblematic of the 80s, with its boxy styling, airy greenhouse and upright nose; and heck, Chrysler even turbocharged a few of them. But while it checks a lot of important boxes, do you want to drive one every day? Some folks do, as evidenced by the money spent to preserve this 1984 Caravan here on eBay with a $5,250 Buy-It-Now.
There’s only 61,000 miles on the clock and the seller just had the AC system serviced to the tune of $1,200. Everything works as it should, which is an astonishingly small list compared to today’s minivans that practically come standard with TVs in the headrests. The body is quite nice as well, as the Caravan has lived in plenty of climate-friendly places like Oregon and Phoenix. Glass is clear and crack-free.
I do wonder if the seller had any kids actually occupy the interior, as there’s no evidence of wear, tear, or food stains pushed into the seats. Those two rows of passenger space look supremely comfortable, though I am grateful today’s minivans have headrests. The door panels also present nicely, and the cabin will remain nice and quiet thanks to the new muffler and mid-pipes the seller recently installed. Only thing missing is the factory radio, which was stolen.
The Mitsubishi-built four-cylinder benefits from a significant stack of maintenance invoices due to the seller’s decision to replace the timing chain. He claims as part of the “While you’re in there” approach, his mechanic also addressed near everything else in proximity to the chain: oil pump, power steering pump, power steering hose, crankshaft seal, valve cover gasket, engine oil pan gasket, rebuilt carburetor – the list goes on. If you want a classic people-mover you can drive every day, look no further.
Finally, credit, where credit is due. Probably the most influential vehicle of our era. 1st year for the minivan, and it changed everything. It hasn’t achieved collectible status just yet, but if there was a model that would, it’s these 1st year ones. I had 2,( and a parts van) a kind of basic ’85 Plymouth 4cyl. turbo, and a fancier ’87 Dodge V6 with the nicest seats of any car I had. Without question, of the hundreds of vehicles I had, they were the absolute best. I used them for DD’s, had a package delivery job, taught my kids to drive, moved them several times, simple to repair( changed a timing belt, their only Achilles heel, in 3 hours on the V6 in a truck stop) Hundreds of thousands of miles on both. Somebody sure sunk a bunch of change in this one. I can’t see the shift quadrant, so I can’t see if it has the O/D trans, which was a much better unit than the 3 speed trans. If it is the 3 speed, and hasn’t been replaced, I’d almost plan on it. My Dodge with the O/D had over 200K on it. People drove the wheels off these things, so one like this is hard to find. I keep my eye out for a cheapie, just in case. I definitely buy another one for the right price( cheap)
Oh, one more small thing,,,it single-handedly saved Chrysler.
We sold these for over-sticker for at least 18 months after the first Caravans and Voyagers hit the dealerships. Hottest car there was and revitalized Chrysler.
This car was what, 8K new? It’s very basic but what an icon of the times.
Was the ’85 a conversion? Chrysler didn’t offer the turbo from the factory in the van until ’89. I had one myself. We had an intersection where it went from 2 lanes to one and invariably the person at the front of the line on the merging lane would attempt to holeshot the other driver in the front…
My kids LOVED it when we were in the front and someone pulled alongside expecting to easily get out in front of an old poky minivan. We didn’t always “win” but even then the kids loved mocking the other driver (typically a lowered Civic or similar) with “YOU ALMOST LOST TO A MINIVAN FULL OF KIDS”
That was 20+ years ago and they still talk about that van.
The Plymouth must have been an ’89 too, I forget over the years. All I know, is the “hair dryer” added 50 horse, got lousy mileage, and loved oil. It did have some steam for a 4 banger.
No overdrive til 1989, it was only used with the V-6, and what are you talking about? The 3 speed torqueflite is a much better transmission than the 4 speed OD. they had all kinds of problems with those when they came out. These early vans are fantastic. Small but roomy inside, great visibility, simple, reliable. And an endangered species today. Most were beat up and junked. Love the optional all vinyl interior!
Sorry to offend you, maybe the Dodge was an ’89. Who cares? I had great luck with the O/D trans, what YOU talkin’ about?
I had a 84 Voyager that my in laws bought new in 84. Honestly it was my everyday veichle for 2 years. One of the most useful veichles I ever owelned!
Had a 90 grand caravan, money pit but still got 160k out of it. every trip to the shop was hundreds. couldn’t keep front struts in it. Did I mention 3 transmissions. and when we got rid of it the 3rd trans was on the way. Swore off every buying another Mopar after the Caravan. My $.02 worth.
I remember when Chrysler was having a hard time finding a nice one for their museum when they first opened. Not too many good ones around now I bet.
Don’t know if it is still there, but one of the Smithsonians in DC had one of these on display several years ago. My aunt had a 1st gen with a manual!
Not a Dodge Grand Caravan, but rather the shorter Plymouth Voyager. You can sort of tell by the “PLYMOUTH” badge in the grille.
Very nice condition and has an all-vinyl upgraded interior, extra cost on the SE models in 1984.
We had the Dodge version, cloth seats, 2.6 Mitsu engine. We loved it & our daughter cried when we traded it for a ’93 Grand Caravan. In fairness, she was only 7 at the time. The Mitsu engine was much better than the Chrysler-VW 2.2 but it did have a problem with melting the intake manifold.
We kept the ’93 until we bought a loaded 2001 Town & Country in 2000. I still drive the T & C in the winter.
The Chrysler minivans are the standard of the industry in my opinion. They have their issues (transmissions, air conditioning, etc.) but 34 years of continuous ownership and I’m satisfied.
It’s unfortunate that they became stigmatized by their target market – young mothers – because they are far more practical than the so-called SUV’s that these young women seem to prefer. They’re certainly easier to get young children in and out of safely.
It’s a Landmark Car and this is a nice example.
The Minivan never came with a VW derived engine. That was the early Omni/Horizon.
The 2.2 was Chrysler’s own design first seen in the K Cars.
Otherwise couldn’t agree more. They are still the standard of the industry, though automotive press hacks like to claim the Odyssey is the standard bearer. Because…. Honda don’tchaknow.
IMO this is to blame for the way the American auto industry turn to churning out crap. Yet people would eat them up. Never got it and I guess I never will. Don’t care either. You can keep your……..
As the French say…
What??? You’re way off.
If this van isn’t smoking now, it will shortly.
That is why they are virtually worthless.
The transmissions are not all the strong either.
Nobody wants to dump so much money into a vehicle like this.
Chacun a son gout.
Have you ever left a positive comment about anything Miguel ?
Will the smoke come from the tailpipe or the harness ?
“Virtually worthless” is an excellent adjective ! Keep at it !
Of course I have.
If you were a dealer back when these were fairly new, you would know what I was talking about.
If you saw a Caravan in line at the auction, you can bet it was smoking out the tail pipe.
Go look at the prices of these Caravans. I can pick them up for $1000.00 all day long, but I wouldn’t because I won’t take the chance on the engine, or the transmission.
This is a site where you can leave your opinions,( Lord knows I’ve been chastised for mine) Miguel just happens to have a crummy opinion on just about every vehicle that comes along. I’ve learned, if I don’t have anything good to say, I keep my big mouth shut.
No I don’t Howard, just the crummy ones.
I will take my opinion after dealing with multiple examples of any type of car to a guy that had one and got lucky with it.
Miguel-
If there really are that many drive-able 1st-generation Caravans/Voyagers out there selling for $1,000, I have yet to see them.
Please tell me where they are. I want one.
I find the Chrysler vans of this vintage to be very interesting vehicles. In my opinion, they have very well – designed , good-looking sheet metal, despite the vehicle’s shortcomings in actual build quality (the same ones that plagued most American automobiles of this vintage… and arguably still in the present).
Admittedly, these quality issues are part of what makes what many have dubbed “the original minivan” so rare to see on the road today.
Cars like this are worthy of appreciation and preservation thanks to their good qualities and importance in automotive history.
And I think today’s car designers can still learn a lot from the first generation Caravan/Voyager. Such as the fact that a low – ish “belt-line” and large windows all around make for the best visibility (and better – looking cars, in general). I hate the ugly high rear ends present on most modern vehicles.
I was given one of these as a loaner in 1984 while Pontiac was replacing the engine in my new Fiero. I absolutely loved it.
Chrysler would not exist without the S-body platform. Copied the world over, Ford rejected Lee Iacocoa’s idea. He oversaw the Fox-body mustang release in 1979, then was ousted. Owned an ’88 Voager with a mitsu 3.0, three speed auto, then a 1994 3.3 4speed auto. Added an auxillary trans cooler for towing our boat/camper. Worked as a bank courier in the 94. Got over 320K. Yes, it was the trans that made me let it go. Liked everything about it.
I defer… Miguel knows best ! lol .
The “smokers” had the 3.0 Mitsubishi V-6. The Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 motors could rack up Space Shuttle odometer readings UNLESS they had the early 90’s “Ultradrive” 4 spd auto trans, or rusted away. Sadly, here in WI that was not uncommon. These are historically important vehicles, and hard to find in decent shape. Most lived very hard lives. A minty T-van would grab my attention at a car show if it were parked between a tri-5 Chevy and a ‘Cuda!
As much as I knock on econoboxes minivans are awesome. They aren’t cool, but they can do anything. Ex wife and I put 240k on a 2000 Voyager with no issues til the end.
Without going into psychology here, it always baffles me, how some folks have the best luck with a vehicle, and others can’t say a good word about it .I can see some cars may be better than others, but to put down the Chrysler mini van, probably the most influential vehicle of the baby boomers time,,,well, I can’t finish that without saying something derogatory about them.( I guess I just did anyway) Over 12 MILLION Chrysler mini vans have been produced. What part of that don’t you understand?
What is it that you don’t understand that Chrysler products don’t have a resale value, at least the ’90s vehicles, because people are afraid of the transmissions.
How much does a 1998 Dodge Stratus sell for?
If somebody got 300K out of one of these vehicles that is great, but that doesn’t preclude my experience with them buying and selling them when they were fairly new.
I would also think people remember them fondly and don’t want to admit they actually did work on them to get them to go the 300K.
I guess I look at a vehicle in different ways, not so much for their resale, which, by what comes through here, doesn’t make a lick of sense anyway, but more the historical value, and the fact that 12 million minivans were sold. It makes it the most popular family mover in history. One just can’t argue with that. Remember, if Chrysler had failed,( and it would have without this vehicle) it would have sent catastrophic shock waves throughout the country. Mexico too. In my many years of automotive involvement, I’ve found, how someone treats a vehicle, whether intentionally or not, makes a big difference on what they get out of it. The neglected minivans I dealt with, it’s amazing they ran at all. Most people that drove minivans, only opened the hood to add windshield washer, they knew nothing how to maintain it. You are correct, people forget the bad, and if someone claims 300K with no work, I’m skeptical, as well. Like I say, my Dodge V6 had over 250g’s on it, and I did replace the timing belt and head gaskets, but had no transmission issues, because I babied it. I’ve seen pissed off people and how they drive( my ex-wife, for one) and she took it out on my cars when she was mad at me, and that kills a car, no matter what it is.
I had an ’89 Dodge Caravan SE turbo as my DD from 1994 through 2002(bought from the widow of my next door neighbor, the original owner). It was a great vehicle; very reliable and surprisingly quick.
Only had a 3sp auto but it never had any issues at all. I believe it was the first 4sp auto trans, Ultradrive, that was the tranny that was junk; it came out for ’89 I think, in the V6 vans I think.
After I picked up a ’99 Grand Cherokee Limited V8 Quadradrive in 2002 I sold the Caravan to a friend who beat the crap out of it and junked it within a year or so. I wish I had never sold it to him and still had it today as a spare car.
BTW the author should pay closer attention to what is being sold before just reprinting seller claims. The subject vehicle is not a 1984 Dodge Grand Caravan but rather a 1984 Plymouth Voyager SE. My Dad actually ordered a brand new 1987 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE when the extended length Grands first came out for 1987 from Potamkin C/P in Springfield, PA. The order got kicked back because he had specified the two-tone silver/gray combo and apparently the paint computers weren’t set up yet to do two-tone on the extended vans. He re-ordered it in silver, but the dealer neglected to copy the order exactly and forgot to check off the woodgrain delete option. When it showed up with the ugly faux wood slathered on the sides, my Dad refused the car and told them to reorder. The dealer manager made excuses for their error, saying they all came that way, to which Dad didn’t take kindly as they damn well knew about the delete option. By this time it was Summer 1987 and these vans were flying off the lots. The dealer refused to reorder and honor the price(Dad was a professional contract negotiator) and suggested Dad buy elsewhere. Dad never did buy one of those vans.
Town n Country, two Montanas,
Sienna ( built in Indiana) back to a 2012 Town n Cointry, put 110k mikes on, awesome vehicle, kids gone, Mini van sons, got a SRT8 Challenger, so on moving Day.,, I bring doughnuts n beer.., sorry Kids!
Not a Dodge. Not a Grand Caravan. It’s a Plymouth Voyager. The Grand in whatever make; Dodge, Plymouth, or Chrysler; were on the LWB, not this length.
My 98 Grand Caravan lost its third transmission at 160K. I have 200K on my Chevy Uplander with only minor maintenance.
I have owned several caravans and voyagers and still drive a 04 with 187000 miles on it. They were the car that saved Chrysler along with the K car and are good vehicles. The 3.0 had valve guide problems, smoked but ran forever. I had one 3.0 that developed a water leak under the plantium, a small metal tube got a pinhole while driving on Florida turnpike and didn’t have water but we had two cases of Budweiser and filled up with that. It got us home but smelled like a brewery out the exhaust.
I want an 84 bad, but the salvage title is a deal killer.
I picked up a used 90 Voyager from one of those sketchy car lots after my car got totalled in an accident. It burned some oil after a while. But I used it as a work horse. Hauled nearly a full lift of hardwood flooring in it one time.
When I moved on- I gave it to my sister (who didn’t know anything about checking oil or anything) and it finally died on her well into the 300k’s. The mechanic jokingly (maybe?) told her the pistons were so worn out they were slapping around inside the cylinders… either way, we got our money out of it.
This van and the K-car together saved Chrysler (and our home). The early 80’s were hard times in Windsor. My dad was a factory employee during those times with 4 kids to feed. These vehicles turned Chrysler around and for that I am grateful.
Regardless of how reliable a 34 year old vehicle may or may not be…the fact alone that these vans brought so many families together for adventure, should earn them a place in automotive history. I like the simpler time and slower pace that it represents….no built in screens or WiFi.
Almost every one of these in the Northeast (or wherever they were driven in salt) lost that chrome trim plate above the rear license plate to rust.
My folks bought a nee 84 Chrysler e class and while it had very poor quality, id love to find one. I dont buy these vintahe vehicles for reliability or resale value, but rather for their uniqueness, warts and all that were emblematic of the times.
i HAD 5 OF THESE CHRYLER PRODUCT MINI VANS FROM 2 SHORT W.BASE VANS TO 3 113 INCH GRAND VANS IN AROUND A 15 YEAR PERIOD. I STILL HAVE A 1992 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER GRAND VAN WITH ALMOST EVERY OPTION AVAILABLE. POWER EVERYTHING, WINDOWS, REAR VENTS CASSETTE PLAYER 6 SPEAKER STEREO , POWER BRAKES AND STEERING, HEADS UP CONSOLE WITH COMPASS AND TEMPERATURE, TRIP MILEAGE ETC. IT EVEN HAD THE SIMULATED WOOD GRAIN SIDING ANDTHE CHRYSLER TYPE WIRE WHEEL HUBCAPS. 3.3 ENGINE WITH ONLY 125,000 MILES. COLD AIR CONDITIONING. VERY MINIMAL RUST IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL WELLS. IT IS MY SECOND VEHICAL ASIDE OF MY KIA SEDONA AND I STILL LOVE TO GET INTO IT AND DRIVE IT AND STILL PEOPLE COME UP TO ME IN PARKING LOTS AND GIVE NICE COMMENTS ON IT. CURRENTLY FOR SALE AFTER HAVING IT 9 YEARS AS I,M RETIRED A COUPLE YEARS AND DON,T NEED 2 VANS AND A MOTORCYCLE. LOL
why are you yelling???
The owners of the company i worked for had an 84 with the faux wood grain, 2.6 and automatic.
Used it for hauling bundled magazines to their stores and I used it to pick up novelties from far flung warehouses.
No power at all on hills, but a great ride.
Older bro had one and beat it to death, he of the check engine light, no prob school of auto maintenance. We took a short trip to a concert in Salt Lake and discovered there was no coolant in the radiator. Who knows how long that had been going on.
I got to drive that one as well. Identical in color to the one listed. Hauled my nephew and niece to the grocery store. A blast to drive it and like the other one in my life: no power at all.
But then, I’m a slow lane guy anyway, so no big deal.
Such a nice package. Too bad they’ve all lost the plot: 4000+ pounds, wider, two feet longer. Like rolling condos rather than efficient, functional and compact sized. No wonder they were used and abused and finally used up.
Dad bought an 87 Plymouth Voyager SE back in 1987. First couple years we had it, it went through 4 engines under warranty. We had a loaner GC (Grand Caravan) most of that time. After the 4th engine, the Plymouth was good for about 6-7 years until dad traded it for an IROC (mid-life crisis).
I can say that if you look hard enough, you will find some of these around still in good shape for a good price. Even the rare turbo editions. Here are a couple:
Here’s an 89 Plymouth Voyager turbo for only $1900:
https://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/d/1989-plymouth-voyager-turbo/6677982056.html
Here’s probably the nicest Chrysler T&C that I’ve seen in ages for only $2650
https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/estate-sale-1992-chrysler/6699304544.html