Fiat Chrysler Celebrates 35 Years of the Minivan
At this point in history, minivans have become an acquired taste. Just like fine scotch and the silkiest of smooth jazz, there are those who appreciate the minivan and those who don’t — likely due to some tragic flaw within their genetic makeup.
However, Fiat Chrysler still gets the minivan and, as a reminder to normal people everywhere that they also still sell them, has seen fit to release celebratory editions of the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand Caravan. Proud to issue a refresher that Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant gave the world its first modern minivan back in November of 1983, both of FCA’s family haulers receive special 35th Anniversary Edition models for 2019.
Granted, the math isn’t perfect. But you can’t waste time celebrating a segment that’s only slightly healthier than your average retirement home resident.
The 35th Anniversary edition adds some unique badging and all-black leather interior with “Cranberry Wine” contrast stitching. If you purchase the Pacifica Touring L, FCA will also include 18-inch wheels, a memory driver’s seat, and an overhead DVD player from the Mopar catalog.
Though you can always step up the trim line to get the Touring Plus’ dual-pane sunroof and memory driver’s seat, or hop into the Limited for a set of bigger wheels. Hybrid models receive smaller wheel options, but the special edition incorporates FCA’s Premium Audio Group — adding a baker’s dozen of Alpine speakers and Uconnect 4C with navigation and a 8.4-inch display.
However, those interested in the present-day classic that is the Dodge Grand Caravan will be pleased to learn it receives some unique upgrades of its own. Special 35th Anniversary Edition Models receive a gleaming chromed grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels in addition to the special badging and seats materials.
SE trims also receive “Stow ‘N Go” second-row bucket seats and a diver’s chair with power adjustments, while SXT Caravans bundle in the Driver Convenience Group package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel, second-row window shades) and adds navigation.
FCA’s blacked-out S Appearance package can be added to any 35th Anniversary Edition Pacifica or Pacifica Hybrid. However, the same cannot be said for the Grand Caravan, as it comes with that sparkly new grille.
Alright, so there really isn’t much going on here outside of the badging. However, depending on how these special editions are priced, you might be picking up equipment packages at a discount. These could also make for neat collectors cars for those uninterested in seeing a return on their initial investment. The 35th Anniversary Edition Pacifica and Grand Caravan are said to begin arriving in dealerships this summer, with pricing to come shortly beforehand.
[Images: FCA]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Where's the fake woodgrain? Pretty dull anniversary with no woodgrain. Cowards!
My family had one of these, Plymouth Voyager actually. I believe it was the most despised car my family had ever owned. I am guessing it had a base engine as I do recall my father saying it was a 4 cylinder. In any event, I think it was broken more often than running and was traded shortly after for an Chevy Astro.