Dodge to stop making the Grand Caravan even though it's their best selling vehicle

Daily Mail ^ | 10/10/11 | Daily Mail Reporter

[stayathomemom]

When I first heard this news on the radio today I was so disappointed. However, print articles mentioned that the Chrysler Caravan would still be made. We have owned two Dodge/Chrysler minivans since '85 and leased our last two. We bought our first one before my youngest daughter was born. They were great vehicles for long trips to see grandparents, as a porta-potty fit nicely in the back. As my daughters grew, the minivans carted classmates on field trips, helped move things in and out of the girls' dorm, and facilitated moves to their first apartments when they started work after graduation. Now that we are empty nesters, my husband and I can throw our bicycles in the back if need be. The most important use now for me is that my mother's wheel chair fits easily in the back. As more and more people of my generation take on the care of their aging parents, they will need a vehicle that can handle a wheel chair. I've rented GM's HHR crossover when visiting my mother-in-law. It can handle a wheelchair too, but not with as much ease.

[JoeFromCA]

The Dodge Caravan (and Town and Country) are the only minivans with seats that fold down into the deck, making a cargo van out of a minivan. Dodge/Chrysler spent millions of dollars inventing a way to store the seats below the deck. You can practically live in one, especially if you’re a man and don’t really need an indoor bathroom.
I’m just glad the Town and Country will still be manufactured. I rent one every year for Burning Man in Nevada, they’re great!!

[sushiman]

In 1970 I was 18 . Bought a second hand Camaro SS 350 hardtop and she was my baby until 1973 when I made the huge mistake of selling her to my cousin and buying a new 1973 Z-28 ( special order 16 weeks wait ) . LEMON from day 1 . Nightmare . Never bought another “ new “ GM vehicle . Shoulda bought a Cuda or Challenger ! : )

[23 Everest]

if only it did.

[wetgundog]

Hyundai/Kia makes a pretty good van with non-union labor and 10 year warranty.

Good-bye old Dodge/Plymouth. This is the vehicle that saved Chrysler the first time. Built on a K-car platform.

FUBO and FUGovMotors

[Darnright]

>Fiat.........<

Fix It Again Tony!

My ‘70 Challenger will NEVER be a freakin’ Fiat. Never.

[newzjunkey]

Yes, Obama saved the U.S. automaker Chrysler by selling them to Italy’s Fiat.

[Outlaw Woman]

Awwww...that’s not a good memory at all!

I had a 1986 IROC...Z28. THAT was my baby. I had a love affair with that car. Waxed it 2 times a month. Covered it even in the garage! It was a beauty. Then....like you made a mistake of trading. Bought a 454 Chevy Pickup. It was ok; didn’t give me any problems but it wasn’t my baby.

*sigh*

[Verginius Rufus]

Maybe Chrysler should send someone to Russia and see if they can work out a deal to produce the Lada in the U.S.

[Cloverfarm]

About Russian cars ...

When we visited SIL and her family over there several years ago, our middle son was about 9 years old.

He finally said something about seeing that same car everywhere! Is it following us?

His uncle laughed and said no, there’s pretty much only one kind of car over here.

[bicyclerepair]

73 Plymouth Duster (that I used to drive) in my garage, waiting for re$toration. It runs, but needs a little body work. Interior is new. And has every factory option.

[MasterGunner01]

Chrysler-Fiat bought the Chevy Volt from Government Motors to replace the Dodge Grand Caravan and Avenger. Another example of crony capitalism brought to you by Commandante Zer0.

[CzarChasm]

it’s a piece of junk, good riddance

runs great for about 6 months, then...odd noises. that the mechanics can’t find. then more odd noises. then recall notices on various parts, 2 or 3 a year

traded it and a big wad of cash for a mercedes; happy now

[NoCmpromiz]

Shoulda bought a Cuda or Challenger !

In 1970 I was older than you. Hmmm... guess that means I still am.. Anyway, was looking at a Hemi Cuda then but the finances said no to a new car. Ended up with a used '64 GTO... Sure miss those old real muscle cars...

And now we have such great choices as the Dolt, er, Volt and other great 'cars' from Government Motors and some Italian company pretender.. I was never a Ford person, but if I am to buy and American car now, it would be a Ford since they didn't take any of my tax money as a political payoff...

Sigh.

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

FIAT = Fix It Again, Tony

[Wheelman81]

I own an 02 that I inherited from my Dad. I was skeptical at first, having been a small car guy. While a bit of a gas hog, is has been a reliable workhorse. The ride and handling are solid, particularly here in snowy upstate NY. I would another one when the time comes. I’d be sorry to see the model go, but maybe Corporate is more clever than we think. A second Obama term would likely mean $8/gal. gas. Who’ll be able to afford to drive a Grand Caravan?

[Newtoidaho]

Don’t forget, we’re talking about a company run by a government that thinks it’s a great idea to give $500 million to another company which makes solar panels for $6 and can only sell them for $3.

It would be hilarious if it weren’t so tragic.

[onona]

My first car. As soon as I got it, I ripped out the bench seats and put an old sofa in it. I can still see my dad shaking his head....

[hattend]

2013 will be the last year the Caravan is sold, despite the fact it is currently the best selling Dodge vehicle on the market.

Gee, why can't Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat make a profit? Was this a command from the White Hut?

[ZinGirl]

Best-selling model? Kill it.

reminds me of the brilliant marketing tactic used in the 80's when Coke came out with "New Coke".