Chrysler is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the minivan with special edition 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, Pacifica Hybrid and Dodge Grand Caravan. The 35th Anniversary Edition models will hit dealer lots this summer.
The minivan is quite possibly still the most economical and practical adventuremobile out there. What other vehicle is relatively inexpensive to maintain, gets good fuel economy and has a cavernous secure weatherproof cargo area?
Sure many of us look to used minivans to start our #vanlife journeys, but maybe a new minivan is a good idea as well. A factory warranty, modern luxuries, safety features and technology are all really nice to have on those long road trips to the next adventure destination. Not to mention the reliability of a new vehicle.
The Chrysler Minivan
The first Chrysler minivan rolled off the assembly line in late 1983, as a 1984 model vehicle. Chrysler reports that more than 14.6 million minivans have sold globally since 1983, with the company selling twice as many as any competitor and remaining the leader with 55% market share in 2018. It all started with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.
Chrysler also claims to be the first company to introduce the minivan. While that is debatable, you can’t argue with their popularity in the American market. The current Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand Caravan lineups continue to lead the segment. The current lineup represents the sixth generation of Chrysler minivan.
The Pacifica Hybrid is also the first and only hybrid minivan, according to Chrysler. It offers more than 80-MPG equivalent fuel economy. Road trips have never been so economical!
35th Anniversary Edition
Chrysler will offer special 35th Anniversary edition of the Pacifica, Pacifica Hybrid and Dodge Grand Caravan. They will all feature new badging, an all-black interior with Cranberry Wine accent stitching and other upgraded equipment.
The Chrysler Pacifica models get 35th Anniversary badging and Liquid Chrome Chrysler Wing badges with a Gloss Black insert on the front grille and rear tailgate. The all black leather extends across the seats, steering wheel, door trim, instrument panel bezels and door handles. To finish it off the 35th Anniversary logo is embroidered on the front floor mats.
The Dodge Grand Caravan, which Chrysler claims to be America’s best-selling minivan ever, gets 17-inch silver wheels, anniversary fender badges and a Bright grille. Besides the Cranberry Wine accent stitching on the seats, steering wheel and door trim the interior also features Piano Black console and IP accents and 35th anniversary logo embroidered front floor mats.
The Almighty Minivan
Minivans have been loosing some ground in the US market to SUV and crossover vehicles in the last decade. In much the rest of the world the minivan is still very popular however. It’s just hard to beat the versatility the minivan has on offer. For a good example of this, have a look at many of the concept vehicles manufactures are debuting. MANY have the form factor of the minivan, as the shape provides a ton of comfort, safety and room for technology and luxury features
