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Are Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan the same?

The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan are closely related minivan models, but they are not exactly the same. Both vehicles were produced by Chrysler Corporation (now Stellantis) and shared many design and engineering components, but they had some distinct differences over the years.


Shared Origins and Similarities


The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan were introduced in 1983 as Chrysler's first minivan models. They were designed to provide a more practical and family-friendly alternative to traditional station wagons. The Voyager and Caravan shared the same platform, engines, and many other mechanical and interior components.


Key Differences


While the Voyager and Caravan were very similar, there were a few key differences between the two models over the years:



  • Branding and Styling: The Voyager had a more conservative, family-oriented styling, while the Caravan had a slightly sportier and more masculine appearance.

  • Trim Levels: The Caravan typically offered a wider range of trim levels and optional features compared to the Voyager.

  • Marketing and Positioning: The Caravan was often marketed as the more premium and upscale model, while the Voyager was positioned as the more affordable and practical option.


Despite these differences, the Voyager and Caravan remained closely related and shared the same fundamental design and engineering throughout their production runs.


Conclusion


In summary, the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan were not exactly the same, but they were very closely related minivan models produced by Chrysler. They shared a common platform, engines, and many other components, but had some distinct differences in branding, styling, trim levels, and marketing positioning over the years.

What was the Plymouth minivan called?


On November 2, 1983, the first Chrysler minivan, a Plymouth Voyager, rolled off the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario.



Are Plymouth and Dodge the same?


No, Plymouth was a separate brand, but it was owned by the same parent company, Chrysler Corporation, as Dodge. While they were distinct brands, they often shared platforms and components, with Plymouth positioned as a more budget-friendly option and Dodge as a more performance-oriented one. The Plymouth brand was discontinued in 2001. 

  • Relationship: Plymouth and Dodge were both brands under the Chrysler Corporation umbrella, similar to how Ford and Mercury were related, or Chevrolet and Cadillac. 
  • Market positioning: Plymouth was generally the entry-level, budget-friendly brand, while Dodge was positioned as the more performance and style-focused brand. 
  • Shared components: Due to being sister brands, many vehicles shared the same platforms and parts. This sometimes led to models being very similar, but with different badging and trim levels. 
  • Discontinuation: The Plymouth brand was discontinued in 2001. Vehicles that were still in production were either discontinued or became Dodge or Chrysler models. 



What is the Plymouth version of the Dodge Caravan?


Voyager
For 1984, the Voyager was reintroduced as a minivan, becoming a divisional counterpart of the Dodge Caravan.



What car replaced the Dodge Caravan?


The Dodge Grand Caravan was replaced by the Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Grand Caravan in 2020, which are both based on the platform of the Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler Voyager is sold in the US as a budget-friendly fleet and commercial-focused model, while the Chrysler Grand Caravan is sold in Canada as a similar entry-level option. The more modern Chrysler Pacifica is still available as a premium minivan.
 
Model breakdown

  • Chrysler Pacifica: Introduced in 2017, the Pacifica was the initial modern replacement for both the Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country. It continues to be sold as the higher-end minivan in Chrysler's lineup. 
  • Chrysler Voyager: This was the model introduced to replace the Dodge Grand Caravan in the US for the 2020 model year, primarily for fleet and commercial sales. 
  • Chrysler Grand Caravan: The nameplate was revived for the Canadian market in 2020. It is essentially a rebadged Chrysler Voyager and serves as the new entry-level model in Canada. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.