1986 Dodge Caravan

In the late 1970s, Chrysler designed a small but spacious van that looked and handled like a station wagon. Introduced in late 1983, the Dodge Caravan was a major success. Strong sales helped Chrysler recover from its financial difficulties and upstage Japanese imports. Minivans were popular family vehicles; Fred and Maryann Knoche of suburban Detroit bought this one because their car was too small for family vacations. Short on style but long on utility, the Caravan and other minivans became identified with expanded work for homemakers. Maryann Knoche used this minivan to drive daughter Adrienne’s softball team to practice and games.