Back in 1977, when Chrysler first began development on their "magic wagon," little did they know that not only would they conjure up a whole new vehicle category (later called minivans), but also a whole new population category as well -- soccer moms.

Released in 1984, the Dodge Caravan is considered the first minivan, a family car which offered front wheel drive, easy access, elevated seats, and plenty of cargo space. It revolutionized the suburban driving experience forever, creating a much easier way to load and unload both kids and groceries.

Over its lifespan, it has gone through upgrades in engine size, redesign, and creature comforts (the original had only 2 cupholders, and today's offers up to 14!), but remains a safe and dependable choice. It is the top-selling minivan in the world, having sold 11 million by mid-2005 and is consistently voted one of the best cars by several automotive magazines. A sample from the original generation of Caravans, the 1986 Caravan, was recently acquired by the Smithsonian.