Turbo Minivan Time Capsule: 1989 Dodge Caravan SE Turbo Hits Cars & Bids

A Rare Turbocharged Twist On Chrysler’s People Mover

Robert S. Miller September 23, 2025

The Dodge Caravan is best remembered as the family hauler that defined the American minivan craze, but every so often, Chrysler sprinkled in some unexpected performance. One of the quirkiest examples is now live on Cars & Bids: a 1989 Dodge Caravan SE Turbo, finished in Twilight Blue Pearl (FC8) with a matching blue interior.

A Van With Boost –

1989 Dodge Caravan SE Turbo. (Cars & Bids).

In the late 1980s, Chrysler offered its turbocharged 2.5-liter I4 engine in the Caravan, providing buyers with more power than the standard four-cylinders of the era. Rated at 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, this boosted motor sent power to the front wheels. While most vans left the factory with automatic transmissions, a handful could be paired with a manual transmission. This one ups the ante with a Getrag A520 5-speed swap, adding a much more engaging driving experience to what was already a sleeper minivan.

Doug DeMuro Spotlight –

Adding to the buzz, YouTuber and Cars & Bids founder Doug DeMuro recently reviewed this very van, highlighting its quirks, surprising performance credentials, and the rarity of seeing a turbocharged minivan with a manual transmission. His coverage only underscores how special and entertaining this Caravan is to enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Factory Charm Meets Aftermarket Flavor –

The SE trim came with family-friendly features like a sliding passenger-side rear door, pop-out windows, air conditioning, and a period-correct AM/FM/Cassette system. Inside, there’s cloth upholstery with faux wood trim—a very late-’80s touch. This van has also been fitted with an aftermarket blow-off valve, boost control switches, and a VDO boost gauge, reminding you that this isn’t just any old Caravan.

Known Flaws and Fresh Service –

As with any 36-year-old vehicle, it’s not perfect. The hood has some chips, the tires are dated 2017, and there’s some visible wear on the seats, along with corrosion underneath. But recent service should give bidders confidence: since February 2025, it has received fresh engine oil and filter, new brake pads and rotors, and even a new brake booster.

Rare Piece of Mopar History –

The turbo Caravan experiment didn’t last long, as Chrysler shifted to V6 power for most buyers. That makes survivors like this one all the more interesting. It’s part family cruiser, part turbo Mopar oddball, and part nostalgia machine.

Auction Details –

This van is being offered with no reserve on Cars & Bids, and the auction ends Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. EDT. It includes two keys, service records, and miscellaneous spare parts. For enthusiasts who love offbeat Mopar history—or those who want to row their own gears in a minivan—this 1989 Dodge Caravan SE Turbo is a chance to own something truly different.