Honda Odyssey by Navigator84 - CC BY-SA 4.0 When the minivan came on the scene way back in 1983, it was an unequivocal success here in the United States. As soon as Dodge and (now defunct) Plymouth began to sell the Voyager and Grand Caravan, families found much to love in their roomy interiors, fair gas mileage, and various configurations. The 80s or 90s kids undoubtedly have fond memories of piling into minivans with all of their friends and heading to school or soccer practice.