Plymouth Caravelle Overview: Generations, Specs, and Which Version to Buy
A guide to the Plymouth Caravelle coupe (1983–1988): its single generation, 97–146 hp engine range, and which of the four modifications makes the most sense to buy used.
The Plymouth Caravelle is a front-wheel-drive coupe built from 1983 to 1988, with engine outputs ranging from 97 to 146 hp. It suits buyers looking for a compact American coupe from the 1980s with a simple mechanical layout and a choice between manual and automatic transmissions.
Plymouth Caravelle generations
1 generation (1983–1988)
The first and only generation of the Plymouth Caravelle was produced from 1983 to 1988 exclusively as a coupe with front-wheel drive. Power outputs span from 97 hp to 146 hp across four modifications, and both automatic and manual gearboxes were offered. The top of the range is the 2.2-liter engine (2213 cc) rated at 146 hp, available with either transmission: the Plymouth Caravelle 2.2 MT (146 hp) pairs it with a manual gearbox, while the Plymouth Caravelle 2.2 AT (146 hp) uses an automatic. The 2.2 MT (146 hp) was the mass-market version of the lineup, so it is the variant most likely to turn up on the used market.
Which Plymouth Caravelle to buy
- 2.2 MT (146 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market version with the top output of 146 hp from its 2213 cc engine, combined with a manual gearbox — the most common choice and the strongest engine in one package.
- 2.2 AT (146 hp) (1 generation): the same 146 hp and 2213 cc displacement as the manual version, but with an automatic transmission for buyers who prefer two-pedal driving without giving up any power.
Since every Plymouth Caravelle belongs to a single generation built between 1983 and 1988, there are no cross-generation differences to weigh when buying used — the choice comes down to transmission type and engine output. With only four modifications and one body style, comparing candidate cars is straightforward: verify which engine and gearbox a specific example carries, and favor the 146 hp versions, since they sit at the top of the 97–146 hp range.
Which Plymouth Caravelle to avoid
The data shows no dominated version among the notable modifications: both highlighted variants share the same 146 hp output and 2213 cc engine, differing only in transmission. The lower end of the range starts at 97 hp, so within the same generation and body, a 97 hp car gives up 49 hp to the 2.2-liter versions with no other distinguishing figures in its favor — if maximum output matters, the 146 hp cars are the objectively stronger pick.