The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history.

[1] For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada;[2] prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri).

In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009.

Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.

Built on the B platform (later AB), the Dodge full-size vans entered production for the 1971 model year.

While at the expense of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), the resulting lower center of gravity improved handling versus competing products with full frames.

Though popular in the latter market, Chrysler Corporation would end production of that design as a consequence of its late 1970s financial difficulties.

In two size extremes to the market segment, Dodge was the first American manufacturer to popularize extended-length passenger vans, with the 1971 "Maxiwagon" introducing 15-passenger seating.

In line with the D-series pickup truck (which underwent a final redesign for 1972), the van was marketed with three payload series: ½-ton "100", ¾-ton "200", and 1-ton "300".

Only five inches longer than its A100/A108 predecessor,[3] moving the front axle forward allowed for a substantial increase in interior space.

[5] Along with its highly sloped hoodline and short front fenders, this generation of the B-series van is distinguished by several exterior design features.

For 1972, front disc brakes were added along with full chrome door handles (replacing black push buttons).

For 1979, Dodge completed the two-year transition to its second-generation B-series vans, with the front portion of the body undergoing a redesign.

Distinguished by new front sheetmetal (adopting a grille styled in line with the redesigned Dodge Ram pickup trucks), the body shell underwent structural enhancements to improve crash protection.

[3] In a branding change, the van line adopted the nomenclature of the Dodge Ram pickup trucks, becoming the B1500, B2500, and B3500.

The long-running 225 Slant-Six returned as the standard engine (later advertised in its 3.7 L metric displacement); in 1988, it was replaced by a 3.9 L LA V6 adopted from the Dodge Dakota.

Along with further reinforcement of the bodyshell,[3] the powertrain was relocated further forward in the chassis (though wheelbases remained carryover), requiring a longer hood and front fenders.

Coinciding with its relocation forward, the engine cover was reduced in size, increasing space both between the front seats and for both front-seat passengers.

The dashboard was redesigned, both to allow for the introduction of dual airbags and shared componentry with contemporary Chrysler vehicles.

[citation needed] This package was available from the 1976 model year until it was discontinued in the early 1980s.This was not an overly popular option from the factory, and Street Vans are somewhat rare.

Following the collapse of Chrysler Europe, the model line continued to be manufactured by Renault, which phased out the Dodge branding entirely after 1987.