Chrysler Town and Country
Encyclopedia
The first Chrysler Town & Country minivan was introduced in 1989 (as 1990 model) alongside the Plymouth Voyager
and Dodge Caravan
. Sharing the body of the long-wheelbase (LWB) Grand Voyager/Grand Caravan's Chrysler S platform, the Town & Country was externally distinguished by its chrome waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, standard woodgrain applique, grooved lower body cladding, and 15" white lace-spoke aluminum wheels. Additionally, 1990 Town & Country's were only available in two exterior colors: Black Clearcoat or Bright White Clearcoat.
As the Chrysler Corporation's most luxurious minivan, the Town & Country came standard with nearly every feature available on Plymouth and Dodge minivans in addition to some exclusive amenities of its own. This included unique gathered leather seating surfaces and door trim panels, front and rear air conditioning, power windows, power locks, an Infinity sound system
, seven-passenger seating, luggage rack, and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Ironically, the first generation Town & Country minivan was released for the final model year of production of the first-generation Chrysler minivans. The Town & Country, Voyager/Grand Voyager, and Caravan/Grand Caravan would all be redesigned for the 1991 model year. Total production was less than 10,000 units for 1990, making this model of the Town & Country as the most obscure of all the Chrysler minivans.
. This was the last Town & Country that was derived from the Chrysler K platform
. As with the previous generation, the Generation II Town & Country came fully equipped, with no actual trim levels but only additional options — and continuing exclusively in the long-wheelbase (LWB) format.
This generation Town & Country shared the Plymouth Voyager
's headlight and taillight clusters; the Dodge Caravan
had its own. The Town & Country was set apart on the exterior by its chrome (later body colored) waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, body colored side mirrors, ornate body side cladding, and unique alloy wheels. The interior of the Town & Country included standard leather seating surfaces, woodgrain dashboard and door trim, and digital instrument cluster.
and included several industry firsts, including a driver's-side sliding door and a seating management system marketed as Easy Out Roller Seats.
With Generation III, the Town & Country was able to cover a wider customer base through new designated trim levels. The premium LXi (and later Limited) included amenities such as pre-programed driver's seat and mirror, standard leather interior, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Infinity sound system
with cassette/CD player, and dual driver/passenger climate control to name a few. The entry-level LX model featured fewer amenities in a long-wheelbase (LWB) form. The SX model featured similar content in a short-wheelbase (SWB) form. Both LX and SX models were intended to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the upscale LE model of the Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager which had been discontinued. Generation III Town & Countries were the first to feature the historic Chrysler blue ribbon emblem (later incorporated into the winged emblem), which dates from the 1930's.
Base models of the Town & Country were offered in most states with the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 engine, except in California and several northeastern states, where the Mitsubishi V6 didn't meet emissions standards. In those locales, the 3.3 L engine was offered instead from 1997 through 2000. In Canada, Town & Country models came standard with the 3.8 L V6 and were offered only in long-wheelbase (LWB) versions.
In 1999, Chrysler presented a concept minivan, the Pacifica
using the Town & Country's body shell and bearing resemblance to the Town & Country and the LHS
.
Generation III examples of the Town & Country with only the passenger side sliding door (vs. both rear sliding doors) were only offered for 1996.
Car and Driver
included the Town & Country on their Ten Best list
for 1996 and 1997.
's 40 mph offset test. The structural performance and restraints were graded "Acceptable", but the foot injuries were very high.
In the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) crash tests, it received 4 stars for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact. In the side-impact test, it received five stars for the driver, and 3 stars for the rear occupant, and resulted in a fuel leak that could cause a fire hazard.
Despite bad results in the Euro NCAP crash tests, statistics from the real world indicate that this is not the whole picture. Folksam
is a Swedish insurance company that in May 2009 published a report on injuries and survivability of 172 car models. The 88-96 generation got a real world rating of "Average", and the 96-00 generation got a rating called "Safest" (at least 30% safer than the average car.)
nameplate, which had been transferred to the Chrysler brand in mid-2000 from the Plymouth brand. After 2003, however, the Voyager nameplate was dropped altogether, and short-wheelbase models once again joined the Town & Country lineup.
Trim levels for 2001 were carried over from the previous generation. This meant entry-level LX, mid-level LXi, and the range-topping Limited. By 2002, the value-packed eL and eX models had both been added. These models were both value-priced versions of the LX and LXi, respectably, with popular option packages. 2004 saw the addition of an un-named base short-wheelbase model.
The Town & Country was treated to a mid-cycle refresh that included revised exterior styling and a mildly restyled interior. Most notable, was the introduction of Stow'n Go, a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments. The addition of Stow'n Go resulted in redesigned 2nd and 3rd row seats, as well as the elimination of all-wheel drive. For the remainder of this generation, the Town & Country was available in the short-wheelbase base model, and long-wheelbase LX, Touring, and Limited models.
Some Town & Country models from 1998 to 2003 can use E85
fuel.
Thatcham's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) organisation tested the 4th generation European Grand Voyager for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries with the car achieving an 'Acceptable' rating overall.
, a six-speed automatic
, a new 4.0 L V6 engine as standard on the Limited model — and a system of second row seats that swiveled to face the third row — marketed as Swivel'n Go seating. Much like its competitors, the Toyota Sienna
and Honda Odyssey
, the Town & Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, but in a higher position.
A version of this vehicle is sold in several export markets (Australia/South Africa/ Middle East) as the Chrysler Grand Voyager . In Europe it is known as the Lancia
Grand Voyager from the 2011 model year and up. Before 2011 it was sold as a Chrysler. It is equipped with a 2.8L turbodiesel engine and 6-speed transmission as standard.
Production at the St. Louis plant ended in late 2008, but continues at Windsor Assembly
in Ontario, Canada.
All engines were replaced with the new Pentastar 3.6L V6, and the interior was dramatically restyled on both vans, with minor exterior changes to the Dodge and major exterior changes to the Chrysler.
Other changes included extra sound insulation, acoustic glass, new seats, softer touch surfaces, new LED ambient lighting and center console, new fog lights, and halogen projector headlamps with LED accents. The six speed automatic and 3.6 liter V6 engine were standard on all trim levels. The Town & Country reflected the Chrysler band's return to luxury cars, and is only available in upscale trim.
In the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash testing, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country achieved a five star (top safety) rating in several categories.
Both the 3.8 L and 4.0 L engines were paired with Chrysler's 62TE 6 speed automatic transmission with variable line pressure (VLP) technology (See Ultradrive#62TE). This transmission is standard with the new (2011 on) 3.6 litre V6 engine.
, a rebadged
variant of the Chrysler RT platform minivan with revised styling and content, for the Canadian, American and Mexican markets.
The Routan is manufactured at Windsor Assembly
alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008, and features neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems, but however, features the Easy Out Roller Seats.
.
When configured as two and three person benches (available through Generation IV), the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. Beginning in 2001, second and third row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration — bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third row three-person 50/50 split "bench" — with each section weighing under 50 lbs. The Easy-out system remained in use through Generation V — where certain models featured a two-person bench and the under-floor compartments from the Stow'n Go system.
The Volkswagen Routan
, a rebadged nameplate variant
of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on its second row seating.
In a development program costing $400 million, engineers used an erector set
to initially help visualize the complex interaction of the design and redesigned underfloor components to accommodate the system — including the spare tire well, fuel tank, exhaust system, parking brake cables, rear climate control lines, and the rear suspension. Even so, the new seating system precluded incorporation of an AWD system, effectively ending that option for the Chrysler minivans.
The system in turn creates a combined volume of 12 cubic feet (339.8 l) of under floor storage when second row seats are deployed. With both row folded, the vans have a flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of 160.7 cubic feet (4,550.5 l).
The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.
The Stow 'n Go system is not offered on the Volkswagen Routan
, a rebadged nameplate variant
of the Chrysler minivans.
It has been announced that the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system in the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will be improved, revised and renamed "Super Stow 'n Go" for the 2011 model year.
, but not the Volkswagen Routan
, a rebadged nameplate variant
of the Chrysler minivans.
These Swivel 'n Go Seats were manufactured by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. The tracks, risers and swivel mechanisms are assembled by Camslide, a division of Intier. The swivel mechanism was designed by and is produced by Toyo Seat USA Corp.
The system is noted for its high strength. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.
The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers to allow easy rotation.
The seat is not meant to be left in an unlocked position or swiveled with the occupant in it, although this will not damage swivel mechanism.
Swivel 'n Go is dropped from 2011 line of Chrysler and Dodge minivans due to lack of customer interests.
.
Two plants have had the task of building the Town & Country, with Saint Louis Assembly
building it from 1990 to 2001, and Windsor from 2001 to the present. As of May 2006, Windsor Assembly
will be the lead producer of the RT, but will not fully take over until 2009 when they phase out current production of the Pacifica (CS). Saint Louis Assembly
minivan plant was closed in October 2008 making Windsor the sole producer of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Taiwanese-market Town & Country minivans are assembled in Yangmei
, Taiwan
under license by the China Motor Corporation
, starting with the 2006 model year. They are similar to the North American model, with minor variations for the local market.
From 1991 to 2007 Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager
cars were assembled in Austria
and sold out in Europe and in many other global markets. Since 2008 the European-Version is also produced in Ontario, although diesel engine
s are still available, and the trim is also different. From the outside the cars look very similar to the North American Town & Country Model, but are sold as the Chrysler Grand Voyager.
The Town & Country is also marketed in Mexico
and Venezuela
.
and a purely electric sports car. The Town & Country would have a 40 miles (64.4 km) range before gas starts and begins supplying additional electricity.
However, in November 2009 Fiat SpA disbanded Chrysler's ENVI
electric car division and dropped these models from future product plans.
Plymouth Voyager
In 1984, the Voyager name was applied to Plymouth's variant of Chrysler's all new minivan. This Voyager used the Chrysler S platform, which was derived from the K-platform . In addition to using a derived platform, the Voyager shared many components with the K-cars, most notably the interior...
and Dodge Caravan
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and sold under its Dodge brand. Along with its nameplate variant, the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was introduced for the 1984 model year. In 1987, the Dodge Grand Caravan long-wheelbase model was introduced and sold...
. Sharing the body of the long-wheelbase (LWB) Grand Voyager/Grand Caravan's Chrysler S platform, the Town & Country was externally distinguished by its chrome waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, standard woodgrain applique, grooved lower body cladding, and 15" white lace-spoke aluminum wheels. Additionally, 1990 Town & Country's were only available in two exterior colors: Black Clearcoat or Bright White Clearcoat.
As the Chrysler Corporation's most luxurious minivan, the Town & Country came standard with nearly every feature available on Plymouth and Dodge minivans in addition to some exclusive amenities of its own. This included unique gathered leather seating surfaces and door trim panels, front and rear air conditioning, power windows, power locks, an Infinity sound system
Infinity (audio)
Infinity Systems is an American manufacturer of loudspeakers founded by Arnie Nudell, John Ulrick and Cary Christie in 1968. Since 1983, Infinity has been part of the Harman International Industries group....
, seven-passenger seating, luggage rack, and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Ironically, the first generation Town & Country minivan was released for the final model year of production of the first-generation Chrysler minivans. The Town & Country, Voyager/Grand Voyager, and Caravan/Grand Caravan would all be redesigned for the 1991 model year. Total production was less than 10,000 units for 1990, making this model of the Town & Country as the most obscure of all the Chrysler minivans.
Engines
- 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 142 hp, 173 lbft - 3.3 L EGA V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 150 hp, 180 lbft
Generation II (1990–1995)
The 1991 through 1995 Town & Country used the Chrysler AS platformChrysler S platform
The Chrysler S platform and its successors are automobile platforms upon which the minivans manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC are built. The minivan platform has evolved through five generations, from the original S platform forming the basis of the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler...
. This was the last Town & Country that was derived from the Chrysler K platform
Chrysler K platform
The Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
. As with the previous generation, the Generation II Town & Country came fully equipped, with no actual trim levels but only additional options — and continuing exclusively in the long-wheelbase (LWB) format.
This generation Town & Country shared the Plymouth Voyager
Plymouth Voyager
In 1984, the Voyager name was applied to Plymouth's variant of Chrysler's all new minivan. This Voyager used the Chrysler S platform, which was derived from the K-platform . In addition to using a derived platform, the Voyager shared many components with the K-cars, most notably the interior...
's headlight and taillight clusters; the Dodge Caravan
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and sold under its Dodge brand. Along with its nameplate variant, the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was introduced for the 1984 model year. In 1987, the Dodge Grand Caravan long-wheelbase model was introduced and sold...
had its own. The Town & Country was set apart on the exterior by its chrome (later body colored) waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, body colored side mirrors, ornate body side cladding, and unique alloy wheels. The interior of the Town & Country included standard leather seating surfaces, woodgrain dashboard and door trim, and digital instrument cluster.
Innovations
- "Quad Command" bucket seating (1990, MY1991), made standard on the Town & Country (1992)
- Integrated child safety seats (1991, MY1992), improved design with recliners (1993, MY1994)
- Available anti-lock brakes (1990, MY1991)
- First driver's side airbagAirbagAn Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
in a minivan (1991), made standard (1991, MY1992), and first dual front airbags (1993, MY1994) - First minivan to meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1993, MY1994)
Engines
- 1991–1993: 3.3 L EGA V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 150 hp, 180 lbft - 1994–1995: 3.8 L EGH V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 162 hp, 213 lbft
Year-to-year changes
- 1991: For its second model year as a minivan, the Chrysler Town & Country is completely redesigned with improved aerodynamics and less sharper corners.
- 1992: The Town & Country was available with all-wheel drive and integrated child safety seats. Now standard were a driver's side airbag and quad command bucket seating. On the exterior, the Town & Country was available with a vinyl woodgrain delete option. If buyers opted for this, the woodgrain siding was replaced by a gold pinstripe along the beltline. New gold web-design alloy wheels were available.
- 1993: There were several interior revisions. On the exterior, a stainless steel exhaust system and new available wheel designs greeted buyers for 1993.
- 1994: A redesigned dashboard and instrument panel was new for 1994. All 1994 Town & Country's were given a passenger's side airbag and knee bolsters. Side door guard beams were installed this year, so that they met 1998 federal side impact standards. Also made standard was a 3.8 L V6 engine.
- 1995: The fob for the standard remote keyless entry had to be pressed twice within five seconds to prevent accidental opening of the liftgate. 1995 would be the last model year for the K-basedChrysler K platformThe Chrysler Corporation's K-cars were compact-to-midsize cars designed to carry six adults on two bench seats and were aimed not only to replace Chrysler's nominally-compact F-body Aspen and Volaré, but also to compete with intermediates like the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fairmont...
Town & Country. A completely new cab-forward styled Town & Country would be introduced in late fall of 1995 as a 1996 model.
Generation III (1996–2000)
The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platformChrysler S platform
The Chrysler S platform and its successors are automobile platforms upon which the minivans manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC are built. The minivan platform has evolved through five generations, from the original S platform forming the basis of the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler...
and included several industry firsts, including a driver's-side sliding door and a seating management system marketed as Easy Out Roller Seats.
With Generation III, the Town & Country was able to cover a wider customer base through new designated trim levels. The premium LXi (and later Limited) included amenities such as pre-programed driver's seat and mirror, standard leather interior, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Infinity sound system
Infinity (audio)
Infinity Systems is an American manufacturer of loudspeakers founded by Arnie Nudell, John Ulrick and Cary Christie in 1968. Since 1983, Infinity has been part of the Harman International Industries group....
with cassette/CD player, and dual driver/passenger climate control to name a few. The entry-level LX model featured fewer amenities in a long-wheelbase (LWB) form. The SX model featured similar content in a short-wheelbase (SWB) form. Both LX and SX models were intended to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the upscale LE model of the Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager which had been discontinued. Generation III Town & Countries were the first to feature the historic Chrysler blue ribbon emblem (later incorporated into the winged emblem), which dates from the 1930's.
Base models of the Town & Country were offered in most states with the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 engine, except in California and several northeastern states, where the Mitsubishi V6 didn't meet emissions standards. In those locales, the 3.3 L engine was offered instead from 1997 through 2000. In Canada, Town & Country models came standard with the 3.8 L V6 and were offered only in long-wheelbase (LWB) versions.
In 1999, Chrysler presented a concept minivan, the Pacifica
Chrysler Pacifica (1999 concept vehicle)
The Chrysler Pacifica 1999 concept vehicle, not to be confused with the 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica crossover vehicle, was a concept luxury minivan built to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the minivan. The overall design of the Pacifica, was a cross between a minivan and a limousine, with the...
using the Town & Country's body shell and bearing resemblance to the Town & Country and the LHS
Chrysler LHS
The Chrysler LHS is a full-size, front wheel drive car based on the Chrysler LH platform.Having been praised throughout its production run as offering a blend of high-end features, along with solid performance, the LHS was marketed as a rival to other cars costing thousands more...
.
Generation III examples of the Town & Country with only the passenger side sliding door (vs. both rear sliding doors) were only offered for 1996.
Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
included the Town & Country on their Ten Best list
Car and Driver Ten Best
Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 1996 and 1997.
Engines
- 1996–2000: 3.3 L EGA V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 158 hp, 203 lbft - 1996–1997: 3.8 L EGH V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 166 hp, 227 lbft - 1998–2000: 3.8 L EGH V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 180 hp, 240 lbft
Year-to-year changes
- 1996: The re-designed Generation III Town & Country is introduced in two models: the entry-level LX and the loaded LXi.
- 1997: Permanent all-wheel drive arrived as an option for 1997 on long-wheelbase minivans, and all-wheel drive models got 4-wheel disc brakes. Front wheel drive minivans gained a new traction control system, which worked at low speeds to prevent wheel slippage. The rear driver's side sliding door was standard on all 1997 Town & Countrys. The lineup now included a short-wheelbase SX model and two long-wheelbase models: the LX and LXi. The 3.8 L engine was standard on the LXi and optional on the SX and LX.
- 1998: The front fascia was freshened. There was now an open grille and winged emblem. The new front fascia also featured a larger, more aggressive looking bumper with new headlights that offered better illumination. Also, the 3.8 L V6 gained 14 hp for a total of 180 hp. Another model, the top-of-the-line Limited, was also available for 1998. Among other features of the Limited, was a new 3rd row bench, that featured higher bucket-like backs on the left and right sides.
- 1999: The middle bench seat was dropped for 1999, and a child seat was now available in one of the two reclining middle-row buckets. Other additions included a small cargo net between the front seats and 16 in chrome alloy wheels on the Limited.
- 2000: The short-wheelbase SX was dropped for 2000, leaving only extended wheelbase models, along with new interior and exterior colors. All models seated seven and had sliding doors on both sides. A new Rear Seat Video entertainment system, with a VCR and 6.4 in display screen, was available as a dealer-installed option.
Crash test results
The 1996-2000 Dodge Grand Caravan (twin of the Town & Country) received a "Marginal" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
's 40 mph offset test. The structural performance and restraints were graded "Acceptable", but the foot injuries were very high.
In the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
(NHTSA) crash tests, it received 4 stars for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact. In the side-impact test, it received five stars for the driver, and 3 stars for the rear occupant, and resulted in a fuel leak that could cause a fire hazard.
Despite bad results in the Euro NCAP crash tests, statistics from the real world indicate that this is not the whole picture. Folksam
Folksam
Folksam is one of the largest insurance companies in Sweden. The company headquarters are located in Stockholm. Folksam consists of the two mutual insurance companies Folksam sak and Folksam liv...
is a Swedish insurance company that in May 2009 published a report on injuries and survivability of 172 car models. The 88-96 generation got a real world rating of "Average", and the 96-00 generation got a rating called "Safest" (at least 30% safer than the average car.)
Generation IV (2001–2007)
The Town & Country was completely redesigned for the 2001 model year. Fourth generation minivans used the Chrysler RS platform. The Town & Country was initially only available in long-wheelbase form. Chrysler's short-wheelbase minivan was instead sold under the VoyagerChrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager or Chrysler Grand Voyager is a minivan sold by the Chrysler division of American automobile manufacturer Chrysler Group LLC...
nameplate, which had been transferred to the Chrysler brand in mid-2000 from the Plymouth brand. After 2003, however, the Voyager nameplate was dropped altogether, and short-wheelbase models once again joined the Town & Country lineup.
Trim levels for 2001 were carried over from the previous generation. This meant entry-level LX, mid-level LXi, and the range-topping Limited. By 2002, the value-packed eL and eX models had both been added. These models were both value-priced versions of the LX and LXi, respectably, with popular option packages. 2004 saw the addition of an un-named base short-wheelbase model.
The Town & Country was treated to a mid-cycle refresh that included revised exterior styling and a mildly restyled interior. Most notable, was the introduction of Stow'n Go, a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments. The addition of Stow'n Go resulted in redesigned 2nd and 3rd row seats, as well as the elimination of all-wheel drive. For the remainder of this generation, the Town & Country was available in the short-wheelbase base model, and long-wheelbase LX, Touring, and Limited models.
Engines
| Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-2007 | 3.3 L EGA V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... |
175 hp at 5000 rpm Revolutions per minute Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis... |
205 ft·lbf Foot-pound force The foot-pound force, or simply foot-pound is a unit of work or energy in the Engineering and Gravitational Systems in United States customary and Imperial units of measure. It is the energy transferred on applying a force of 1 pound-force through a displacement of 1 foot... (278 N·m) at 4000 rpm |
| 2001-2007 | 3.8 L EGH V6 V6 engine A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... |
215 hp at 5200 rpm | 245 lbft at 4000 rpm |
Some Town & Country models from 1998 to 2003 can use E85
E85
E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
fuel.
Safety
The 4th generation Town & Country (Grand Voyager, as it is known in Europe) performed very poorly in the Euro NCAP car safety tests and achieved the following ratings:| Adult Occupant: | |
| Child Occupant: | |
| Pedestrian: |
Thatcham's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) organisation tested the 4th generation European Grand Voyager for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries with the car achieving an 'Acceptable' rating overall.
Security
The Grand Voyager was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:| Theft Of: | |
| Theft From: |
Generation V (2007–present)
Chrysler debuted the 2008 model year Town & Country in January 2007 at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show — eliminating the short-wheelbase model. The minivans featured styling by Ralph GillesRalph Gilles
Ralph V. Gilles, born on January 14, 1970 in New York City, is a Haitian-Can-American automobile designer.Gilles is currently the President and CEO of the SRT Brand and Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler Group LLC...
, a six-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, a new 4.0 L V6 engine as standard on the Limited model — and a system of second row seats that swiveled to face the third row — marketed as Swivel'n Go seating. Much like its competitors, the Toyota Sienna
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan currently manufactured by Toyota at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana, United States for the North American market. It replaced the first-generation Previa van in 1997 with a more conventional front wheel drive layout and shares a heavily...
and Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey (North America)
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1994.The Odyssey had originally been conceived and engineered in Japan, in the wake of country's economic crisis of the 1990s – which in turn imposed severe constraints on the vehicle's size and overall concept,...
, the Town & Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, but in a higher position.
A version of this vehicle is sold in several export markets (Australia/South Africa/ Middle East) as the Chrysler Grand Voyager . In Europe it is known as the Lancia
Lancia
Lancia Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia and which became part of the Fiat Group in 1969. The company has a long history of producing distinctive cars and also has a strong rally heritage. Some modern Lancias are seen as presenting a more...
Grand Voyager from the 2011 model year and up. Before 2011 it was sold as a Chrysler. It is equipped with a 2.8L turbodiesel engine and 6-speed transmission as standard.
Production at the St. Louis plant ended in late 2008, but continues at Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly is a Chrysler automobile factory in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The factory opened in 1928 and started minivan production in 1983. Windsor Assembly is also Windsor's largest employer with about 4,450 employees.-Overview:...
in Ontario, Canada.
2011 changes
Major changes were made in 2011 to both styling and functionality. The suspension was heavily retuned, the Town & Country received a larger front sway bar and new rear sway bar, increased rear roll center height, new spring rates, new steering gear, new front static camber setting, and lowered ride height.All engines were replaced with the new Pentastar 3.6L V6, and the interior was dramatically restyled on both vans, with minor exterior changes to the Dodge and major exterior changes to the Chrysler.
Other changes included extra sound insulation, acoustic glass, new seats, softer touch surfaces, new LED ambient lighting and center console, new fog lights, and halogen projector headlamps with LED accents. The six speed automatic and 3.6 liter V6 engine were standard on all trim levels. The Town & Country reflected the Chrysler band's return to luxury cars, and is only available in upscale trim.
In the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash testing, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country achieved a five star (top safety) rating in several categories.
| Frontal Impact - Driver and Passenger: | |
| Side Impact Driver: | |
| Side Impact Rear Passenger: | |
| Rollover 2WD: |
Engines
| Model | Displacement | Type | Valves | Power (HP Horsepower Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the... ) |
Torque (lb-ft Foot-pound force The foot-pound force, or simply foot-pound is a unit of work or energy in the Engineering and Gravitational Systems in United States customary and Imperial units of measure. It is the energy transferred on applying a force of 1 pound-force through a displacement of 1 foot... ) |
HP @ RPM |
Torque @ RPM |
Compression Ratio |
Transmission | Fuel economy (MPG) |
Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L V6 | style="text-align:center;"|3301 cc | OHV | 12 | 175 | 205 | 5,000 | 4,000 | 9.3:1 | 4-speed automatic | 17/24 | 2008–2010 |
| 3.6 L V6 | style="text-align:center;"|3600 cc | DOHC | 24 | 283 | 260 | 6,400 | 4,400 | 10.0:1 | 6-speed 62TE automatic | 17/25 | 2011- |
| 3.8 L V6 | style="text-align:center;"|3778 cc | OHV | 12 | 197 | 230 | 5,200 | 4,000 | 9.6:1 | 16/23 | 2008–2010 | |
| 4.0 L V6 | style="text-align:center;"|3952 cc | SOHC | 24 | 251 | 259 | 6,000 | 4,100 | 10.2:1 | 17/25 | 2008–2010 |
Both the 3.8 L and 4.0 L engines were paired with Chrysler's 62TE 6 speed automatic transmission with variable line pressure (VLP) technology (See Ultradrive#62TE). This transmission is standard with the new (2011 on) 3.6 litre V6 engine.
Total U.S. sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 138,151 |
| 2008 | 118,563 |
| 2009 | 84,558 |
| 2010 | 112,275 |
Environmental Impact
The 2.8 CRD 163 hp 6-speed automatic drive train was also tested by EcoTest and was given a rating of 45 out of 100 for environmental friendliness and star rating.Volkswagen Routan
Beginning with Generation V, Volkswagen began marketing the RoutanVolkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country....
, a rebadged
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
variant of the Chrysler RT platform minivan with revised styling and content, for the Canadian, American and Mexican markets.
The Routan is manufactured at Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly is a Chrysler automobile factory in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The factory opened in 1928 and started minivan production in 1983. Windsor Assembly is also Windsor's largest employer with about 4,450 employees.-Overview:...
alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008, and features neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems, but however, features the Easy Out Roller Seats.
Lancia Voyager
In 2011, the Chrysler Grand Voyager was rebadged as the Lancia Voyager in Europe, to strengthen the Chrysler/Lancia connection. It remains the Chrysler Grand Voyager in the UK. The Lancia has the same features as its Chrysler counterpart.2010 recall
On June 3, 2010 Chrysler recalled 284,831 MY 2008 and 2009 Town & Country vehicles due to an improperly routed wiring harness inside the sliding door. A similar recall also affected 15,902 MY 2010 Volkswagen Routan vehicles.Special Series Trims
- Touring Platinum Series – 2004–2007
- Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series – 2005–2010
- 25th Anniversary Edition – 2009–present
- Touring Signature Series – 2006–2007
- Spring Special Edition – 2006–2007
Seating innovation
Chrysler has regularly innovated new seating systems for their minivans, to enhance interior flexibility.Integrated child safety seats
In 1992 innovated a second row bench seat integrating two child booster seats. These seats have continued as an available option through Generation 5.
Easy-Out Roller Seats
In 1996, Chrysler introduced a system of seats to simplify installation, removal, and re-positioning— marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats. When installed, the seats are latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lift each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks have locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks release the floor latches single handedly without tools and raise the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks are permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions are aligned, fascillitating the longitiudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.When configured as two and three person benches (available through Generation IV), the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. Beginning in 2001, second and third row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration — bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third row three-person 50/50 split "bench" — with each section weighing under 50 lbs. The Easy-out system remained in use through Generation V — where certain models featured a two-person bench and the under-floor compartments from the Stow'n Go system.
The Volkswagen Routan
Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country....
, a rebadged nameplate variant
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on its second row seating.
Stow'n Go seating
In 2005, Chrysler introduced a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments — marketed as Stow 'n Go seating and exclusively available on long-wheelbase models.In a development program costing $400 million, engineers used an erector set
Erector Set
Erector Set is the trade name of a toy construction set that is popular in the United States.It consists of collections of small metal beams with regular holes for nuts, bolts, screws, and mechanical parts such as pulleys, gears, and small electric motors.The brand name is currently used for...
to initially help visualize the complex interaction of the design and redesigned underfloor components to accommodate the system — including the spare tire well, fuel tank, exhaust system, parking brake cables, rear climate control lines, and the rear suspension. Even so, the new seating system precluded incorporation of an AWD system, effectively ending that option for the Chrysler minivans.
The system in turn creates a combined volume of 12 cubic feet (339.8 l) of under floor storage when second row seats are deployed. With both row folded, the vans have a flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of 160.7 cubic feet (4,550.5 l).
The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.
The Stow 'n Go system is not offered on the Volkswagen Routan
Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country....
, a rebadged nameplate variant
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
of the Chrysler minivans.
It has been announced that the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system in the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will be improved, revised and renamed "Super Stow 'n Go" for the 2011 model year.
Swivel 'n Go
Chrysler introduced a seating system in 2008, marketed as Swivel'n Go. In the system, the two second row seats swivel to face the third row. A detachable table can be placed between the second and third row seats. Swivel'n Go is available with Stow 'n Go seating after 2008 models. The Swivel 'n Go system is offered on the Dodge CaravanDodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and sold under its Dodge brand. Along with its nameplate variant, the Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan was introduced for the 1984 model year. In 1987, the Dodge Grand Caravan long-wheelbase model was introduced and sold...
, but not the Volkswagen Routan
Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country....
, a rebadged nameplate variant
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
of the Chrysler minivans.
These Swivel 'n Go Seats were manufactured by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. The tracks, risers and swivel mechanisms are assembled by Camslide, a division of Intier. The swivel mechanism was designed by and is produced by Toyo Seat USA Corp.
The system is noted for its high strength. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.
The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers to allow easy rotation.
The seat is not meant to be left in an unlocked position or swiveled with the occupant in it, although this will not damage swivel mechanism.
Swivel 'n Go is dropped from 2011 line of Chrysler and Dodge minivans due to lack of customer interests.
Minivan production
Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans with Stow 'n Go & Swivel 'n Go seats are built in Windsor, OntarioWindsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
.
Two plants have had the task of building the Town & Country, with Saint Louis Assembly
Saint Louis Assembly
Saint Louis Assembly was a Chrysler automobile factory in Fenton, Missouri. The "South" plant opened in 1959, while the "North" portion opened in 1966. Saint Louis North was the home of minivan production from 1987 through 1995, when it was converted to build the Dodge Ram pickup truck...
building it from 1990 to 2001, and Windsor from 2001 to the present. As of May 2006, Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly
Windsor Assembly is a Chrysler automobile factory in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The factory opened in 1928 and started minivan production in 1983. Windsor Assembly is also Windsor's largest employer with about 4,450 employees.-Overview:...
will be the lead producer of the RT, but will not fully take over until 2009 when they phase out current production of the Pacifica (CS). Saint Louis Assembly
Saint Louis Assembly
Saint Louis Assembly was a Chrysler automobile factory in Fenton, Missouri. The "South" plant opened in 1959, while the "North" portion opened in 1966. Saint Louis North was the home of minivan production from 1987 through 1995, when it was converted to build the Dodge Ram pickup truck...
minivan plant was closed in October 2008 making Windsor the sole producer of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
Taiwanese-market Town & Country minivans are assembled in Yangmei
Yangmei, Taoyuan
Yangmei is a county-controlled city in southern Taoyuan County of Taiwan . The traditional residents are Hakka people. The former township was upgraded to a city after passing 150,000 in population.-Geography:...
, Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
under license by the China Motor Corporation
China Motor Corporation
China Motor Corporation is an automobile manufacturer based in Taipei, Taiwan. It was founded in June 1969, and signed a technology sharing contract with Mitsubishi Motors the following year. On December 12 1973 they opened their first manufacturing facility, in Yangmei...
, starting with the 2006 model year. They are similar to the North American model, with minor variations for the local market.
From 1991 to 2007 Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager
Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager or Chrysler Grand Voyager is a minivan sold by the Chrysler division of American automobile manufacturer Chrysler Group LLC...
cars were assembled in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
and sold out in Europe and in many other global markets. Since 2008 the European-Version is also produced in Ontario, although diesel engine
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
s are still available, and the trim is also different. From the outside the cars look very similar to the North American Town & Country Model, but are sold as the Chrysler Grand Voyager.
The Town & Country is also marketed in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
.
Electric Town & Country
In September 2008, Chrysler Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda unveiled a range-extended electric version of the Town & Country along with similarly engineered 4-door Jeep WranglerJeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a subcompact four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle and an off-road vehicle manufactured by American automaker Chrysler, under its Jeep marque – and now in its fourth generation. It is a successor to the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian...
and a purely electric sports car. The Town & Country would have a 40 miles (64.4 km) range before gas starts and begins supplying additional electricity.
However, in November 2009 Fiat SpA disbanded Chrysler's ENVI
Envi (automobile)
ENVI was a division of Chrysler Group LLC formed in 2007 to create electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies.- Birth and dissolution :...
electric car division and dropped these models from future product plans.
External links
- Chrysler.com - 2011 Town & Country homepage
- Chrysler.com - 2001 Town & Country homepage, through Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...