Chrysler Town and Country

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Chrysler Town and Country
2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country LWB LXi
ManufacturerChrysler Corporation (1990-1998)
DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007)
Chrysler LLC (2008-present)
Production1990-present
PredecessorChrysler Town & Country Wagon (nameplate)
Dodge Grand Caravan/Plymouth Grand Voyager top trim levels (as minivan)
ClassMinivan
RelatedVolkswagen Routan Chrysler Voyager (For short-wheelbase version)
ManualsService Manual
This article is about the minivan. To see the article about other cars named the Town and Country, see Chrysler Town and Country (pre-1990).

Chrysler has manufactured and marketed the Chrysler Town and Country minivan worldwide since its 1990 introduction. Other rebadged variants have included the now discontinued Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Voyager as well as the Dodge Caravan and Volkswagen Routan.

The Town and Country has evolved through five generations, variously in long wheelbase (LWB) and short wheelbase (SWB) versions — though currently only in LWB form. Anniversary editions have included the 1994 "10 Year Anniversary Edition" and the 2004 Platinum Series, marking the Chrysler twentieth year of minivan production.

Together with it's nameplate variants, the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, and Plymouth Voyager, the Chrysler minivans have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.[1]

Generation I (1990)

Generation I
File:1990 Chrysler Town & Country.jpg
Production1990
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body style(s)3-door minivan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformChrysler S platform
Engine(s)3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
3.3 L EGA V6
Transmission(s)4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase119.1 in (3025 mm)
Length191.4 in (4862 mm)
Width72 in (1829 mm)
Height64.8 in (1646 mm)
RelatedDodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager

The Town and Country was introduced in 1989 (as 1990 model) alongside the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan — featuring more amenities than either and built on a long wheelbase (LWB) version of the same Chrysler S platform. The 1990 Town & Country offered leather interior, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, an Infinity sound system, exterior woodgrain applique, seven-passenger seating and an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Engines

  • 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 141 hp (106 kW) (early production)
  • 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (112 kW)

Generation II (1991-1995)

Generation II
1992-95 Chrysler Town & Country
Production1991–1995
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body style(s)3-door minivan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler AS platform
Engine(s)3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission(s)4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase119.3 in (3030 mm)
Length192.8 in (4897 mm)
Width72 in (1829 mm)
Height64.8 in (1646 mm) (FWD)
65.9 in (1674 mm) (AWD)
Curb weight3,955 lb (1,794 kg)
RelatedChrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
1991-95 Chrysler Town & Country with woodgrain applique.

The 1991 through 1995 Town and Country used the Chrysler AS platform. This was the last Town and 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.

Innovations

  • "Quad Command" bucket seating (1991), made standard on the Town and Country (1992)
  • Integrated child safety seats (1992), improved design with recliners (1994)
  • Available anti-lock brakes (1991)
  • First driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991), made standard (1992), and first dual front airbags (1994)
  • First minivan to meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1994)

Engines

  • 1991–1993: 3.3 L EGA V6; 150 hp (112 kW)
  • 1994–1995: 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW)

Year-to-year changes

  • 1992: All-wheel drive and integrated child safety seats were both options and a driver's side airbag was standard on 1992 Town & Countries. On the exterior, the vinyl woodgrain sides could be deleted and replaced by a gold pinstripe along the beltline. Also gold lacy-spoke alloy wheels were available.
  • 1993: Several interior revisions, a stainless steel exhaust system, and new wheels were a few of the changes on 1993 Town & Countries.
  • 1994: All 1994 Town & Countries 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.

Generation III (1996-2000)

Generation III
1998-2000 Chrysler Town and Country LXi; LWB
Production1996–2000
AssemblySt. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body style(s)3-door minivan
4-door minivan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler NS platform
Engine(s)3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission(s)4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase113.3 in (2878 mm) (SWB)
119.3 in (3030 mm) (LWB)
Length186.4 in (4735 mm) (SWB)
199.7 in (5072 mm) (LWB)
Width76.8 in (1951 mm)
Height68.7 in (1745 mm)
Curb weight3,863 lb (1,752 kg)
3,951 lb (1,792 kg)
RelatedChrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager

File:96-97 Chrysler Town & Country.jpg The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform 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 and Country was offered in various trim levels. The LXi (and later Limited) included amenities such as pre-programed driver's seat and mirror, 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 LX model featured fewer amenities in a long wheelbase (LWB) form. The SX model featured similar content in a short wheelbase (SWB) form.

Base models of the Town and 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 and 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 and Country with only the passenger side sliding door (vs. both rear sliding doors) were only offered for 1996.

Car and Driver' included the Town and Country on their Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.

Engines

  • 1996–2000: 3.3 L EGA V6, 158 hp (118 kW) and 203 ft·lbf (275 N·m)
  • 1996–1997: 3.8 L EGH V6, 166 hp (124 kW)
  • 1998–2000: 3.8 L EGH V6, 180 hp (134 kW)

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 (10 kW) for a total of 180 hp (134 kW). 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.

Trim levels

  • LX • 1996-2000
  • LXi • 1996-2000
  • SX • 1997-1999
  • Limited • 1998-2000
  • Note: In Canada, only the long wheelbase version was offered. LX trim was standard.

Generation IV (2001-2007)

Generation IV
2005-2007 Chrysler Town & Country LX LWB
Also calledChrysler Voyager (Europe)
Production2001–2007
AssemblyWindsor, Ontario, Canada (LWB)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (SWB)
Yangmei, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Body style(s)4-door minivan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler RS platform
Engine(s)3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission(s)4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase113.3 in (2878 mm) (SWB)
119.3 in (3030 mm) (LWB)
Length189.3 in (4808 mm) (SWB)
200.5 in (5093 mm) (LWB)
200.6 in (5095 mm) (2001-04 LWB)
Width78.6 in (1996 mm)
Height68.8 in (1748 mm) (SWB)
68.9 in (1750 mm) (LWB)
Curb weight3,899 lb (1,769 kg)
4,239 lb (1,923 kg)
RelatedChrysler Voyager (USA, 2001-2003)
Dodge Caravan
2004 Chrysler Town & Country SWB

The 2001 minivans used the Chrysler RS platform. The Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager had been transferred to the Chrysler brand in mid-2000, and for 2001, the Chrysler Voyager was available as a short-wheelbase model only. Thereafter, from 2003 to 2007, Chrysler offered a short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country (except in Canada). 2004 SWB models had slightly different grille designs than other Town and Countries, sharing their design with the Voyager, a distinction that disappeared the next year.

In 2005, Chrysler introduced a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into underfloor compartments — marketed as Stow'n Go seating.

Engines

  • 2001-present: 3.3 L (3301 cc, 201.5 cu in) EGA V6, 175 hp (130 kW) at 5000 rpm and 205 ft·lbf (278 N·m) at 4000 rpm[2]
  • 2001-present: 3.8 L (3778 cc, 230.5 cu in) EGH V6, 197 hp (147 kW) at 5200 rpm and 230 ft·lbf (312 N·m) at 4000 rpm[2]

Some Town and Country models from 1998 to 2003 can use E85 fuel.

Trim levels

  • EX • 2001-2004
  • LX • 2001-2007 (*LXi • 2001-2003
  • Limited • 2001-2007
  • eL • 2002-2003
  • base • 2003-2007
  • Touring • 2004-2007
  • special Series:
    • Touring Platinum Series • 2004
    • Signature Series • 2005
    • Touring Signature Series • 2006-2007
    • Spring Special Edition • 2006-2007

Note: Neither LX nor Special Editions models were not marketed in Canada; only Touring and Limited trim levels were offered in Canada.

Generation V (2008-present)

Generation V
File:2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX.jpg
Production2008-present
AssemblyWindsor, Ontario, Canada
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body style(s)4-door minivan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformChrysler RT platform
Engine(s)3.3 L V6
3.8 L V6
4.0 L V6
Transmission(s)4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase121.2 in (3078 mm)
Length202.5 in (5144 mm)
Width76.9 in (1953 mm)
Height68.9 in (1750 mm)
RelatedChrysler Pacifica
Dodge Grand Caravan
Volkswagen Routan
DesignerRalph Gilles

Chrysler debuted the 2008 model year Town and Country at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show — eliminating the short wheelbase model. The minvans featured styling by Ralph Gilles, a six-speed automatic, a new 4.0 L V6 engine are 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.

Engines

  • 2001-present: 3.3 L (3301 cc, 201.5 cu in) EGA V6, 175 hp (130 kW) at 5000 rpm and 205 ft·lbf (278 N·m) at 4000 rpm[2]
  • 2001-present: 3.8 L (3778 cc, 230.5 cu in) EGH V6, 197 hp (147 kW) at 5200 rpm and 230 ft·lbf (312 N·m) at 4000 rpm[2]
  • 2008-present: 4.0 L (3952 cc, 241.2 cu in) SOHC, 24-value, SMPI V6, 251 hp (187 kW) at 6000 rpm and 259 ft·lbf (350 N·m) at 4100 rpm[2]

Trim levels

  • LX • 2008-present
  • Touring • 2008-present
  • Limited • 2008-present

Volkswagen Routan

Beginning with Generation V, Volkswagen began marketing the Routan, a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform minivan with revised styling and content, for the North 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.

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 V.

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, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on it's 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,[3] engineers used an erector set to initially help visualize the complex interaction of the design[4] 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 rear suspension.[4] 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 (340 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 L).[5][3]

The Stow 'n Go system received the Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.[6]

The Stow 'n Go system is not offered on the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.

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 not available with Stow 'n Go seating. The Swivel 'n Go system is offered on the Dodge Caravan, but not the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.

These Swivel 'n Go Seats are manufacted 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[citation needed]. 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.[citation needed]

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.

Minivan production

Chrysler Town & Country minivans with Stow 'n Go seats are built in Windsor, Ontario and Saint Louis Assembly.

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 still falls in as the secondary minivan plant.

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 engines are still available, and the trim is also different. From the outside the cars look exactly the same as the US Town & Country Model, but they are sold as Chrysler Grand Voyager cars.

The Town & Country is also marketed in Mexico and Venezuela.

2010 Electric Town and Country

In September 2008, Chrysler Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda unveiled a range-extended electric version of the Town and Country along with similarly engineered 4-door Jeep Wrangler and a purely electric sports car. The Town and Country would have a 40-mile (64 km) range before a gas starts and begins supplying additional electricity.[7]

External links

References