2005, 2006, and 2007 Changes to the Chrysler - Dodge Minivan Family

Stow n Go in Dodge minivan Intensive review | 2008 Caravan/Town & Country

Engine choices for 2005-2007 remained the same as in 2004 models, except for export models - but they gained a surprisingly strong power boost. The 3.3 went to 180 horsepower with 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8 went to 215 horsepower - with 245 lb-ft of torque (this was modified to 207 horsepower in 2006 and 200 horsepower in 2007). Gas mileage also increased - 19/26 for the 3.3, 18/25 for the 3.8 (in 2008-equivalent numbers this is 17/24 and 16/23). This brought the Chrysler minivans back up to the top of the engine pile for a year or two.

Export versions got a new diesel engine, now with an optional automatic. The new 2.8 CRD engine delivered 110 Kw (150 bhp) of power at 3,800 rpm and best-in-class torque figures of 360 Nm (266 lb.-ft.) at a low 2,100 rpm. The new 2.8-liter engine returned less than 9 liters per 100 km, meeting or beating its lower displacement competitors. Chrysler engineers paid particular attention to "launchability," the rapid take off from standstill. The accelerator pedal also featured a kickdown detent that allowed the driver to actively control the downshift of the transmission and the vehicle's acceleration at higher speed (a feature known to TorqueFlite users).

In 2009, J.D. Power rated the Dodge Grand Caravan as the most reliable minivan in America, giving it a higher reliability score than any other full or midsized van. The Grand Caravan was named Most Dependable Van, beating the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. This test covered three full years, and was a better measure of long-term reliability than the J.D. Power 90-day "initial quality" tests; it applied to the 2006-model-year minivans.

For 2007, there were few changes, but the notable one was probably due to a change in measurement systems (from a new SAE standardization that affected all automakers). The 3.3 engine dropped down to 170 hp, and the 3.8L dropped to 200 hp.

2006 Grand Caravan C/V and the Mobility Challenged (by ScottB)

The Grand Caravan C/V was being sold again, with a solid flat floor since they have no rear seats to begin with; it may be better suited to wheelchair conversions than passenger models. The problem was the conversion companies had to go several steps further a la custom conversion vans to make these suitable for passengers, adding more windows, and possibly some passenger safety equipment that may have been deleted on the cargo version. It only came in three colors, silver, midnight blue and white, and the 3.3 V6 was the only engine choice. You could select the power right side sliding door with glass. There was also a full-size spare option which was a clear indication that the Stow-n-Go underfloor bins didn't exist on this model. Base price was only $20,000. Dodge had an answer for the mobility challenged.

The Plymouth Voyager's final incarnation as the Chrysler Voyager was finally put to death - at least, in the United States. But the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country remain, built alongside the Chrysler Pacifica (and apparently atop the same chassis), while the Chrysler Voyager was still sold overseas.

Intensive 2005-2007 Chrysler minivan review with more photos

Key features of the 2005 vans included rapid stowing of second and third row seats into the floor with one-handed operation (available on long-wheelbase vans) that did not require headrests to be removed or cupholders to be folded in; spacious storage bins with integrated lids in the back rows; cargo nets integrated into the storage bins; new high density cushions; for-aft adjusters and reclining seat backs for second row seats; single-pull easy access to the rearmost seats; split-bench rearmost seats; and reclining third-row seats.

Safety was advanced with three-row side curtain airbags covering all seats, driver-side inflatable knee-blocker, multistage front airbags, automatic deactivation of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant's weight, LATCH system car seat anchors in both rear rows, rear obstacle detection system, and signal lights to show when the sliding doors are being used.

Other options included a moveable / removable overhead rail system with storage bins, DVD screen, and rear temperature controls; UConnect; and navigation system.

2005 minivan dodge caravan rail system

For 2006, the second-row storage bin covers were given a tri-fold access panel that allowed easier access to the covered storage bins and didn't require moving the front driver or passenger seat forward.

The down-side of these and prior minis was the cost-cutting binge, which insiders told us was caused by a team of youngsters who were no longer given power to do such things. Many complained about the loss of windshield-wiper de-icers and backlighting for the headlight switch panel and door switches.

Noise and vibration reduction

underbody pallette system State-of-the-art technology was used to ensure quietness in all seating positions for 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans. By combining computer simulation techniques with vehicle testing in Chrysler's state-of-the-art Auburn Hills wind tunnel and on environmental four-post shakers, Chrysler Group engineers were able to create the quietest minivans in the marketplace. Some changes for 2005 models included:

Robotically applied liquid spray dampener technology to prevent noise from entering the passenger compartment. The damping treatment was applied to the floor, toe-pan, cowl, and roof panel.
Expandable polyurethane foam was injected into cavities at the base of the cowl plenum, liftgate opening, and center and rear door pillars to cut noise.
The new underbody structure was designed for high bending and torsional stiffness, which helped isolate suspension vibration and chatter from passenger compartment.
A fluid-filled hydro engine mount significantly reduced engine vibration into the front rails to help isolate engine vibration.
Suspension control arms utilized tuned hydro bushings to further reduce suspension vibration.
Second-row foam seating technology was tuned to dampen vibration to the occupants.
Engineering and manufacturing's precision of the folding seats and covers ensured that seats remained free of squeaks and rattles.
Wind noise was reduced by incorporating triple door seals, molded gaskets, aerodynamically configured roof rack cross bows, and a spiraled antenna.
New minivans built for the international markets with the diesel engine feature silencers in the engine and passenger compartment. The engine compartment consisted of a thick underhood silencer, a decorative cover over the engine included a liner of acoustic material, an acoustic belly pan that virtually covered the entire engine compartment, plenum treatments, and fender silencers. The passenger compartment included instrument panel silencers, an upgrade to the toe-pan dampers, and A-pillar silencer.
These initiatives made the 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans more than 16 percent quieter.

Stow and Go details

2005 Chrysler minivan fold-flat seats Chrysler conducted a survey to gauge response to Stow 'n Go. Participants had the opportunity to compare Stow 'n Go against every competitor in the market. Overall, Stow 'n Go scored six times higher than seating systems in Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In the category of flexibility, Stow 'n Go scored eight times higher than Honda Odyssey and four and one-half times higher than Toyota Sienna. And in the category of purchase consideration, Stow 'n Go scored 50 percent higher than Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Safety

An Advanced Multistage Air Bag System provided enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various levels based on the severity of a crash
Anti-lock Braking System was equipped with electronic sensors that prevented wheel lockup, system offered improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
BeltAlert, a seat belt reminder system: if a vehicle was driven without the driver being properly belted, the system periodically activated a chime and illuminated a light in the instrument cluster in order to remind the driver to buckle up
Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) eased installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
Constant Force Retractors (CFR): CFRs were engineered to force-limit the belt system and gradually release seat belt webbing in a controlled manner during a severe impact
Enhanced Accident Response System: In the event of an accident, this system made it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach the occupants by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air bag deployment
Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: The innovative stroking steering column used release capsules, which allowed the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The column also featured tuned metal bend straps which deformed during column stroke for optimal energy management
Front Crush Sensors: Two sensors, located forward in the vehicle, measured the severity of the impact and relayed crash information to safety control systems in the occupant compartment for optimal deployment of the driver and passenger air bags, driver inflatable knee blocker, and seat belt pretensioners
Minivan-First Inflatable Knee Blocker: Knee blocker inflated in conjunction with air bag deployment. This feature increased leg protection in an impact and helped to position the driver relative
to the air bag
Minivan-First Standard Door Alert: Signal lights activated when power sliding doors were in operation, signaling pedestrian activity.
Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measured conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side air bag, based upon the weight of the occupant
Pretensioners: During a collision, the front seat belt pretensioners electronically sensed a crash and immediately removed slack from the seat belts, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s upper body
Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Decoupler: A joint integrated into the steering system released during a severe impact event. Limited the amount of force applied to the chest during an impact
Three-row Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags: Three-row, A to D pillar side curtain air bags provided full-length coverage for all three rows of seats. The side curtain extended protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags had impact sensors which triggered the air bag on the side where impact occured
Rear Park Assist: Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display
A first aid kit could be purchased for the overhead rail system.
Mopar also sold side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

2006 chrysler minivans

2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan changes

Changes to Dodge Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country for 2007, their last year before redesigned models appeared, included a variety of changes to standard features and option packages. In addition, the driver-side inflatable knee blocker was standard on all models, a sliding Door Alert System was added, and:

3.3L flexible fuel V6 (E85 compatible); 45 States - Optional on Grand Caravan SE
( 180 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 210 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm on gasoline)
UConnect® Hands-Free Communication System - Optional on all models
New colors: Marine Blue Pearl and Modern Blue Pearl

Cosmetic changes

Interior of 2005 Chrysler Town & Country

Elegant appearance achieved with all-new Sycamore wood designed into the center stack bezel and complemented with satin silver accents
Beautiful wood and satin silver appearance continued on the door bolsters and throughout entire cabin
Chromed Chrysler badging with jeweled Chrysler seal integrated into steering wheel horn pad. Touring model featured satin silver appearance on the center stack bezel.

Exterior of 2005 Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler's prominent winged badge extended the entire width of grille, which featured four horizontal chromed bars
New sculpted dual headlamps and a new front fascia that included a carved, molded-in license plate pocket and precise circular fog lamps
Chromed fascia inserts completed new premium front-end appearance
Bright roof rack and new cladding with chromed inserts highlighted the side view
New rear fascia includes chromed inserts with four integrated sensors for rear park assist

Dodge Caravan

New chromed Dodge badging integrated into steering wheel horn pad
SE featured new mechanical grained appearance on the center stack bezel
SXT featured new carbon-weave design on the center stack bezel
Distinct Dodge crosshair grille was instantly recognizable as Dodge
New front fascia with a molded-in license plate pocket and new fog lamps
New machined body-side moldings with chromed inserts highlight side view

Since November of 1983, Chrysler has sold more than 10 million minivans and earned more than 150 awards for its impressive lineup of Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country were built in Windsor, Ontario; St. Louis, Missouri; and Graz, Austria.

2005-2007 Chrysler minivan specifications

Intensive Chrysler Town & Country - Dodge Grand Caravan review with more photos

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