allpar - chrysler, dodge, and jeep site

1996-2001 Chrysler-Dodge Minivan Overview

1997 plymouth voyager

The new Chrysler minivans provided the broadest array of segment coverage of any manufacturer -- offering three brands, long - and short - wheelbase models, three - and four-door configurations, and eight different powertrains -- including electric and compressed natural gas, all based on a single, flexible platform.

Minivan packaging efficiency

The company's signature cab-forward architecture, first seen in Chrysler's original minivans, has been applied to accomplish this task, as well as to define a new, pure minivan shape that celebrates the genre rather than masks it or tries to make it appear as a station wagon derivative.

The result is a short-wheelbase version that is 3.6 inches shorter on the outside than a Mercury Villager, but provides 16 percent more cargo space. In fact, the new Chrysler short-wheelbase versions are nearly 15 inches shorter than the long-wheelbase Ford Windstar, yet exceed Windstar's cargo space. The long-wheelbase version is 1.6 inches shorter than Windstar, but has almost 20 percent more maximum cargo space.

New seating systems are more flexible than ever. Available quad command seats may simply be lifted out -- but it's the new bench seating system that is most innovative.

A lot of others focus on taking seats out and so did Chrysler, but an equal effort was expended on maximizing space with the seats in. In other words, why not try to provide maximum space effectively to reduce the need to remove the seats?

When it is necessary, however, "Easy-out" roller seats make seat storage a breeze. Simply push the handle down and the seat is lifted up on rollers that act like small landing gear. Once unlatched, the seats may be repositioned inside the vehicle or removed entirely and rolled away for storage. And now, both rear seatbacks fold forward for additional versatility.

minivan cutaway

Chrysler has achieved a new benchmark for utility and versatility in other ways as well, such as the driver's-side sliding door that allows for better entry, exit and ease of loading.

Hundreds of current Chrysler minivan owners told the Minivan Platform Team a second sliding door would create levels of convenience and flexibility that couldn't be duplicated any other way. As a result, customers will now find a new fourth door with an exterior sliding door handle that provides better control of the door, a unique inside release, a hill-hold latch and child protection doors, and a hidden door track design which integrates the hardware into the bottom edge of the quarter glass. The team even added an automatic fuel door interlock to prevent the left-side sliding door from opening during refueling.

While it's an idea whose time has come, it also presented some surprising engineering challenges. The team had to find a way to design the door and aperture system for a flexible manufacturing process right from the start, and it had to find just the right place for the fuel filler door. Standardizing this was critical to achieving a manufacturing goal of reduced complexity.

The result is, Chrysler can build minivan bodies with or without the fourth sliding door, in short- or long-wheelbase models, in any of three assembly plants.

However, of all the customer inputs to the minivan process, one has become a signature of Chrysler minivans over time -- safety. Passive restraints on the vehicle continue to include driver and passenger air bags as standard equipment. The passenger air bag features a patented seamless door design which is the first of its kind. Four-wheel anti- lock brakes are also standard, as are child protection rear door locks and five-mile-per-hour bumpers.

Active restraints include Unibelt restraint systems at all outboard seating positions and shoulder belts for the intermediate seats will be the first to include height adjusters. Dual reclining child safety seats will also be available.

Driving Experience

Safety and security do not begin and end with just equipment. How safe and secure the driver and passenger feel is a different measure entirely -- one that is usually expressed in terms of the overall driving experience.

The new minivans start with a superb structre, with a very high degree of torsional rigidity for a tight, quiet and stable ride, and responsive handling in a vehicle that makes customers feel safe and secure.

"Torsional rigidity" is a term that has been more closely associated with performance and luxury sedans than minivans as an attribute that provides excellent handling, good noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) qualities and solid feel. But no longer.

Using the company's Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) computer system design tools to optimize body structure, the minivan team was able to improve torsional rigidity of the four-door version of the new minivan 50 percent more than the three- door minivan it replaces.

In fact, with a number of new systems and features, version to version, the weight of the new Chrysler minivans averages about 100 pounds more.

Solid structure has also provided best-in-class steering column stiffness and shake resistance with a resonant frequency 14 percent higher than the prior model. The design for precision body build also allows for excellent fit and finish of body closure panels, with a one millimeter body build tolerance. That's less than .040 of an inch of variation.

Handling and driveability were tuned to provide good ride with low harshness and noise. The front suspension features a fully isolated MacPherson strut system with revised geometry from the original model. It includes a patented upper mount that provides for increased vertical travel and increased fore-and-aft compliance to reduce harshness. The standard one-inch stabilizer bar is connected to the struts through spherical-jointed links to minimize friction and harshness and provide flat, responsive cornering.

Engineers selected a cast aluminum cross-member -- representing the first high-volume application of this technology in a North American- produced vehicle -- which helped in keeping within weight targets and added to the NVH qualities of the package.

The rear suspension consists of a tapered single leaf-spring configuration with a tubular beam axle with track bar. The track bar provides lateral control of the suspension geometry for improved ride and handling. An interesting note is the team investigated a variety of rear suspension configurations, even including a double-wishbone set-up, but found leaf springs provided the greatest consistency of ride and handling across the spectrum from unloaded to fully loaded.

Since "handling" really means "maneuverability" to most minivan customers, the team reduced the turning circle by almost three-and-a- half feet by increasing the front track. As a result, the new long- wheelbase model can turn inside the circle of the Mercury Villager -- by one-and-a-half feet.

Ride height and packaging were also challenges, given the number of applications the entire vehicle program encompassed. These included left- and right-hand drive for world markets; short - and long-wheelbase models; engine compartment and underbody architecture designed for electric vehicle application (to be assembled on the assembly line as a "regular" product), including packaging clearance for the battery tub; three - and four-door configurations; clearance for the all-wheel-drive powertrain; and adapting for compressed natural gas versions. In addition to increasing powertrain performance and features, the minivan powertrain team evaluated all areas of driveability.

Both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines were thoroughly developed to address NVH issues. For instance, the all-new 2.4-liter I-4 engine is not only more powerful, producing 150 horsepower, but it's 8 dBA more quiet than the current 2.5-liter engine. Block and bedplate torsional qualities were optimized and balance-shafts were placed below the fully counterbalanced crankshaft to minimize shake and vibration. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines are quieter, with about a 4 dBA reduction in noise at wide-open throttle, compared to the previous generation of engines, and offer an increased torque output of five percent.

Thoughtful Features

The team rounded out the interior package by adding new, innovative features and a level of utility that customers probably never expected. The new dual zone comfort control is the first system of its kind available to minivan buyers, and can produce a 100-degree difference (at the outlets) between the driver and passenger side.

Chrysler minivans now offer an electric windshield de-icer which places warming grids under the wiper blades' parked position to prevent the blades from freezing up. The new windshield wiper module was designed to complement the vehicle's cab-forward styling. The blades have a low profile and open- back frames that minimize aerodynamic lift to maintain wiping effectiveness, even at high speeds. The wiper blades and cowl were developed in the wind tunnel to minimize noise and prevent windshield washer fluid run-up. (The de-icer would be removed in later model years.)

Improved Development and Design Processes

To implement these changes cost-effectively, within a world-class time frame, and within quality objectives, a number of development processes were redefined and refined.

The pursuit focused on research and benchmarking all areas of customer comments to develop the best package possible. Enabling that pursuit were two key tools, the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) and its full complement of advanced test and simulation Scientific Laboratories, and CATIA CAD/CAM.

The CTC Labs provided for advanced simulation and testing on NVH; electro-magnetic compatibility; environmental testing for altitude and hot/cold testing; and emissions testing for the minivans' sophisticated On-Board-Diagnostic (OBD II) emissions hardware. All of these helped push development time down while increasing the quality of the overall product for the consumer.

The CATIA software package allowed the team to design and develop accurately all parts from the same database, helping not only the speed of design but also the accuracy of parts made.

The end result is an all-new family of Chrysler minivans that truly provide a leap in design, refinement, efficiency, performance and safety.

Safety and Security

Safety ranks second only to quality, reliability and durability among customer requirements. Chrysler has been the safety leader among minivan manufacturers. To continue this position, the new minivans are equipped with even more safety features and improvements. These include:

In addition to safety features, the perception of safety is important. Safety perception is demonstrated in the following ways:

New features that increase security for one's person and possessions include:

Chrysler minivan value

Value is ranked as one of the customer's "top ten" requirements. Chrysler defines value as getting the right balance between customer- demanded features and those that will surprise and delight. Outstanding among these new features are the following:

1996 - 2000 Chrysler minivan functional improvements

New features are important but existing features need to be improved to maintain product leadership. The following features are improved over previous models:

Minivan benchmarking for 1996 Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager

Functional and performance attributes of the previous generation Chrysler and competitive minivans were benchmarked as part of the planning process. For every customer-driven attribute measured by benchmarking, the objective was to surpass it. There has been no equivocation where the customer is concerned, no limited list of attributes to be surpassed. The goal was simply to be the best at everything the customer wants. In addition, benchmarking continued during development as new vehicles were introduced.

Product Attributes

"Clean Sheet Of Paper"

Because the design began with a clean sheet of paper - the mandate to design an all new minivan - the opportunity existed to literally reinvent the minivan if it made sense to do so. Customer likes and dislikes from the consumer research, from customer letters and warranty data were studied in detail. Nothing was sacred except the customers' desires. Customers suggested many improvements but cautioned against taking away any existing features or versatility. The voice of the customer was very clear and strong. But in addition, an enormous amount of attention was paid to inventing features customers had not even identified, but the company, by virture of its unequalled knowledge in the market, knew its owners would appreciate and embrace.

Packaging

The Chrysler minivan was the original "Cab forward" vehicle, coming some eight years before the term was first used. Because the interior "package" is what defines the minivan, the combination of roominess, versatility and compact overall dimensions provided by the prior models are maintained or improved. No compromise was acceptable.

Seating - Seats make the package. Therefore seats formed the basis around which the new minivans were designed. To do otherwise could have compromised the desired package.

Customers approved of prior models' chair-height seating and it is retained. In conjunction with a carryover floor height, the chair- height seating position provides a "step in" seating position at most occupants' standing height - a feature much appreciated by senior citizens. To enhance front seat accommodations, the package was designed around the 95th percentile individual (only 5% of all people are larger) whereas the prior models used the 60th percentile individual as its basis. Through seat track adjustment, both front seats can accommodate a range of occupant sizes from the 5th percentile (only 5% are smaller) to the 98th percentile. Track travel on both seats is 7.87 in. (200 mm). This is an increase of 1.87 in. (48 mm) for the passenger seat. The passenger seat travel increase was made possible by using a new sliding door upper hinge that does not intrude into the passenger's head space.

Rear seating was heavily researched because the entire underbody is built around these seats. Variety and versatility in rear seating configurations are a major factor in defining the capabilities of a minivan. Configurations available in the market suggested the need to rethink seating. To arrive at the final seating package, engineers, designers and planners literally tore apart the seat paradigm. Seven different configurations were researched, including permanently mounted fold-up seats, removable individual seats, seats on tracks and seats that fold flush with the floor. A key deciding factor was how consumers used their minivans. Consumers favored the concept of removable seats as the most versatile. The versatility of allowing the intermediate seat of seven passenger models to be removed and the rear seat moved forward in its place is retained. In addition, a "limousine" intermediate seat position, rearward of the normal intermediate position, provides additional legroom when desired.

Research showed that customers want seats that are removable without tools. One-hand latching and seat rollers were adopted to make seat removal easier. These features were well received by customers in market research clinics. By permanently attaching seat roller tracks to the floor and aligning all seat stanchions, rolling the seats longitudinally was made even easier. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.

Walk-Through Capability - "Walk through" - the ability to gain access to the intermediate (and rear) seats from the front passenger seat without exiting the vehicle - is one of the attributes that makes a minivan versatile. Front and quad seats are 0.5 inch (12 mm) farther apart than on prior models, increasing walk-through width.

Visibility - A clean sheet of paper meant that the cowl could be lowered for more car-like forward visibility and "command of the road" - the ability to see the road ahead and feel in control of the driving situation. Relative to occupants, the instrument panel is 4.7 inches (119 mm). lower than on prior models. The instrument panel "line of sight" point is 3.9* lower than before. The windshield header sight line is 4.9* higher than before for easier viewing of overhead traffic lights. The center pillar is also moved rearward to improve side visibility for the driver and front passenger. The result is an outstanding panoramic view with best-in-class forward visibility. The new minivans also provide added lateral visibility for rear, as well as front, occupants by lowering the belt line 0.75 inch (19 mm) and raising the tops of the window openings by 2 inches (50 mm) or more.

Control Ergonomics - Virtually anything the driver needs to touch is visible and within easy reach. Of all controls operated by the driver, 85% are within what is considered "normal" reach; only portions of radio and HVAC controls farthest to the right require the driver to lean slightly. Providing full access to these controls would have contradicted customer priorities by reducing passenger walk-through space. The center stack is canted toward the driver and the HVAC controls are tilted upward for visibility and access. The type and the location of the controls were specified on the basis of benchmark studies and many consumer surveys. Survey data also specified the actuation method for each function - rotary knob, button or slider. The quality function and deployment process (QFD) was used to establish priority for controls, including competing functions such as HVAC controls, the radio and the instrument panel cup holders. Thus the radio gets the top position on the center stack and the cup holders are on the bottom. Button, knob and lever sizes were determined from human factors data. Control spacing for proper operation and control lettering for readability were also defined by human factors data.

The driver benefits from a steering column side-view angle that is reduced 6.5* from prior models for a more comfortable and car-like driving position. For added driver comfort the steering wheel is placed in a nearly central position relative to the driver. Pedal placement is also more central to the driver than before. Steering wheel and pedal placement improvements are the result of a wider front track.

Floor Height - Three floor heights were researched internally and with consumers to determine what would make entry and exit easiest. The current height received a slight preference. Lowering the floor, and thus the driver, was not well received because it reduced the sense of command of the road. Even though some customers found the previous models' step to be higher than desired, they liked the command of the road provided by the higher driving position and the easy access without stooping or bending provided by that height. The new minivans offer the same "step in" (not step up or stoop down) seat height as prior models. To ease entry and exit at the original floor height, sills are 1.4 inches (35 mm) lower than before.

The carryover floor height provides room for larger tires desired to create a more car-like appearance. The carryover floor height also provides added flexibility to install electric vehicle batteries or CNG fuel tanks on low emission vehicles and to provide a common underbody between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.

The center of the front floor includes a large tunnel that houses the close-coupled catalytic converter. This tunnel is invisible to the occupants, being completely contained beneath the center stack of the instrument panel.

Body Systems

Doors and Liftgate - A second sliding door on the driver's side is the major product feature added to the new minivans. Market research has indicated that customers intend to order it on up to 85% of long wheelbase models with higher equipment levels and up to 45% of even the lowest priced short wheelbase models. The choice of a sliding door over other configurations came from a videotape study of persons using various door configurations. This study showed that the sliding door provided the best access. It provides the same easy access for second seat occupants that front passengers enjoy because the seat is immediately adjacent to the door. This also provides a second location - in addition to the front passenger seat - for easy entry by senior citizens. It also provides the driver with easy second seat area access to assist children or to stow cargo.

The front door lock pillar location was finessed to increase entry and exit room without interfering with rear seat access. The second sliding door opening has ample foot room and wheelchair access is retained at the passenger's side sliding door.

The sill of the liftgate opening is 0.6 inches (15 mm) lower than on prior models to provide easier loading and unloading of cargo and seats.

Rear HVAC Unit - Including the second sliding door in the preliminary design required relocating the rear HVAC unit to the right rear corner of the body. The rear unit also includes overhead ducts and outlets along the roof rails on both sides of the body - the preferred location for directing cool air to the occupant's upper body.

Vehicle Layout

Overall Size - A single wheelbase was researched but lacked the versatility desired by customers. Other size variations were also studied, but, in the final version, the changes are subtle because of the extreme success of the original.

Rear overhang is increased by 4.3 inches (109 mm) on short wheelbase bodies and 3.9 inches (99 mm) on long wheel base bodies. The wheelbase of the short-wheelbase body style is increased 1 inch (25 mm) to increase cargo capacity and rear seat leg room. As a result, the new minivans have best-in-class maximum cargo capacity, size-for-size, in both short and long wheelbase bodies. The maximum cargo volume of the short-wheelbase body with rear seats removed is 30% greater than the previous model. The long-wheelbase body is 27% larger than its predecessor. The new short-wheelbase body exceeds the cargo capacity of the previous long-wheelbase body by 10.4 cubic feet (0.3 cubic meters). Front overhang is increased 2.1 inch (74 mm) to provide 5 mph bumper impact capability and to increase cooling system capacity.

The overall height of the body is increased 1.8 inches (46 mm) to develop the more aerodynamic body shape while providing additional head room for second seat occupants.

The new minivan body is 3.5 inches (90 mm) wider than its predecessor but remains within the width of a single garage door opening. This increased width is reflected in 4 inches (101 mm) more hip room and 5 inches (127 mm) more shoulder room in the front and intermediate seats.

The wider body is accompanied by a wider track - 63 inches (1600 mm) front, 64 inches (1626 mm) rear. This is an increase of 3 inches (76 mm) at the front and 2 inches (50 mm) at the rear. This accommodates larger tires with chain clearance for all sizes, allows a reduction of the turning circle by 3.5 feet (1.07 m) on long-wheelbase bodies and 3.4 feet (1.04 m) on short wheelbase bodies, and provides an additional 0.8 inch (20 mm) of cargo width in the cargo area.

Powertrain Orientation - A longitudinal engine would simplify the engine compartment structure, but it would make the vehicle longer an undesirable condition. Extensive structural comparisons on the relative merits of a simplified, but longer, front structure housing a longitudinal powertrain and the structure required by the present transverse powertrain showed the latter to be equally light and crashworthy while keeping the overall length to a minimum. While making these comparisons, it was found that the Chrysler powertrain was the most space efficient in the market. A mid-mounted powertrain was the most structurally efficient but was discarded because it would have made the entire vehicle higher than desired. After considering all possible powertrain orientations, the original is still the best.

In keeping with current thinking on cab-forward design, the engine compartment is significantly smaller than on prior models, making more space for occupants and cargo. Packaging the powertrain, while providing access for assembly and service necessitated the invention of removable cowl plenum chamber and windshield wiper module for which a patent is being sought.

Chassis

Suspension Concepts - A full QFD analysis was done on the suspension system to determine customer preferences and priorities. When owners of Chrysler and competitive minivans participating in a ride-drive comparison were questioned about ride and handling, they spoke of the need to improve quietness while maintaining current ride and handling qualities. State-of-the-art suspension hardware was not an issue. With quietness as the ride and handling attribute at the top of the list for minivan customers, emphasis was placed on designing a system that has excellent isolation, low harshness and a comfortable, stable ride. A short/long arm front suspension design was considered but provided no functional benefits in the minivan context and took up more space than the MacPherson strut suspension selected. A suspension cross member is added for isolation. A potential upper strut mount provides additional suspension travel and compliance for low harshness. The front suspension was also designed with the intention of commonizing as many parts as possible between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. For this reason, the front suspension cross member is tall to provide a mounting surface for the front stabilizer bar and steering rack above the rear drive shaft.

Independent, coil-sprung rear suspensions and link-coil systems with a solid axle were designed and built for comparison with the leaf-sprung solid axle used previously. The alternatives were found deficient in handling balance between light and heavy loads compared to the leaf spring system. The leaf spring system demonstrated better transient handling behavior under full load than the others. At the least, it would have been necessary to include an automatic load leveling system as standard equipment to make the alternatives handle acceptably with a full load. Based on customer inputs, the cost of a change in concept outweighed the benefits. Leaf springs, which mount completely below the floor, also contribute to the desired floor height and allows maximum cargo width at the rear wheel housings.

Exterior Design

Appearance

Customers defined their concept of the exterior design of the new minivan as attractive and tasteful but not too futuristic. Design is subordinate to space versatility and comfort in the customer's mind. Consumers also expressed the desire for a solid, stable appearance that will continue to please the eye through the years. Another design objective that emerged from the research was to make the new minivans more car-like than their predecessors. With these guidelines in mind, designers created a design that will stay modern in the 21st century. While somewhat constrained by the customer desires, they felt it was important to get a jump on the competition and not be too conservative, thus to be quickly outdated by vehicles yet to come.

Market research was used to determine how much change customers would tolerate; how radical the design could be and still remain acceptable; whether making it more car-like meant making it lower. From the opinions collected in this research, a consensus design evolved.

A lower body was not favored, but the body appears lower and thus more car-like because the side windows are nearly 3 inches (75 mm) taller than before, reducing the height of the body panels by a corresponding amount. The availability of the only 16-inch wheels in the minivan market also make the body appear lower.

"Cab-forward" design, now an easily identifiable feature of new Chrysler products, is recognizable in a low cowl and a modern, aerodynamic front end. The low cowl also contributes to the car-like appearance and to outward visibility. Contributing to the low cowl appearance is a high-gloss cowl screen. The front body panels, grille, fascias and lights all have soft car-like forms. Body sides have an aerodynamic appearance with greater tumble home and side glass curvature than prior models. A wide track and large tires contribute to the solid, stable appearance customers favored. While providing a cab- forward appearance, designers were careful to keep windshield pillars out of prime visibility zones and to maintain a definite hood line as preferred in the consumer surveys.

Side glass appears to be continuous from windshield pillar to liftgate pillar. This is provided by mirror housings, upper door frames and front door lock pillar appliquÇs that have a uniform-gloss black finish, and flush-mounted glass that overlaps the pillars. The pivoting quarter windows are completely smooth on the outside - there are no buttons or protrusions. Appearance of the rear sliding door hinge track is minimized by making it a lower extension of the quarter window blackout treatment. Side appearance is enhanced by a slim liftgate pillar and by placing the liftgate cut line at the back of the body instead of on the side. In the rear view, the cut line curves smoothly around the taillights to avoid a truck-like straight-line appearance. Liftgate lines are enhanced by extending the rear window over the outer panel to the edges of the opening. The area over the outer panel is blacked out to prevent see-through.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics was integral to the exterior design evolution. Designers and engineers have become very knowledgeable about aerodynamically effective shapes, making the process of designing for low drag easier than in the past. The design is a refinement of a near- optimum shape established early in the design process. Aerodynamic features incorporated in the basic design include the low hood, steeply raked windshield and nearly flush front door side glass. A number of aerodynamic issues unique to minivans were refined in the design process, resulting in a drag coefficient as low as 0.35 depending on body style and equipment - over 10% lower than the prior body. In spite of a larger frontal area, overall drag is less than before. Aerodynamic refinements were applied to the windshield pillar, liftgate header, liftgate transverse curvature, body side sills, outside mirror size and configuration, windshield wiper height and cowl screen shape. The production design that evolved is both aerodynamically correct and aesthetically pleasing.

The following features were included in the body design as a result of aerodynamic development: A raised lip on the cowl screen deflects air flow upward, creating an area of swirling air at the base of the windshield which causes water pushed down by the wiper blades to run off to the side rather than up the glass. Low profile windshield wiper blades park inside this area of swirling air, reducing drag. The liftgate header slopes downward slightly and has a noticeable lip to facilitate air separation and reduce drag. The liftgate transverse curvature was reduced and the liftgate pillar line has a clearly defined break between the side and back to enhance cross wind stability. Liftgate pillar shape refinement was specifically responsible for a 2.8% drag reduction. Refinement of the body side sills to shield the tires from oncoming air flow reduced drag by 1.4%. Outside mirrors are significantly larger than on prior models as desired by customers. Great attention was placed on making these mirrors, which can produce as much as 5% of the total vehicle drag, aerodynamically smooth. Through subtle shaping of the stalk and head, air flow remains attached to the mirror housing and its wake is minimized. A lower air dam on the front fascia provides the largest single improvement in drag - 4%.

See also Wind Noise Reduction in the Quietness section.

Interior Design

The interior design theme, as much the result of customers' desires as it is of the designers', is user friendly and functional. In addition, surveys showed that customers wanted it to be more car like, especially so for the luxurious Town & Country. While assuring that everything meets the functional requirements, designers produced a fresh approach to the interior: well thought-out and tailored but not bizarre, ostentatious or warmed over. They worked with the philosophy that new demands drive new solutions - new shapes - that will delight and excite the customer. The final interior design theme, encompassing everything in the interior from carpet to headliner and instrument panel to liftgate trim panel including the seats, blends to create a fluid, friendly appearance.

The instrument panel theme encompassed the controls and their packaging. It is an outstanding example of "form following function." One of these functions is to house the largest HVAC unit ever used on a Chrysler vehicle. Another is to house the passenger air bag. With customers already becoming accustomed to passenger air bags, the clean lines of concealed passenger air bag "doors" integrated with the surface of the panel was chosen over a noticeable door insert that announced the air bag's presence. This dramatically improves fit and finish, as well as improving aesthetics by simplifying the design elements. The panel surface retains a subtle "SRS" logo as a reminder of the air bag's presence. (Always wear your seat belts). The instrument panel also houses the radio; HVAC ducts, outlets and controls; instrument cluster; switches; etc. Each of these items has a functionally optimum location that is met in the production design. It not only looks ergonomic, it is.

The panel has a fluid design that flows into the door trim panels. It uses color separation and shapes to form a friendly, but not "gummy" appearance. A contrasting-color instrument cluster bezel surrounds the panel-mounted center airflow outlets and flows into a bezel of the same color on the front door trim panel that houses the inside door handle. These bezels are black on Dodge and Plymouth models and are color-keyed to the darker of the two interior colors on Town & Country.

The information center "eyebrow" above the instrument cluster was retained by customer demand. The instrument panel top cover has a low- gloss finish that is black on Dodge and Plymouth models and color-keyed to the darker of the two interior colors on Town & Country.

Much of the interior design revolved around providing more storage because this was what customers wanted. A storage area was added to the left trim panel forward of the second seat on three-door bodies. The area is open to the floor to increase cargo storage width. It includes a net to hold odd shaped items with some equipment levels. The trim panels also include larger, covered storage bins and cupholders.

Interior trim colors are lighter above the belt line than below to provide a feeling of airiness and spaciousness. Exceptions are the windshield pillars, liftgate pillars and the top cover of the instrument panel, which are dark to minimize visual distraction. The headliner has contemporary flowing lines. When an overhead console is installed, a molded bezel in headliner color provides a smooth transition to the console and minimizes the apparent size of the console face plate.

The sculptured three-spoke steering wheel includes a smooth center pad under which are a compact air bag and inflator assembly and the membrane horn switch. Having the horn switch in the center of the wheel was the customer's preference and it makes room for the automatic speed control switches on the steering wheel spokes. Flush-mounted speed control switch buttons are flush with the wheel and horn pad.

Innovation

Industry Firsts

Safety Seamless passenger air bag door (patented) Multi-position reclining back Child Safety Seats One-hand latching five-point seat belt system for Child Safety Seats Molded, contoured child safety seat back and cushion pads

Chassis Long-travel front suspension upper strut mount (patented) Largest high-volume automotive permanent mold aluminum casting - front suspension cross member Load Leveling Suspension - self-leveling rear suspension shock absorbers Dual-action rear drum brakes (patent applied for)

Body Easy Out Roller Seats(TM) Removable windshield wiper module (patent applied for) Mid-Cabin Comfort Control - door ducts to provide intermediate seat air flow in all HVAC system modes Computer-operated evaporator temperature control

Electrical and Electronic Systems Electronic starter override system (patent applied for) Positive temperature coefficient devices for wiring protection -- Interactive automatic speed control system

Best-In-Class Features

Ergonomics and Packaging

Driver and front passenger forward visibility - up and down Largest and most versatile cargo storage area in its class Most miscellaneous storage Most versatile cupholders Bins under each quarter trim panel armrest provide individually and collectively the highest closed storage capacity of any minivan The only minivan that can carry a 4x8-foot sheet of building material on top of folded seat backs or with the seats removed and liftgate closed (long wheelbase only) Lowest ignition key cylinder and switch effort and travel Speed control switch operation Overhead console will hold more types of sunglasses and garage door openers than any other minivan

Body Firmest steering column mounting Most interior lamps of any minivan (Town & Country LXi) Smallest radio with CD and cassette players

Eletrical and Electronic Systems Market leader in the use of multiplexing to provide electronic features at reasonable cost

Exclusive Features

Safety Shoulder belt height adjusters for second seat

Powertrain The 41 TE electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle is the only automatic transaxle with adaptive controls that use real- time feedback for all shifts available in a minivan Simplest, lightest, most compact electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle in the minivan market

Chassis Only minivan with sixteen-inch wheels and tires

Body Second sliding door High-gloss mold-in color cowl screen, outside mirror housings, and front door pillar appliquÇs Windshield Wiper De-Icer Power memory seat and mirrors (Town & Country LXi) Power vent window switches located on the driver's door The first minivan to offer Dual Zone Temperature Control (TM)- separate driver and passenger side temperature controls Individually controlled interior lamps (Town & Country LXi)

First Chrysler Use

Safety Rear seat head restraints available for all outboard seating positions

Body Fascias with both molded-in color and paint for a two-tone appearance Sliding door rear hinge track concealed at the base of the quarter window

Electrical and Electronic Systems Rear 12-volt accessory power outlet Clock displayed with ignition off

Significant Features

Safety Driver and passenger air bags (Always wear your seat belts) Standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes on all models Vehicle Theft Security Alarm Central door locks (in conjunction with the Vehicle Theft Security Alarm) Remote Keyless Entry System with "panic" alarm Comfort-Fit Seat Belt System(TM) One-hand operation of Child Safety Seat restraint harness and latch

Quietness Exceptional (with Deluxe Insulation Package)

Ergonomics and Packaging Increased driver and passenger side visibility Increased driver and passenger seat travel All controls within easy reach of the driver

Powertrain Higher peak torque and broader torque curve for 3.3- and 3.8-liter V- 6 engines Dual overhead camshaft 2.4-liter I-4 engine with balance shafts Platinum-tipped spark plugs standard on 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines for long life Digital control for engine cooling fans Four-point engine mounting system

Chassis Link-type front suspension sway bar Fully isolated front and rear suspensions Jack stowage in cargo area

Body Outside liftgate release handle Distributed overhead air conditioning outlets All electronic HVAC controls "One millimeter body" - maximum dimensional variation of body panels does not exceed Ò1 mm from the designed condition Temperature - compensated liftgate gas props Personalized Remote Entry System Power front seat recliners Forward folding intermediate seat Reclining intermediate and rear seats Single-Fill washer reservoir Infinity Acoustic 10(R) distributed-amplifier speaker system Lower front and side door weatherstrips to keep sills free of road splash

Electrical & Electronic Systems Battery Saver - automatic shut off of unneeded electrical loads

Unique Use of Materials

Tinted clear-coat and tri-coat paint Full-body anti-chip primer Waterborne base coat paint

Upcoming or Popular Dodges, Chryslers, and Jeeps

5 year plan (2010-2014) | 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Parts Prices | 2012 Charger | 2011 300C | 2011-2014

Cars  Engines  People  Forums  Repairs  Reviews  Other car reviews  Us  Privacy Policy   News  Random   Contact

Allpar covers all Chrysler and related vehicles* and the company itself. Use the menus on top of the pages!

Please read the terms of use! We are not responsible for the consequences of actions taken based on this site and make no guarantees regarding validity, accuracy, or applicability of information or advice. Copyright © 1998-2000, David Zatz; copyright © 2001-2009, Allpar LLC (except as noted, and press/publicity materials); all rights reserved. Mopar, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, HEMI, and certain other names are trademarks of Chrysler, LLC. We are not Chrysler and we don't make the Dodge Challenger.

Allpar - home of Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, and Dodge car, truck, and minivan information.