Chrysler Town and Country

Infobox Automobile
name = Chrysler Town and Country


manufacturer = Chrysler Corporation (1990-1998)
DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007)
Chrysler LLC (2008-present)
class = Minivan
production = 1990-present
predecessor = Chrysler Town & Country Wagon (nameplate)
Dodge Grand Caravan/Plymouth Grand Voyager top trim levels (as minivan)
aka =

Chrysler Voyager (For short-wheelbase version):"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)".

The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan marketed by Chrysler. The Town and Country was introduced in 1990, while its sister vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, had already been in production since the 1984 model year. Chrysler's success of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager pursued the company to produce one of the first-ever luxury minivans. General Motors was in hot pursuit by releasing the Oldsmobile Silhouette. But they arrived at dealerships the same time, which was in 1990.

Since their introduction, the Chrysler minivans have been the best-selling minivans in the United States.Fact|date=January 2008

Overview

The Town and Country was introduced in 1990. Before the introduction of the 1990 Chrysler Town & Country, the name had been used on several Chrysler vehicles from 1941 to 1988.

Since the beginning of production in the fall of 1983, more than 11 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold as of mid-2005.Fact|date=January 2008

Special anniversary editions of the Chrysler minivans have been issued to mark significant milestones; the first, in 1994, is notable for the "10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION". The twentieth anniversary was marked in 2004 with the Platinum Series Town & Country.

1990

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation
production = 1990


wheelbase = Auto in|119.1|0
length = Auto in|191.4|0
width = Auto in|72|0
height = Auto in|64.8|0
body_style = 3-door minivan
layout = FF layout
assembly = St. Louis, Missouri, USA
platform = Chrysler S platform
engine = 3.0 L Mitsubishi "6G72" V6
3.3 L "EGA" V6
transmission = 4-speed "A604" automatic
related = Dodge Caravan
Plymouth VoyagerThe Town and Country was introduced in 1989 (as 1990 model) as a companion to the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan; it was essentially a more luxurious version of the Plymouth Grand Voyager. The first Town and Country minivan used the Chrysler S platform, which was closely related to the K-cars (Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries). In keeping with Chrysler's luxury status, the 1990 Town & Country came standard with leather interior, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, an Infinity sound system, and exterior woodgrain applique. Seven-passenger seating and an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission were also standard. It appears that most 1990 Town & Countrys to roll off the assembly line were painted in "Bright White". However, the re-badging of the Chrysler minivans was late for this model as this model would be redesigned the next year after it.

Engines

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

1991-1995

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second generation


production = 1991–1995
body_style = 3-door minivan
platform = Chrysler AS platform
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
engine = 3.3 L "EGA" V6
3.8 L "EGH" V6
transmission = 4-speed "A604" automatic
related = Chrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
wheelbase = Auto in|119.3|0
length = Auto in|192.8|0
assembly = St. Louis, Missouri, USA
width = Auto in|72|0
height = Auto in|64.8|0 (FWD)
Auto in|65.9|0 (AWD)
weight = Auto lb|3955|0

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 2nd generation Town & Country came loaded standard, with no actual trim levels but only additional options.

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.

1996-2000

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Third generation


production = 1996–2000
body_style = 3-door minivan
4-door minivan
platform = Chrysler NS platform
engine = 3.3 L "EGA" V6
3.8 L "EGH" V6
transmission = 4-speed "41TE" automatic
related = Chrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
wheelbase = Auto in|113.3|0 (SWB)
Auto in|119.3|0 (LWB)
length = Auto in|186.4|0 (SWB)
Auto in|199.7|0 (LWB)
width = Auto in|76.8|0
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
assembly = St. Louis, Missouri, USA
height = Auto in|68.7|0
weight = Auto lb|3863|0
Auto lb|3951|0

The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a driver's-side sliding door, a first. Third generation 3-door Town & Countrys were only offered for 1996, making them extremely rare. The Town & Country was on "Car and Driver"'s Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. In 1999, Chrysler built a concept minivan, the Pacifica, which used the Town & Country's body shell, and bore a striking resemblance to the Town & Country, as well as the LHS.

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 & Countrys came standard with the 3.8 L V6 and were offered only in extended wheelbase versions.

The 3rd generation Town & Country also represents the first time the Town & Country was available in multiple trim levels. The LXi (and later Limited) continued the tradition of the Town & Country being the most luxurious and exclusive Chrysler minivan. The LXi model (highest trim for '96 and '97) featured many luxury 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.

However other lower versions were now offered of the Town & Country. The LX model was intended for those who wanted standard Chrysler amenities, but wanted to chose the luxury options they wanted most without all the frills. This was the same case for the short-wheelbase SX model; it was for those who wanted the luxury of a Town & Country, but would be willing to sacrifice a little space for a smaller price-tag.

It is unclear why Chrysler decided to add these other models; the most logical explanation was to gain more sales by a broader range of models and prices. In any case, this was certainly the most successful Town & Country yet. Another thing to consider is that the Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager was no longer available in a high-end model which would have been equivalent to the SX and LX models. This may have been a preview of what was to become of Plymouth, as gradually its vehicles disappeared, being replaced with base models of its badge-engineered Chrysler cousins.

Engines

* 1996–2000 3.3 L "EGA" V6, 158 hp (118 kW) and 203 ft·lbf (275 N·m)
* 1996–2000 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 3rd generation 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 Convert|14|hp|kW|0|abbr=on for a total of Convert|180|hp|kW|0|abbr=on. 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.

2001-2007

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Fourth generation


production = 2001–2007
body_style = 4-door minivan
platform = Chrysler RS platform
engine = 3.3 L "EGA" V6
3.8 L "EGH" V6
transmission = 4-speed "41TE" automatic
aka = Chrysler Voyager (Europe)
assembly = Windsor, Ontario, Canada (LWB)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (SWB)
Yangmei, Taoyuan, Taiwan
platform = Chrysler RS platform
related = Chrysler Voyager (USA, 2001-2003)
Dodge Caravan
wheelbase = Auto in|113.3|0 (SWB)
Auto in|119.3|0 (LWB)
length = Auto in|189.3|0 (SWB)
Auto in|200.5|0 (LWB)
Auto in|200.6|0 (2001-04 LWB)
width = Auto in|78.6|0
height = Auto in|68.8|0 (SWB)
Auto in|68.9|0 (LWB)
weight = Auto lb|3899|0
Auto lb|4239|0
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive

. The Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager had been transferred to the Chrysler lineup in mid-2000, and for 2001, the Chrysler Voyager was available as a short-wheelbase model only. Since 2004, a short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country has been offered as compensation for the Voyager, except in Canada (where the only "Chrysler" minivan offered was the long wheelbase Town & Country). 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. Foldable "Stow 'n Go" second- and third-row seats, available only on long-wheelbase Town & Country models, were a first for 2005 along with a host of other updates such as new larger headlights. The introduction of "Stow 'n Go" did not permit space for the AWD system, and hence AWD was dropped as an option in 2005, despite being one of the few minivans at that time to have offered it.

The Chrysler SOHC 3.5 L V6 engine was also planned for a mid-year introduction for 2001, but this never came to fruition.

Engines

* 2001-present 3.3 L "EGA" V6, 180 hp (134 kW) at 5000 rpm and 210 ft·lbf (285 N·m) at 4000 rpm
* 2001-present 3.8 L "EGH" V6, 215 hp (160 kW) at 5000 rpm and 245 ft·lbf (332 N·m) at 4000 rpm

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

Trim levels

*"EX" • 2001-2004
*"LX" • 2001-2007 (which is the base model in Canada, and is only available in long wheelbase)
*"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

2008-present

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Fifth generation


production = 2008-present
related = Chrysler Pacifica
Dodge Grand Caravan
Volkswagen Routan
body_style = 4-door minivan
platform = Chrysler RT platform
engine = 3.3 L V6
3.8 L V6
4.0 L V6
transmission = 4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
layout = FF layout
wheelbase = Auto in|121.2|0
assembly = Windsor, Ontario, Canada
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
length = Auto in|202.5|0
width = Auto in|76.9|0
height = Auto in|68.9|0
designer = Ralph GillesThe Town & Country was redesigned in 2007 for the 2008 model year by Ralph Gilles, who also worked on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. A six-speed automatic and a new 4.0 L V6 engine are standard on the Limited model. Chrysler has finalized a deal through which Volkswagen will receive a variant of the Chrysler RT platform van with its own styling and features, the Routan. It is planned for production at Windsor Assembly alongside the Town and Country. The new Town and Country made its debut at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show along with the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Trim levels

*"LX" • 2008-present
*"Touring" • 2008-present
*"Limited" • 2008-present

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. Many other global markets receive the Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager assembled in Austria.

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

tow 'n' Go

The Stow 'n' Go feature (also available in the Dodge Grand Caravan) is an innovative seat-folding system to increase storage. The second row seats can be stored into the storage bins in the floor by folding and tumbling forward. The third row seats can be stored into the storage bins in the rear of the car by folding and tumbling backward. You can also tumble the third row seat backward for tailgating. It was first offered in 2005. Stow 'n' Go brought an end to the All Wheel Drive option as the vehicle pan could not accommodate both Stow 'n' Go and AWD.

wivel 'n' Go

The Swivel 'n' Go feature is only available on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. The pair of second row seats swivel around to face the third row. The car also comes with a table that can be placed between the second and third row seats. This option removes the Stow 'n' Go feature from the second row seats.

These Swivel 'n' Go Seats are made by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. The Tracks, Risers and Swivel Mech. are put together by Camslide, a division of Intier. The actual swivel mechanism was designed and is produced by Toyo Seat USA Corp.

What makes this product especially interesting is not just the swivel feature but also, the extremely high strength of the product. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mech. The swivel mech. is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.

The swivel mech. has 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 it can be done with out any damage to the swivel mech.

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 convert|40|mi|km|adj=on range before a gas starts and begins supplying additional electricity. [cite web |url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080923/AUTO01/809230421 |title=Chrysler plans to sell electric car in 2010 |accessdate=2008-09-24 |last=Burgess |first=Scott |coauthors= |date=Tuesday, September 23, 2008 |work= |publisher=The Detroit News]

External links

* [http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/town_country/ Chrysler.com] - 2008 Town & Country homepage
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20010206191059/www.chrysler.com/town-country/ Chrysler.com] - 2001 Town & Country homepage, through Internet Archive
* [http://www.mundoautomotor.com.ar/web/2008/03/13/chrysler-town-country/ Presentacion en Sudamerica (español)]

References

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* http://www.auto.consumerguide.com :Chrysler Town and Country
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