Chrysler Town & Country

This article is about the minivan. For other cars named the Town & Country, see Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988).
Chrysler Town & Country
Overview
Manufacturer Chrysler (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, previously DaimlerChrysler and Chrysler)
Production 1989–2016
Model years 1990-2016
Body and chassis
Class Minivan
Layout
Related
Chronology
Predecessor
Successor Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Town & Country is a luxury passenger minivan manufactured and marketed by Chrysler, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, introduced in 1989 as a 1990 model and is now in its fifth generation.

Chrysler group minivans (which include the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager) have ranked as the 13th bestselling automotive nameplates worldwide, with over 12 million sold.[1]

The Town & Country will be discontinued for the 2017 model year, in favor of the Chrysler Pacifica.[2][3]

Generation I (1990)

Generation I
Overview
Production Spring 1989–1990
Model years 1990
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler S platform
Related Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
Chrysler Voyager (Europe only)
Powertrain
Engine 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 (Until June 1989)
3.3 L EGA V6 (June 1989 onward)
Transmission 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 119.1 in (3,025 mm)
Length 191.4 in (4,862 mm)
Width 72 in (1,829 mm)
Height 64.8 in (1,646 mm)
1990 Chrysler Town & Country

Originally planned to be introduced as a 1989 model,[4] the Chrysler Town & Country minivan was ultimately introduced as a 1990 model in the spring of 1989. The model was introduced before the 1990 model year Caravans and Voyagers entered production; the Dodge and Plymouth counterparts produced alongside the Town & Country until June 1989 were still 1989 models. Sharing the body of the long-wheelbase (LWB) Grand Voyager/Grand Caravan's Chrysler S platform, the Town & Country was externally distinguished by its chrome waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, standard woodgrain applique, grooved lower body cladding (a version of that found on the Caravan ES, slightly extended to compensate for the longer wheelbase), and 15" lace-spoke aluminum wheels.[5] Additionally, Town & Country was only available in two exterior colors, initially in Bright White Clearcoat only; the Black Clearcoat color was added in June 1989.[6]

As the Chrysler Corporation's most luxurious minivan, the Town & Country came standard with nearly every feature available on Plymouth and Dodge minivans in addition to some exclusive amenities of its own. This included unique gathered leather seating surfaces and door trim panels, front and rear air conditioning, power windows, power locks, an Infinity sound system, seven-passenger seating, luggage rack, and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.[7] Models produced before June 1989 came with 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 engines while models produced from June onward received an upgrade to Chrysler's own 3.3 L EGA V6. As all models equipped with the 3.0 L engine were produced during the time period in which the Caravan and Voyager model year was 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency lists it as a 1989 model rather than a 1990, despite the VIN indicating otherwise.[8]

Ironically, the first-generation Town & Country minivan was released for the final model year of production of the first-generation Chrysler minivans. The Town & Country, Voyager/Grand Voyager, and Caravan/Grand Caravan would all be redesigned for the 1991 model year. Total production was 1,789 units in 1989 and 3,615 in 1990, making this model of the Town & Country as the most obscure of all the Chrysler minivans.[9] The reason for 1990 being the only model year for this bodystyle was because it was an attempt to repurpose an abundance of pre-manufactured bodies previously slated for the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.

Engines

Generation II (1991–1995)

Generation II
Overview
Production September 19901995
Model years 1991−1995
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler AS platform
Related Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
Chrysler Voyager (Europe only)
Powertrain
Engine 3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission 4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 119.3 in (3,030 mm)
Length 192.8 in (4,897 mm)
Width 72 in (1,829 mm)
Height 64.8 in (1,646 mm) (FWD)
65.9 in (1,674 mm) (AWD)
Curb weight 3,955 lb (1,794 kg)
1993 Chrysler Town & Country with woodgrain appliqué

Introduced in November 1990, the 1991 through 1995 Town & Country used the Chrysler AS platform. This was the last Town & Country that was derived from the Chrysler K platform. As with the previous generation, the Generation II Town & Country came fully equipped, with no actual trim levels but only additional options and continuing exclusively in the long-wheelbase (LWB) format.

This generation Town & Country shared the Plymouth Voyager's headlight and taillight clusters; the Dodge Caravan had its own. The Town & Country was set apart on the exterior by its chrome (later body colored) waterfall grille, crystal pentastar hood ornament, body colored side mirrors, body side cladding, and unique alloy wheels. The interior of the Town & Country included standard leather seating surfaces, woodgrain dashboard and door trim, as well as a digital instrument cluster.

Innovations

Engines

Year-to-year changes

Generation III (1996–2000)

Generation III
Overview
Production February 19952000
Model years 1996−2000
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
4-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler NS platform
Related Chrysler Voyager
Dodge Caravan
Plymouth Voyager
Powertrain
Engine 3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission 4-speed 41TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.3 in (2,878 mm) (SWB)
119.3 in (3,030 mm) (LWB)
Length 186.4 in (4,735 mm) (SWB)
199.7 in (5,072 mm) (LWB)
Width 76.8 in (1,951 mm)
Height 68.7 in (1,745 mm)
Curb weight 3,863 lb (1,752 kg)
3,951 lb (1,792 kg)
1996–1997 Chrysler Town & Country LXi LWB
1999-2000 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

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 & Country was able to cover a wider customer base through new designated trim levels. The premium LXi (and later Limited) included amenities such as pre-programmed driver's seat and mirror, standard leather interior, 8-way power adjustable front seats, Infinity sound system with cassette/CD player, and dual driver/passenger climate control to name a few. The entry-level LX model featured fewer amenities in a long-wheelbase (LWB) form. The SX model featured similar content in a short-wheelbase (SWB) form. Both LX and SX models were intended to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the upscale LE model of the Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager which had been discontinued in the US market.[11] Generation III Town & Countries were the first to feature the historic Chrysler blue ribbon emblem (later incorporated into the winged emblem), which dates from the 1930s.

Engines included a 3.3 L gasoline-powered engine (8th VIN digit R), a 3.3 L flexible-fuel 3.3 L engine (8th VIN digit G), and a 3.8 L engine (8th VIN digit L). In Canada, Town & Country models came standard with the 3.8 L V6 and were offered only in long-wheelbase (LWB) versions.

In 1999, Chrysler presented a concept minivan, the Pacifica using the Town & Country's body shell and bearing resemblance to the Town & Country and the LHS.

Generation III examples of the Town & Country with only the passenger side sliding door (vs. both rear sliding doors) were only offered for 1996.

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

Engines

Year-to-year changes

Crash test results

The 1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan (twin of the Town & Country) received a "Marginal" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 40 mph offset test. The structural performance and restraints were graded "Acceptable", but the foot injuries were very high.

In the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, it received 4 stars for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact. In the side-impact test, it received five stars for the driver, and 3 stars for the rear occupant, and resulted in a fuel leak that could cause a fire hazard.

Despite bad results in the Euro NCAP crash tests, statistics from the real world indicate that this is not the whole picture. Folksam is a Swedish insurance company that in May 2009 published a report on injuries and survivability of 172 car models. The 1988-95 generation received a real world rating of "Average", and the 1996-00 generation got a rating called "Safest" (at least 30% safer than the average car.)

Generation IV (2001–2007)

Generation IV
Overview
Also called Chrysler Voyager (Europe and SWB from 2001–2004)
Chrysler Grand Voyager (Europe LWB)
Production July 24, 2000July 2007
Model years 2001–2007
Assembly Windsor, Ontario, Canada (LWB)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (SWB)
Yangmei, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler RS platform
Related Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Voyager (USA, 2001–2003)
Dodge Caravan
Powertrain
Engine 3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission

4-speed 40TE automatic

4-speed 41TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.3 in (2,878 mm) (SWB)
119.3 in (3,030 mm) (LWB)
Length 189.3 in (4,808 mm) (SWB)
200.5 in (5,093 mm) (LWB)
200.6 in (5,095 mm) (2001–04 LWB)
Width 78.6 in (1,996 mm)
Height 68.8 in (1,748 mm) (SWB)
68.9 in (1,750 mm) (LWB)
Curb weight 3,899 lb (1,769 kg)
4,239 lb (1,923 kg)
2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country LXi LWB
2005 Chrysler Town & Country SWB

The Town & Country was redesigned for the 2001 model year, using the Chrysler RS platform and initially only available in long-wheelbase (LWB) form.[12] Chrysler's short-wheelbase minivan was instead sold under the Voyager nameplate, which had been transferred to the Chrysler brand in mid-2000 from the Plymouth brand. After 2003, however, the Voyager nameplate was dropped altogether, and short-wheelbase(SWB)models once again joined the Town & Country lineup.[12]

Trim levels for 2001 were carried over from the previous generation.[12] This meant entry-level LX, mid-level LXi, and the range-topping Limited. By 2002, the value-packed eL and eX models had both been added. These models were both value-priced versions of the LX and LXi, respectively, with popular option packages.[13] 2004 saw the addition of an unnamed base short-wheelbase model. LX, LXi, and Limited were the Canadian trim levels, but only the LXi and Limited were sold to consumers, LX restricted to fleet sales.

The 2005 Town & Country received a mid-cycle refresh including revised exterior styling and a mildly restyled interior. Most notable, was the introduction of Stow'n Go, a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments. The addition of Stow'n Go resulted in redesigned 2nd and 3rd row seats, as well as the elimination of all-wheel drive. For the remainder of this generation, the Town & Country was available in the short-wheelbase base model, and long-wheelbase LX, Touring, and Limited models.[14] As with the pre-refresh model, only the Touring and Limited were sold to consumers in Canada, the LX being restricted to fleets. A driver's side knee airbag was now standard on all models. The front seat-mounted side airbags of previous years were discontinued in favor of side-curtain airbags for all three rows. These were standard on Limited trim and optional on all other models, however could not be ordered with the moonroof option. Uconnect Bluetooth phone pairing was now available, as well as an overhead rail storage system with three moveable or removable compartments.

Engines

Years Engine Power Torque
2000–20073.3 L (3301 cc, 201.5 cu in) EGA V6 180 hp (130 kW) at 5000 rpm210 lb·ft (278 N·m) at 4000 rpm
3.8 L (3778 cc, 230.5 cu in) EGH V6 215 hp (160 kW) at 5200 rpm 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) at 4000 rpm

Some Town & Country models with the 3.3 L V6 from 1998 to 2003, and all models with the 3.3 L V6 from 2004-2007 can use E85 fuel. For more details on these engines see this article.

Safety

The 4th generation Town & Country (Grand Voyager, as it is known in Europe))right hand drive (RHD) version performed very poorly in the Euro NCAP car safety tests and achieved the following ratings:[15]

Adult Occupant:
Child Occupant:
Pedestrian:


However, it was noted that "The LHD car performed significantly better than the RHD car in the frontal impact, scoring 9 points, giving a potential four star adult occupant rating." [15] Thatcham's New Car Whiplash Ratings (NCWR) organization tested the 4th generation European Grand Voyager for its ability to protect occupants against whiplash injuries with the car achieving an 'Acceptable' rating overall.[16]

Security

The Grand Voyager was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:[17]

Theft Of:
Theft From:

Generation V (2008–2016)

Generation V
Overview
Also called Lancia Voyager/Grand Voyager (Europe)
Chrysler Grand Voyager (Europe 2008–2010, Australia, South Africa, Middle East 2008–present, UK, Ireland 2008–present, Asia and Russia 2011–present)
Production 2007–present
Model years 2008–2016
Assembly Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (2007–2008)
Designer Ralph Gilles
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler RT platform
Related Dodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Volkswagen Routan
Powertrain
Engine 3.3 L V6
3.8 L V6
4.0 L V6
3.6 L V6 (2011–)
2.8 L CRD diesel (Europe and Philippines)
Transmission 4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 121.2 in (3,078 mm)
Length 202.5 in (5,144 mm)
Width 76.9 in (1,953 mm)
Height 68.9 in (1,750 mm)

2008 model year

Chrysler debuted the 2008 model year Town & Country on August 16, 2007 at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show eliminating the short-wheelbase model. The minivans featured styling by Ralph Gilles, a six-speed automatic, a new 4.0 L V6 engine as standard on the Limited model and a system of second row seats that swiveled to face the third row marketed as Swivel'n Go seating. A small table, which stored in the bins below the floor, could be positioned between the two rear rows when they were facing each other. Much like its competitors, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, the Town & Country now featured power windows on the sliding doors and moved the gear shift from the steering column to the center console, in a higher position. Another new feature of this generation was an available rear overhead console which featured LED map lights as well as halo ambient lighting. A new DVD system was also available, which featured dual screens for the rear passengers. SIRIUS Backseat TV was also offered, which featured three channels of children's programming.

A version of this vehicle is sold in several export markets (Australia/South Africa/ Middle East/China/Singapore/Russia) as the Chrysler Grand Voyager . In Europe it is known as the Lancia Grand Voyager from the 2011 model year and up. Before 2011 it was sold as a Chrysler. Since 1991, the model has been sold in the Philippines under the Town and Country nameplate. In the European and Filipino markets, it is equipped with a 2.8L turbodiesel engine and 6-speed transmission as standard.

Production at the St. Louis plant ended in late 2008 in a bid to save money, but continues at Windsor Assembly in Ontario, Canada.[18][19]

Trim Levels

The Chrysler Town & Country is offered in many distinct trim levels:

The LX, from 2008-2010, served as the "base" Town & Country trim level. Standard features included a 3.3L V6 engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD player and a 4-speaker sound system, sixteen-inch (16") black-painted steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, stain-repellent cloth seating surfaces, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, carpeted floor mats, and Chrysler's Stow 'N' Go fold-in-floor seating system. The trim level, which was discontinued after 2010, was reintroduced for 2015, once again as the "base" Town & Country trim level. For 2015, it included a 3.6L "Pentastar" VVT V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a touch-screen sound system, a 6-speaker sound system, power-sliding rear doors and a power tailgate, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a security system.

The Touring has been the "midrange" Town & Country trim level since 2008. From 2008 to 2010, it added the following equipment to the base LX trim level: a 3.8L V6 engine, sixteen-inch (16") alloy wheels, an A/M-F/M stereo with CD/MP3 player and a 6-speaker sound system, a security system, second-row bucket seats, power-sliding rear doors and a power tailgate, and power second-row windows and third-row vent windows. Since 2011, it has included the following features (it was the "base" trim level from 2011 to 2014): a 3.6L "Pentastar" VVT V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a touch-screen sound system, power-sliding rear doors and a power tailgate, power second-row windows and third-row vent windows, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The S has been the "sporty" Town & Country trim level since 2014. It adds dark-finished alloy wheels, a darkened front grille, darkened front headlamps, and unique leather-trimmed seating surfaces to the midrange Touring trim level.

The Touring L has been the "upgraded" Town & Country trim level since 2012. It adds heated front bucket seats, a third-row DVD entertainment system screen, and upgraded eighteen-inch (18") alloy wheels to the midrange Touring trim level.

The Limited was the top-of-the-line Town & Country trim level from 2008 to 2014. From 2008 to 2010, it added the following features to the midrange Touring trim level: a 4.0L V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, a touch-screen sound system with rear DVD entertainment system, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a 9-speaker premium 506-watt surround-sound system with external amplifier and subwoofer, and chrome wheels. From 2011 to 2014, it added the following features to the midrange Touring trim level: a 9-speaker premium 506-watt surround-sound system with external amplifier and subwoofer, and upgraded interior trim. In 2015, the Limited Platinum replaced the Limited as the top-of-the-line Town & Country Trim level, and the standard upgraded premium surround-sound system was dropped from the standard equipment list.

The Limited Platinum has been the top-of-the-line Town & Country trim level since 2015. It adds the following features to the Limited trim level: special alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and a 9-speaker premium 506-watt surround-sound system with external amplifier and subwoofer.

For 2014, a 30th Anniversary Edition Town & Country was available to celebrate the minivan's 30th anniversary (Chrysler invented the term "minivan" in 1984, and the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan also received special treatment). It added special alloy wheels, special interior trim, and special '30th Anniversary 1984-2014' emblems to the exterior of the van.

For 2016, a 90th Anniversary Edition Town & Country was available to celebrate Chrysler's 90th anniversary (the company was founded in 1916). It added special interior trim and special '90th Anniversary Edition 1916-2016' emblems to the exterior of the van.

Engines

Model Displacement Type Valves Power Torque Power
@ rpm
Torque
@ rpm
Compression
Ratio
Transmission Fuel economy
(MPG)
Years
3.3 L V6[20] 3,301 cc (201.4 cu in) OHV 12 175 hp (130 kW) 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) 5,000 4,000 9.3:1 4-speed automatic 17/24 2008–2010
3.6 L V6[21] 3,600 cc (220 cu in) DOHC 24 283 hp (211 kW) 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) 6,400 4,400 10.0:1 6-speed 62TE automatic 17/25 2011–present
3.8 L V6[20] 3,778 cc (230.5 cu in) OHV 12 197 hp (147 kW) 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) 5,200 4,000 9.6:1 16/23 2008–2010
4.0 L V6[20] 3,952 cc (241.2 cu in) SOHC 12 251 hp (187 kW) 259 lb·ft (351 N·m) 6,000 4,100 10.2:1 17/25

Both the 3.8 L and 4.0 L engines were paired with Chrysler's 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission with variable line pressure (VLP) technology (See Ultradrive#62TE). This transmission is standard with the new (2011 on) 3.6 litre V6 engine.

Safety

In the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash testing, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country achieved a five star (top safety) rating in several categories.[22]

Frontal Impact - Driver and Passenger:
Side Impact Driver:
Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Rollover:
IIHS:[23]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Poor
Side impact Good
Roof strength (2012–present models) Good

Environmental impact

The 2.8 CRD 163 hp 6-speed automatic drive train was also tested by EcoTest and was given a rating of 45 out of 100 for environmental friendliness and star rating.[24]

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 Canadian, American and Mexican markets.

The Routan is manufactured at Windsor Assembly alongside the Grand Caravan, debuted in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and with sales beginning in autumn of 2008, and features neither Chrysler's Stow'n Go nor Swivel'n Go seating systems, but however, features the Easy Out Roller Seats.

2010 recall

On June 3, 2010 Chrysler recalled 284,831 MY 2008 and 2009 Town & Country vehicles due to an improperly routed wiring harness inside the sliding door. A similar recall also affected 15,902 MY 2010 Volkswagen Routan vehicles.

2011 model year

2011 Chrysler Town & Country (2010-)

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country received mid-cycle refreshes for the 2011 model year. Changes included restyled exterior and interior with all-new wing logo, standard SafetyTec™ (including Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection), improvement to the Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, a one-touch fold down feature for easier access to the third row, a new ‘super’ center console and technology, a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV™ which offers three channels of children’s programming, FLO TV featuring 20 channels of live programming, Pentastar V6 (283 hp) engine replacing previous 3.8-liter and 3.3-liter V-6 engines, six-speed automatic transmission, a new fuel economizer mode, a new instrument panel and instrument cluster, new Chrysler Brand steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; upgraded cloth and leather seating materials; new “soft touch” door trim, new heating and cooling control system. Other changes included retuned suspension with a larger front sway bar and new rear sway bar, increased rear roll center height, new spring rates, new steering gear, new front static camber setting, and lowered ride height; extra sound insulation, acoustic glass, new LED ambient lighting and center console, and new fog lights.

Canada models arrived in dealerships in the fourth quarter 2010.[25]

Production

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan was built at Chrysler Group LLC's Windsor Assembly Plant Windsor, Ontario, Canada starting on October 1, 2010.

2012 changes

For 2012, leather seating and a DVD rear-seat entertainment system were made standard on all Town & Country trim levels.[26] Cloth seating remained optional on the Touring trim in Canada, and standard on the Touring trim in Mexico. In Mexico, the "L" suffix on the Touring-L trim stood for leather.

Lancia Voyager (2011-)

The Lancia Voyager is a version of Chrysler Town & Country for European market, as a replacement of Lancia Phedra. Changes include removal of chrome bodyside molding. The vehicle went on sale in October 2011 across Europe.

Early Italy model includes Gold trim level, a choice of 2 engines (283 hp 3.6L Pentastar petrol, 163 hp 2.8L diesel), 6-speed automatic transmission, a choice of 4 body colours (Brilliant Black, Carbon Grey, Silver, Stone White), a choice of two interior colours (Black/Grey and Beige), ParkSense assisted parking system with the optional ParkView rear view camera integration, 17" diamond-cut alloy wheels, black roof racks, seats upholstered in high quality leather, audio controls on the steering wheel and gear lever knob, also leather-covered, ESP, 6 airbags, cruise control, fog lights, automatic headlights, active pedestrian protection, automatic three-zone climate control, 6-speaker radio with CD player, U-Connect hands-free system with I-pod/Mp3 system, heated door mirrors, side doors and tailgate with electric control.[27]

It remains the Chrysler Grand Voyager in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Asia, and Russia.

2013 model year

2013 Chrysler Town & Country update

Changes for the 2013 model year included optional Blu-Ray rear seat dual-screen DVD system, sharper-resolution rear-seat DVD screens for all models, a HDMI input for video game systems, two rear-seat USB ports for charging cell phones or MP3 players, standard Trailer Sway Damping, standard power folding mirrors on Limited and optional on Touring L models, new standard leather seating surfaces on Touring models, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design for Touring L models.

Early US models include Chrysler Town & Country Touring, Town & Country Touring L and Town & Country Limited.[28]

2013 Town & Country S

The Town & Country S was unveiled in 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show.[29] The model came equipped with a black chrome grille combined with black-background Chrysler Winged badges front and rear, a black rear fascia step pad, 'S' model badging, 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished face and black-painted pockets and blacked-out headlight bezels (delayed availability), Black Torino leather seats with an 'S' logo embroidered in the seat backs and black Ballistic cloth seat inserts, grey stitching at seats and door armrests, Piano Black gloss appliques at the instrument panel and on the spokes of the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, Chrysler Winged badge on the wheel matches the black background-look of the exterior badging, a black headliner and upper consoles, black center console and an 'S' logo in the instrument cluster, dual-screen Blu-Ray DVD system (HDMI input, two USB recharging ports, a 12v outlet and a 115v two-prong outlet), a performance suspension, and a choice of 4 body colors (Brilliant Black, Deep Cherry Red, Stone White or Billet Silver).

2013 Town & Country Tanya Moss edition

This van was a limited (150 units) version of 2013 Chrysler Town & Country for Mexico market, designed in collaboration with Mexican jewelry designer Tanya Moss.[30][31]

Production

The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan was built at Chrysler Group LLC's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

2014 model year

Daytime running lamps are now a standard feature on US models. Previously, they were only standard on Canadian and European models; US models required dealer activation.

2014 Chrysler Town & Country 30th Anniversary Edition, Town & Country S

The "30th Anniversary Edition" was a modified version of the Touring-L trim, commemorating 30th anniversary of Chrysler Town & Country. This trim level came equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished faces and painted satin carbon pockets, '30th Anniversary' badging, Black Alcantara seat inserts with Nappa seat bolsters, Piano Black steering wheel bezels and instrument panel trim, third-row power folding seats, touchscreen radio with 30th Anniversary splash screen, 30th Anniversary logo on the key fob, rear back up camera, choice of 8 body colours (exclusive Granite Crystal Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Cashmere Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat).[32][33][34]

The Town & Country S was carried over for the 2014 model year, which included a black chrome grille combined with black-background Chrysler Winged badges front and rear, a black rear fascia step pad, 'S' model badging, 17-inch aluminum wheels with polished face and black-painted pockets and blacked-out headlight bezels, Black Torino leather seats with an 'S' logo embroidered in the seat backs, black Ballistic cloth seat inserts, grey stitching; grey stitching at door armrests, piano black gloss appliques on the instrument panel and on the spokes of the black leather-wrapped steering wheel, Chrysler Winged badge on the wheel matches the black background-look of the exterior badging, a black headliner and upper consoles, black center console, an 'S' logo in the instrument cluster, dual-screen Blu-Ray system (HDMI input, two USB recharging ports, a 12-volt outlet and a 115v two-prong outlet, wireless headphones), and a performance suspension.

The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country was available in eight exterior colors: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat, Bright White Pearl Coat, Cashmere Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Crystal Pearl Coat, Maximum Steel Pearl Coat, Mocha Java Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat and Sapphire Crystal Metallic Clear Coat.[35]

Production

2014 Chrysler Town & Country was built in Chrysler Group LLC's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

2015 model year

For 2015, the LX model was reintroduced, now nearly identical to the Touring except for the lack of front fog lights and EVIC. Also introduced was a new Premium trim level for the Canadian market, including Alcantara and Nappa Leather faced seats, heated front and 2nd-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment.

The Limited was succeeded as the highest level trim by the Limited Platinum, which is near identical to the previous Limited save for a few changes. The Limited still continued production, although with a few standard features removed or made optional (such as HID headlamps) due to the Limited Platinum.

Production

2015 Chrysler Town & Country was built in FCA Canada Inc's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

2016 model year

All 2016 models are carryover from the 2015 model year.

Projector headlamps are now standard across all trim levels in the US except for fleet vehicles; halogen projector headlamps replaced the reflector headlamps used in previous model years, HID headlamps are optional on Touring-L and Limited, and are standard on Limited Platinum. The reflector headlamps are retained on the Dodge Caravan.

Town & Country 90th Anniversary Edition

The 90th Anniversary Edition is a variant of the Touring-L commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Chrysler company, adding several optional features as standard features including heated second row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power sunroof. Distinguishing features are special badging, a 90th Anniversary Edition radio splash screen, and special floor mats. This model went on sale alongside the 200 90th Anniversary Edition, based on the 200 Limited, and 300 90th Anniversary Edition based on the 300 Limited.

Production

2016 Chrysler Town & Country is currently being built in FCA Canada Inc's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Total sales

Calendar Year United States Canada Total
2007[36] 138,151 1,531 139,682
2008[37] 118,563 4,865 123,428
2009[38] 84,558 3,165 87,723
2010[39] 112,275 4,175 116,450
2011[40] 94,320 4,536 98,856
2012[41] 111,744 3,991[42] 115,735
2013[43] 122,288 8,425 130,713
2014[44] 138,040 8,944 146,984
2015[45] 93,848 9,001[46] 102,849

Trim levels

1990-1995 models came in a single unnamed trim level, from hereon referred to as "base."

Current

Former

Special Edition Trims

Seating innovation

Chrysler has regularly innovated new seating systems for their minivans, to enhance interior flexibility.

Quad command

Introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, Chrysler marketed 2nd row "captains chairs" as a substitute to the "partial bench" 2nd row seat.

Integrated child safety seats

In 1992 innovated a second row bench seat integrating two child booster seats. These seats have continued as an available option through Generation 5.

Easy-Out Roller Seats

In 1996, Chrysler introduced a system of seats to simplify installation, removal, and re-positioning marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats. When installed, the seats are latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lift each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks have locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks release the floor latches single handedly without tools and raise the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks are permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions are aligned, fascillitating the longitiudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.

When configured as two and three person benches (available through Generation IV), the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. Beginning in 2001, second and third row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third row three-person 50/50 split "bench" with each section weighing under 50 lbs. The Easy-out system remained in use through Generation V where certain models featured a two-person bench and the under-floor compartments from the Stow'n Go system.

The Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans, uses the Easy Out Roller Seats on its second row seating.

Stow'n Go seating

In 2005, Chrysler introduced a system of second and third row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments marketed as Stow 'n Go seating and exclusively available on long-wheelbase models.

In a development program costing $400 million,[47] engineers used an erector set to initially help visualize the complex interaction of the design[48] and redesigned underfloor components to accommodate the system including the spare tire well, fuel tank, exhaust system, parking brake cables, rear climate control lines, and the rear suspension.[48] 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 rows folded, the vans have a flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of 160.7 cubic feet (4,550 L).[47][49]

The Stow 'n Go system received Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" for 2005 award.[50]

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

It has been announced that the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system in the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will be improved, revised and renamed "Super Stow 'n Go" for the 2011 model year.

Swivel 'n Go

Chrysler introduced a seating system in 2008, marketed as Swivel'n Go. In the system, the two second row seats swivel to face the third row. A detachable table can be placed between the second and third row seats. Swivel'n Go is available with Stow 'n Go seating after 2008 models. The Swivel 'n Go system is offered on the Dodge Caravan, but not the Volkswagen Routan, a rebadged nameplate variant of the Chrysler minivans.

These Swivel 'n Go Seats were manufactured by Intier Corp. a division of Magna. The tracks, risers and swivel mechanisms are assembled by Camslide, a division of Intier. The swivel mechanism was designed by and is produced by Toyo Seat USA Corp.

The system is noted for its high strength. The entire load of the seat in the event of a crash is transferred through the swivel mechanism, which is almost twice as strong as the minimum government requirement.

The swivel mechanism includes bumpers that stabilize the seat while in the lock position. When rotated the seat come off these bumpers to allow easy rotation.

The seat is not meant to be left in an unlocked position or swiveled with the occupant in it, although this will not damage swivel mechanism.

Swivel 'n Go was dropped from the 2011 line of Chrysler and Dodge minivans due to a lack of consumer interest.[51]

Minivan production

Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans with Stow 'n Go & Swivel 'n Go seats are built in Windsor, Ontario.

Two plants have had the task of building the Town & Country, with Saint Louis Assembly building it from 1990 to 2001, and Windsor from 2001 to the present. As of May 2006, Windsor Assembly will be the lead producer of the RT, but will not fully take over until 2009 when they phase out current production of the Pacifica (CS). Saint Louis Assembly minivan plant was closed in October 2008 making Windsor the sole producer of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Taiwanese-market Town & Country minivans were 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. The most obvious difference is the front bumper, taillights, and headlights, which are shared with the European market Chrysler Grand Voyager. In 2008, production ended and the production line was relocated to China where Soueast continued to assemble it under the Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Grand Caravan nameplates until late 2010.

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 very similar to the North American Town & Country Model, but are sold as the Chrysler Grand Voyager.

The Town & Country is also marketed in Mexico, Venezuela, and from 2011 on, in Brazil, as it was previously sold there rebadged as the Chrysler Caravan.

Town & Country Plug-in hybrid

Chrysler Town & Country EV

In September 2008, Chrysler unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of the Town & Country along with similarly engineered 4-door Jeep Wrangler and a purely electric sports car. The Town & Country prototype had an all-electric range of 40-mile (64 km) before gasoline starts.[52] However, in November 2009 Fiat SpA disbanded Chrysler's ENVI electric car division and dropped these models from future product plans.[53]

A two-year demonstration program with 25 flexible-fuel plug-in minivans began in April 2012. The first Town and Country were delivered in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Charlotte, North Carolina. The US$26-million demonstration project is partially financed by a US$10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The plug-in hybrid minivans are equipped with an E85-compatible 3.6-liter Pentastar engine mated to a front-wheel-drive, with two-mode hybrid transmission. The plug-in hybrid is powered by a liquid-cooled 12.1 KWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a total output of 290 horsepower. The total vehicle range is 700 mi (1,100 km).[54][55]

A plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Chrysler minivan will be launched in the U.S. in 2016.[56]

Fire incident

In September 2012 Chrysler temporarily suspended the demonstration program. All 109 Dodge Ram 1500 Plug-in Hybrids and 23 Chrysler Town & Country plug-in hybrids deployed by the program were recalled due to damage sustained by three separate pickup trucks when their 12.9 kWh battery packs overheated. The carmaker plans to upgrade the battery packs with cells that use a different lithium-ion chemistry before the vehicles go back on service. Chrysler explained that no one was injured from any of the incidents, and the vehicles were not occupied at the time, nor any of the minivans were involved in any incident, but they were withdrawn as a precaution. The demonstration is a program jointly funded by Chrysler and the U.S. Department of Energy that includes the first-ever factory-produced vehicles capable of reverse power flow. The experimental system would allow fleet operators to use their plug-in hybrids to supply electricity for a building during a power outage, reduce power usage when electric rates are high or even sell electricity back to their utility company.[57] The company reported that the demonstration fleet had collectively accumulated 1.3 million miles (2.1 million km) before the vehicles were recalled. Chrysler also reported that the plug-in pickups delivered peak average fuel economy of 37.4 mpg-US (6.29 L/100 km; 44.9 mpg-imp), while the plug-in hybrid minivans delivered 55.0 mpg-US (4.28 L/100 km; 66.1 mpg-imp).[57]

Notes

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  5. "1990 Chrysler Showroom Brochure" pg. 20-21, retrieved on 2011–06–18.
  6. "1990 Chrysler Showroom Brochure" pg. 30, retrieved on 2011–06–18.
  7. Chrysler Sales Material "1990 Chrysler Sales Brochure", published by the Chrysler Motors Corporation
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  10. "NewsLibrary.com - newspaper archive, clipping service - newspapers and other news sources". Nl.newsbank.com. 1991-01-18. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
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References

External links

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