A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| Chrysler Town & Country | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation (1990–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2014) FCA US LLC (2014–2016) |
| Production | 1989–2016 |
| Model years | 1990–2016 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minivan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988) |
| Successor | Chrysler Pacifica |
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that was manufactured and marketed by Chrysler from 1990 to the 2016 model years. The third Chrysler minivan introduced in North America, the Town & Country adopted its nameplate from the flagship Chrysler station wagon line, adopting its exterior woodgrain trim as a design feature for several generations.
Marketed as the flagship of the Chrysler minivan line, five generations of the Town & Country were slotted above the extended-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager. For 2017, Chrysler retired the nameplate, with sixth-generation Chrysler-division minivans becoming the Chrysler Pacifica.[1][2] After the 2016 model year, Chrysler marked the sale of its 12 millionth minivan (under all three nameplates).[3] Produced almost continuously for 75 years (with the exception of World War II and 1989), the Town & Country nameplate is the longest-produced Chrysler; its longevity is second only to the Chevrolet Suburban in worldwide automotive history.
Chrysler assembled the first three generations of the model line in its Saint Louis Assembly facility (Fenton, Missouri). The fourth and fifth-generation Town & Country were produced by Chrysler Canada by Windsor Assembly (Windsor, Ontario).
First generation (1990)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | Spring 1989–1990 |
| Model years | 1990 |
| Assembly | Fenton, Missouri, United States (St. Louis North Assembly Plant) |
| 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 |
|
| 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) |
The Chrysler Town & Country minivan was introduced as a minivan in the spring of 1989 as an early 1990 model. Originally slated for a 1989 model-year release,[4] the nameplate had been placed on hiatus for the first time since 1945 as Chrysler discontinued station wagon production after the 1988 model year. Having sold the line as one of its flagship vehicles (similar to the New Yorker and Imperial until the end of the 1970s), Chrysler sought to continue the name for a minivan (as the vehicles replaced full-size station wagons across multiple premium brands). Though its 1980s namesake was a station wagon counterpart of the Chrysler LeBaron sedan, a Town & Country minivan was benchmarked as the equivalent of the largest Chrysler sedans, including the 1989-1990 New Yorker Landau and Fifth Avenue.[5]
The 1990 Chrysler Town & Country used the Chrysler S platform, sharing its bodyshell with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Grand Voyager. Alongside its role of securing higher-profit sales, another objective behind the development of the model line (introduced roughly 18 months before the release of its successor) was to repurpose pre-manufactured long-wheelbase bodies already slated to be sold by Dodge and Plymouth.[citation needed] To minimize any potential tooling costs of a distinct nameplate, the Town & Country was distinguished from its counterparts with relatively few changes.
Initially offered solely in white, black was added as an optional color in June 1989;[6] all versions were produced with a tan interior.[5] Retaining its traditional exterior (simulated) wood trim (from LE-trim Voyagers/Caravans), the model line was styled with a largely monochrome exterior (with body-color bumpers and side mirrors). While the grille was designed specifically for the Town & Country (adopting the Chrysler lettering from the export Voyager), the 15-inch wheels were shared with the Voyager LX (painted white), with the lower body cladding shared with the Caravan ES (slightly extended to compensate for the longer wheelbase). Shared with the New Yorker and Fifth Avenue, the Town & Country received a crystal Chrysler Pentastar hood ornament.
The interior was trimmed with leather seats and leather door panels (adopting a more contemporary design than Chrysler sedans[5]), along with upgraded wood trim. In contrast to LE-trim Dodge and Plymouth minivans, the Town & Country was equipped with effectively every feature, including power windows and locks, seven-passenger seating, roof luggage rack, and front and rear air conditioning; the Infinity sound system was shared with the Imperial.[5]
In total, Chrysler produced 1,789 examples in 1989 and 3,615 during 1990.[7][better source needed]
Engines
When launched, the Town & Country was originally fitted with the Mitsubishi-produced 6G72 3.0L V6, producing 142hp; these vehicles were certified as 1989 vehicles by the EPA.[8] For 1990 production, the Chrysler-produced 3.3L V6 replaced it, increasing output to 150hp;[9] this engine was shared with the Dodge Dynasty, Chrysler New Yorker, and Chrysler Imperial.
Both engines were paired solely with a 4-speed "Ultradrive" automatic transmission.[10]
- 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 142 hp (106 kW), 173 lb⋅ft (235 N⋅m)
- 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (110 kW), 180 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m) (after July 1989)
Second generation (1991–1995)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | September 1990–1995 |
| Model years | 1991–1995 |
| Assembly | Fenton, Missouri, United States (St. Louis North Assembly Plant) |
| 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) |
Introduced in November 1990, the second-generation Town & Country minivan adopted the Chrysler AS platform, using the 119-inch wheelbase of the Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager. Sharing only the front doors and side door with its 1990 predecessor, the chassis underwent extensive upgrades. As with the previous generation, the Town & Country was structurally unrelated with the Chrysler K-Cars (discontinued for 1991), but shared powertrain commonality with its AC/AY-platform derivatives (Chrysler New Yorker/Fifth Avenue/Imperial and Dodge Dynasty).
In contrast to the Caravan and Voyager, the Town & Country was sold in a single trim level with few distinct options; no short-wheelbase version was offered. In addition to its waterfall grille and crystal Pentastar (similar to the New Yorker), the Town & Country shared its headlights and taillight clusters with the Voyager. In line with the previous generation, the exterior was styled with monochrome paint (including matching side mirrors and body cladding) and model-specific alloy wheels. Moving beyond the limited-production status of previous generation, Chrysler offered a variety of exterior of colors, keeping the woodgrain trim standard.
The interior was fitted with standard leather trim (similar to the Chrysler Imperial), woodgrain dashboard/door trim (replacing black trim) and a standard digital instrument cluster (including a tachometer).[11] In a change from the previous generation, the dashboard was fitted with a glovebox. The second row of seats was offered in two configurations; a bench seat was standard, with "Quad Command" second-row bucket seats offered as an option for the Town & Country (and the highest-trim Voyager/Caravan); for 1992, the latter design was made standard.[11] Though Chrysler introduced integrated child safety seats for 1992, the feature was designed only with bench seats, precluding its fitment with the Town & Country.
Introduced as an option when the model was launched, the Town & Country (and its Caravan/Voyager counterparts) was the first minivan sold with a driver-side airbag;[12] for 1992, the driver airbag was made standard. Though technically a light truck, the model line adopted 3-point seatbelts for each outboard seating position.
Engines
- 1991–1993: 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (110 kW), 180 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m)
- 1994–1995: 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW), 213 lb⋅ft (289 N⋅m)
Year-to-year changes
- 1991: Second-generation Chrysler Town & Country minivan is introduced with improved aerodynamics, fit and finish, and upgraded interior controls. 1991 vehicles are distinguished by door handle design (shared with the previous generation). Only year for optional airbag and standard 2nd-row bench seat.
- 1992: Driver-side airbag and "quad command" rear seats made standard; all-wheel drive introduced as optional feature. Door handles redesigned (larger, better-integrated design). For the first time, Chrysler offers an exterior woodgrain trim delete option for the Town & Country, replaced by a monochrome exterior with a gold pinstripe; new gold-color alloy wheels were introduced.
- 1993: There were several interior revisions. On the exterior, a stainless steel exhaust system and new available wheel designs greeted buyers for 1993.
- 1994: For a mid-cycle revision, the dashboard underwent a design, introducing dual airbags; to meet 1998 side-impact standards, the front doors and sliding door were fitted with internal impact beams.[13] Woodgrain-delete vans were fitted with body-color grilles (with some vehicles deleting all chrome).[13] The 3.3L V6 was replaced by a larger-displacement 3.8L V6 (from the 5th Avenue/Imperial). .
- 1995: Largely carryover in a shortened final year. In a safety change, the keyless-entry remote was revised. To prevent an accidental opening of the rear liftgate, a user now had to press the release button within five seconds.
Third generation (1996–2000)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | January 30, 1995–2000 |
| Model years | 1996–2000 |
| Assembly | Fenton, Missouri, United States (St. Louis South Assembly Plant) |
| 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) |
Introduced at the beginning of 1995, the third-generation Town & Country debuted the all-new Chrysler NS platform, marking the most extensive redesign of the Chrysler minivans since their 1984 release. Adopting cab-forward design to a minivan format, Chrysler sought a design that maximized interior space and visibility.[14] Alongside its Dodge and Plymouth counterparts, the 1996 Town & Country introduced several features to the segment, including a driver-side sliding door, and rear seats mounted on deployable wheels (Easy Out Roller Seats). In a break from tradition, the 1996 Town & Country was no longer offered with simulated woodgrain exterior trim (offered either as an option or as standard since 1965). The hood ornament was deleted; in place of the crystal Pentastar, the model line debuted a grille-mounted Chrysler "blue ribbon" emblem (revived from the mid-1930s).
Sharing its bodyshell with the Caravan and Voyager, the Town & Country was styled with a largely monochrome appearance, with chrome limited to body moldings, wheels, and the grille (the only Chrysler NS minivan with a chrome grille). To match the Town & Country against smaller competitors, Chrysler introduced a version of the model line using the standard 113-inch wheelbase (non-"Grand") body. In a major change, the rear liftgate was fitted with an external release handle (unlatched separately from being unlocked)
Distinguished primarily by its woodgrain trim, the interior of the Town & Country shared its dashboard with both the Caravan and Voyager; the digital instrument cluster was retired in favor of analog instruments.
Car and Driver included the Town & Country on their Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. 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.
Trim
For the third generation of the model line, Chrysler expanded the Town & Country several distinct trim levels. To allow Chrysler to compete against smaller minivans (including the Oldsmobile Silhouette and Mercury Villager), the company introduced a shorter-length version (adopting the body of the Caravan/Voyager, not the Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager).
For 1996, the previous-generation Town & Country was designated as the LXi trim, again featuring leather and wood interior trim, 8-way adjustable front seats. A base-trim long-wheelbase was introduced; largely replacing the Plymouth Grand Voyager LE, the model was fitted with cloth trim and standard bench seats (allowing for integrated child safety seats as an option). The short-wheelbase LX trim replaced the Plymouth Voyager LX, featuring the same feature content as the base-trim model.
For 1997, the trim range was revised, with the base LWB model becoming the LX and the previous LX renamed the SX (denoting its shorter-wheelbase status). With the exception of engines (SX and LX used a 3.3L V6; a 3.8L V6 for LXi, optional on AWD LX vans), the LX and SX shared optional equipment standardized on the premium LXi.[15]
For 1999, the Limited was introduced, becoming the flagship minivan trim above the LXi. In addition to chrome wheels and door handles, the Limited was fitted with a distinct design for a third-row seat (with individual outer seatbacks).[16]
Engines
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.
- 1996–2000: 3.3 L EGA V6, 158 hp (118 kW), 203 lb⋅ft (275 N⋅m)
- 1996–1997: 3.8 L EGH V6, 166 hp (124 kW), 227 lb⋅ft (308 N⋅m)
- 1998–2000: 3.8 L EGH V6, 180 hp (130 kW), 240 lb⋅ft (330 N⋅m)
Year-to-year changes
1996
- Third-generation Town & Country introduced, retiring woodgrain exterior trim and Pentastar hood ornament. Model line expanded into SWB LX (replacing Plymouth Voyager LX), base model (replacing Grand Voyager LE), and LXi (successor to previous Town & Country). Driver-side sliding door introduced as new optional feature, with rear bench "Easy Out Bench Seats" using deployable rollers for removal.
- The base model's engine becomes the 2.4L DACT with 150 horsepower.
- Optional sliding rear passenger doors.
1997
- Trim revised to SWB SX, LWB LX and LXi. Driver-side sliding door made standard equipment (on Town & Country). All-wheel drive returned as an option, with front-wheel drive vehicles receiving optional low-speed traction control (standard on LXi).[15]
1998
- Mid-cycle revision for exterior introduced. The new front bumper received an enlarged black eggcrate grille, with the Chrysler "blue-ribbon" badge trimmed with chrome wings; the headlamps were enlarged, paired with round foglamps. The interior underwent several revisions, including new upholstery for SX and LX trims. The dashboard was revised in design slightly, updating several HVAC vents.
1999
- Flagship Limited trim introduced, slotted above LXi; externally distinguished by additional chrome trim, the Limited interior is fitted with suede/leather seats and trim and a fold-down console for the third-row seat.[16] The middle row bench seat began to be phased out in the model line; an optional integrated child seat was introduced for second-row bucket seats.[16]
2000
- The short-wheelbase SX was discontinued, shifting the model line entirely to the long-wheelbase "Grand" bodyshell. Coinciding with the retirement of Plymouth during the 2000 model year, Chrysler adopted the Voyager under its own brand in the latter part of the model year, offering it only in a short-wheelbase configuration.
Fourth generation (2001–2007)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Chrysler Voyager (Europe and SWB from 2001–2004) Chrysler Grand Voyager (Europe LWB) |
| Production | 2000 – July 2007 |
| Model years | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Windsor Assembly) (LWB) St. Louis, Missouri, United States (St. Louis South Assembly Plant) (SWB) Fujian, China 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) |
The fourth-generation Town & Country went on sale in January 2000 as a 2001 model. It was redesigned using the Chrysler RS platform and initially available only in long-wheelbase (LWB) form.[17]
Chrysler's short-wheelbase minivan was marketed using the Voyager nameplate, which had been transferred to the Chrysler line in mid-2000 when the Plymouth brand was discontinued. After 2003, the Voyager nameplate was dropped and the short-wheelbase (SWB) versions were once again part of the Town & Country lineup.[17]
Trim levels for 2001 were carried over from the previous generation.[17] They included the entry-level LX, mid-level LXi, and the range-topping Limited. By 2002, extra feature packed eL and eX models were added. These were value-priced versions of the LX and LXi, respectively, that included the most popular option packages.[18]
The 2004 model year included a new unnamed base short-wheelbase model. The LX, LXi, and Limited were the Canadian trim levels, but only the LXi and Limited were sold to retail consumers. The lowest level LX was restricted to fleet sales.[citation needed]
The 2005 Town & Country received a mid-cycle refresh including revised exterior styling and a mildly restyled interior. The most significant change was the introduction of Stow'n Go, a system of second and third-row seating that folded completely into under-floor compartments. The redesigned 2nd- and 3rd-row seats also meant the elimination of the all-wheel drive system. The Stow'n Go system was prominently featured in this model's marketing campaign.
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.[19] 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2007 | 3.3 L (3301 cc, 201.5 cu in) EGA V6 | 180 hp (130 kW) at 5000 rpm | 210 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 to 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:[20]