Chrysler Town and Country |
|---|
|
| Topic Navigation |
|---|
|
Wikipedia: Chrysler Town and Country
Page Sections History Reference Desk Photographs Documents Article Index |
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Chrysler Town and Country page on 9 August 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a luxury passenger minivan manufactured and marketed by Chrysler, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. It was 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.
The Town & Country will be discontinued for the 2017 model year in favor of the Chrysler Pacifica. As of July 2016, the Chrysler Town & Country has been removed from Chrysler's website in the United States.
Generation I (1990)
Originally planned to be introduced as a 1989 model, 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Generation II (1991–1995)
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.
Generation III (1996–2000)
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. 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.
Generation IV (2001–2007)
The Town & Country was redesigned for the 2001 model year, using the Chrysler RS platform and initially only available in long-wheelbase (LWB) form. 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.
Trim levels for 2001 were carried over from the previous generation. 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. 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. 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.
Generation V (2008–2016)
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.
Reference Desk
The Crittenden Automotive Library's "Reference Desk" is a collection of materials that cannot be shared due to copyright restrictions. Information from these resources, however, can be shared. Go to the Reference Desk page for more information.
| Type | Title |
|---|---|
2002  Book | Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager & Chrysler Town & Country 1996 thru 2002 Haynes Repair Manual by L. Alan LeDoux and John H. Haynes; Haynes |
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| classified date 1994 | On-Site Air Bag Investigation 1995 Chrysler Town and Country, 5-door minivan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |  PDF - 13.0MB - 188 pages |
| classified date 1996 | In-Depth Accident Investigation 1996 Chrysler Town & Country National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.2MB - 105 pages |
| September 1998 | Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study 1998 Chrysler Town And Country National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 551KB - 10 pages |
| August 1999 | Remote Crash Investigation of an Adaptive Control Vehicle Vehicle - 1996 Chrysler Town and Country/IMS Conversion National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 248KB - 10 pages |
| December 2000 | On-Site Advanced Occupant Protection System Investigation Vehicle: 2001 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 272KB - 11 pages |
| classified date 2001 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 1998 Chrysler Town & Country LXi, 4-door minivan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.7MB - 103 pages |
| November 2001 | Remote Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle 2001 Chrysler Town and Country Minivan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 474KB - 16 pages |
| November 2004 | Calspan On-Site Child Safety Seat Crash Investigation Century Convertible Child Safety Seat Vehicle: 2004 Chrysler Town & Country National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 241KB - 17 pages |
| December 2006 | Remote Not In Transport Surveillance Back Over Investigation 1997 Chrysler Town and Country Van National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2,187KB - 27 pages |
| March 2007 | On-Site Not-in-Traffic Surveillance Back Over Investigation Vehicle - 2001 Chrysler Town & Country National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,583KB - 20 pages |
| 8 April 2008 | Federal-Mogul Corporation: Part 573.6 Notitication From: Glen Parker, Federal Mogul Corporation To: Recall Management Division, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 323KB - 3 pages |
| 8 April 2008 | NHTSA Recall 08E033000 Carquest K7147, Carquest K7329, MasterPro K8683, Moog K7147, Moog K7329, One Source K8683, Parts Depot K8683, Parts Master K8683, Treadsaver K8683, TRW 104353, 1984 Chrysler E Class, 1984-1986 Chrysler Laser, 1984-1990 Chrysler LeBaron, 1984-1988 Chrysler New Yorker, 2001-2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 1989-1990 Chrysler TC, 1990 Chrysler Town and Country, 1984-1988 Dodge 600, 1984-1989 Dodge Aries, 1984-1990 Dodge Caravan, 1984-1987 Dodge Charger, 1984-1990 Dodge Daytona, 1988-1990 Dodge Grand Caravan, 1985-1989 Dodge Lancer, 1984-1988 Dodge Mini Ram Van, 2000-2005 Dodge Neon, 1984-1990 Dodge Omni, 1984 Dodge Rampage, 1987-1990 Dodge Shadow, 1989-1990 Dodge Spirit, 1995-2000 Ford Contour, 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, 1995-2000 Mercury Mystique, 1989-1990 Plymouth Acclaim, 1985-1988 Plymouth Caravelle, 1988-1990 Plymouth Grand Voyager, 1984-1990 Plymouth Horizon, 2000-2001 Plymouth Neon, 1984-1989 Plymouth Reliant, 1987-1990 Plymouth Sundance, 1985 Plymouth Turismo, 1984-1990 Plymouth Voyager SuspensionNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 24 April 2008 | Ball Joint Recall Attachment A Ball Joint Affected Date Codes and Applications Federal Mogul NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 57KB - 1 page |
| 2 May 2008 | Campaign #08E-033 From: Joe Stephan, Federal-Mogul Corporation To: Distributors NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 70KB - 2 pages |
| 5 May 2008 | Aftermarket Ball Joint Assemblies From: George H. Person, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Glen Parker, Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 121KB - 3 pages |
| 21 July 2008 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 51KB - 1 page |
| October 2008 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 14KB - 1 page |
| January 2009 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 28KB - 1 page |
| 4 February 2009 | From: George H. Person, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: Glen Parker, Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 43KB - 1 page |
| April 2009 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 25KB - 1 page |
| July 2009 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 36KB - 1 page |
| July 2009 | On-Site Not in Traffic Surveillance Back Over Investigation Vehicle - 2000 Chrysler Town & Country Limited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3,774KB - 26 pages |
| October 2009 | Equipment Safety Recall Quarterly Report Information Federal Mogul Corporation NHTSA Recall 08E033000 | PDF - 43KB - 1 page |
| April 2010 | Calspan On-Site Child Restraint System Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2001 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,132KB - 19 pages |
| 23 November 2010 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 126: Electronic Stability Control Systems 2010 Chrysler Town and Country National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 6.8MB - 65 pages |
| 2011 | SAFETY RECALL L33: ENGINE BLOCK DEBRIS Chrysler Group, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 24KB - 1 page |
| 7 June 2011 | NHTSA Recall 11V315000 2011 Chrysler 200, 2011 Chrysler Town & Country, 2011 Dodge Avenger, 2011 Dodge Caliber, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2011 Dodge Journey, 2011 Dodge Nitro, 2011 Jeep Compass, 2011 Jeep Liberty, 2011 Jeep Patriot, 2011 Jeep Wrangler National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 7 June 2011 | Updated Defect Information Report for Chrysler Group LLC From: David D. Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 340KB - 4 pages |
| 14 June 2011 | Steering Column From: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: David Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 26KB - 3 pages |
| 28 June 2011 | NHTSA Identification Number 11V-315 From: David D. Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 26KB - 1 page |
| 28 June 2011 | Safety Recall L23: Steering Column Pivot Rivets From: David D. Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 234KB - 2 pages |
| July 2011 | Safety Recall L23: Steering Column Pivot Rivets Chrysler Group, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 3.7MB - 11 pages |
| 26 September 2011 | NHTSA Recall 11V487000 2012 Chrysler 200, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, 2012 Dodge Charger, 2012 Dodge Durango, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2012 Dodge Journey, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 26 September 2011 | From: David Dillon, Chrysler To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 107KB - 4 pages |
| 29 September 2011 | Rod Bearing Failure From: Ric Willard, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: David Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 27KB - 3 pages |
| 7 October 2011 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 9/30/11 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 56KB - 3 pages |
| November 2011 | Safety Recall L33 - Engine Block Debris Chrysler Group, LLC NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 4.5MB - 41 pages |
| 17 November 2011 | NHTSA Identification Number 11 V-487 From: David Dillon, Chrysler To: Claude Harris, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 18KB - 1 page |
| 6 January 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 12/31/11 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 85KB - 2 pages |
| 6 January 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 12/31/11 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 85KB - 2 pages |
| 2 April 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 3/31/12 From: David D. Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 38KB - 2 pages |
| 4 April 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 3/31/12 From: David Dillon, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 38KB - 2 pages |
| 6 July 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 6/30/12 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 105KB - 2 pages |
| 6 July 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 6/30/12 From: David D. Dillon, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 104KB - 2 pages |
| 5 October 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 9/30/12 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 39KB - 2 pages |
| 5 October 2012 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 9/30/12 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 39KB - 2 pages |
| 7 January 2013 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 12/31/12 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 1.1MB - 2 pages |
| 7 January 2013 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 12/31/12 From: David R. Bernier, Chrysler Group, LLC To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V315000 | PDF - 1.1MB - 2 pages |
| 18 April 2013 | RECALL QUARTERLY REPORT -- QUARTER ENDING 3/31/13 From: Kristin J. Kolodge, Chrysler To: Nancy Lummen Lewis, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 11V487000 | PDF - 44KB - 2 pages |
| Date | Article | Author/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10 February 1997 | NHTSA CONTINUES TO MONITOR CHRYSLER HATCH LATCH REPLACEMENT RATES IN OLDER VEHICLES | NHTSA |
| 15 November 2007 | Chrysler Receives Award For Town Country | Anthony Fontanelle |
| January 2011 | EPA and Chrysler to Jointly Design and Evaluate a Hydraulic Hybrid Minivan | U.S. EPA |
| 26 June 2013 | Chrysler Group, LLC, Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance | Federal Register: NHTSA (Claude H. Harris) |
| 20 March 2015 | NHTSA Safety Complaint 10695558: 2009 Chrysler Town & Country | anonymous |
| 8 April 2015 | Denial of Motor Vehicle Defect Petition, DP14-002 | Frank S. Borris II |
