Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan 2005+
The company that invented the minivan category 20 years ago is working its magic again.
With more than 10 million minivans sold and a segment-leading 38 percent market share, the Chrysler Group today revealed Stow ’n Go and even more minivan-first features on its new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan. The company’s new minivans will arrive in Chrysler and Dodge dealerships early next year.
Chrysler Group invested more than $400 million to create an all-new platform and bring its new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans to market in just 18 months.
“Stow ‘n Go represents yet another leapfrog for the Chrysler Group in the minivan market segment,” said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. “Stow ’n Go offers unmatched convenience, versatility, and storage. It gives customers the ability to easily fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor and conveniently store items. Stow ‘n Go is one of more than 15 new features and safety enhancements to look for on our new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans.”
With Stow ’n Go, owners of new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans will have the ability to fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor in as little as 30 seconds with a simple, one-hand operation. Stow ’n Go will be standard on the company’s highline long-wheelbase minivans which include the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow ’n Go will also be available on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.
“With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more,” said Zetsche. “At Chrysler Group, we take great pride in every single feature that we invent and every single minivan that we put on the road. Minivans are part of this company’s DNA and synonymous with the Chrysler Group.”
In addition to the segment’s only Stow ’n Go seating system, following is a complete list of available new features on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan:
SEATING AND STORAGE
256 Seating Configurations
New 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer up to 256 seating configurations
Minivan-First Stow ‘n Go Seating
Second-row bucket seats may be folded into the floor with virtually effortless one-hand operation. Third-row split bench (60/40) may be folded individually or in its entirety into the floor with same virtually effortless one-hand operation. With safe, smooth, integrated Stow ‘n Go seat operation, pinched fingers may be avoided. Headrests do not need to be removed before seats are folded into the floor
Secure, Covered Stow ‘n Go Storage
When second-row seats are in the upright position, two spacious storage bins are available. Second-row storage bins are equipped with integrated lids to keep items out of sight and securely tucked away. Both second- and third-row storage bins combined create an additional 12 cubic feet of space
Minivan-First Storage Bin Bags
Cargo net bags are standard and integrated into each storage bin, allowing for quick, easy removal of storage items
Minivan-First Super High Density (SHD) Foam Cushion Seating
Originally developed by NASA to improve seat comfort for astronauts, this foam cushion comfort technology is also used in high-end home and office furniture, aerospace, medical, and Tempur-Pedic® mattresses
Second-Row Seat Fore/Aft Adjusters and Reclining Seat Backs
Second-row seats move forward and back and offer 100 mm of seat travel. Second-row seat back reclines up to 40 degrees, offering 13 different positions from which to choose
Minivan-First Outboard Break-Away Cup Holders
If outboard second-row seat cup holders are left deployed as seats are folded into the floor, mechanism releases the cup holder and allows the seat to be folded into the floor, leaving the cup holder intact
Minivan-First Third-Row Easy Entry System
With a pull of a single strap, the second-row seat tumbles out of the way and allows for easy entry into the third row
Minivan-First Split-Bench Tailgate Seating
In split seconds, the third-row split bench (60/40) may be flipped, individually or in its entirety, completely rearward for convenient, comfortable tailgate seating complete with a weather shelter provided by the liftgate
Reclining Third-Row Seat
Third-row seat back reclines up to 39 degrees, offering 12 different positions from which to choose
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Three-Row Supplemental Side Curtain Air bags
Three-row, A-to-D pillar side curtain air bags provide full-length coverage for all rows of seats. The side curtain extends protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags have impact sensors, which trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs
Minivan-First Driver-side Inflatable Knee Blocker
The knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. It helps position the driver relative to the air bag and offers additional upper leg protection
Advanced Multi-stage Front Air Bags
Provides enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various deployment levels, based on the severity of an impact
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Determines the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag, based on the weight of the occupant
BeltAlert
Chrysler Group’s new enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up
Child Seat Anchor System
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) help ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats. In addition to second-row seats, this feature is now available in the third-row seating of the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan
Rear Park Assist
Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display
Minivan-First Standard Door Alert
Signal lights activate when power sliding doors or manual sliding doors are in operation, signaling occupants getting in or out of the vehicle. Feature is standard on all 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans (late availability)
EVEN MORE FEATURES
Minivan-First Factory-Installed UConnect™
Hands-Free Communication
Integrated into the vehicle’s electrical and audio system, wireless Bluetooth® technology links to the customer’s cell phone. Control buttons are intuitive and conveniently located on the rearview mirror
Minivan-First Movable/Removable Overhead Rail System
Includes overhead console with three movable/removable storage bins, rear temperature controls, and an optional DVD screen
Navigation System
Available as factory-installed or through Mopar®, this single DVD solution
With more than 10 million minivans sold and a segment-leading 38 percent market share, the Chrysler Group today revealed Stow ’n Go and even more minivan-first features on its new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan. The company’s new minivans will arrive in Chrysler and Dodge dealerships early next year.
Chrysler Group invested more than $400 million to create an all-new platform and bring its new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans to market in just 18 months.
“Stow ‘n Go represents yet another leapfrog for the Chrysler Group in the minivan market segment,” said Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. “Stow ’n Go offers unmatched convenience, versatility, and storage. It gives customers the ability to easily fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor and conveniently store items. Stow ‘n Go is one of more than 15 new features and safety enhancements to look for on our new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans.”
With Stow ’n Go, owners of new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans will have the ability to fold their second- and third-row seats into the floor in as little as 30 seconds with a simple, one-hand operation. Stow ’n Go will be standard on the company’s highline long-wheelbase minivans which include the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow ’n Go will also be available on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.
“With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more,” said Zetsche. “At Chrysler Group, we take great pride in every single feature that we invent and every single minivan that we put on the road. Minivans are part of this company’s DNA and synonymous with the Chrysler Group.”
In addition to the segment’s only Stow ’n Go seating system, following is a complete list of available new features on the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Dodge Grand Caravan:
SEATING AND STORAGE
256 Seating Configurations
New 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer up to 256 seating configurations
Minivan-First Stow ‘n Go Seating
Second-row bucket seats may be folded into the floor with virtually effortless one-hand operation. Third-row split bench (60/40) may be folded individually or in its entirety into the floor with same virtually effortless one-hand operation. With safe, smooth, integrated Stow ‘n Go seat operation, pinched fingers may be avoided. Headrests do not need to be removed before seats are folded into the floor
Secure, Covered Stow ‘n Go Storage
When second-row seats are in the upright position, two spacious storage bins are available. Second-row storage bins are equipped with integrated lids to keep items out of sight and securely tucked away. Both second- and third-row storage bins combined create an additional 12 cubic feet of space
Minivan-First Storage Bin Bags
Cargo net bags are standard and integrated into each storage bin, allowing for quick, easy removal of storage items
Minivan-First Super High Density (SHD) Foam Cushion Seating
Originally developed by NASA to improve seat comfort for astronauts, this foam cushion comfort technology is also used in high-end home and office furniture, aerospace, medical, and Tempur-Pedic® mattresses
Second-Row Seat Fore/Aft Adjusters and Reclining Seat Backs
Second-row seats move forward and back and offer 100 mm of seat travel. Second-row seat back reclines up to 40 degrees, offering 13 different positions from which to choose
Minivan-First Outboard Break-Away Cup Holders
If outboard second-row seat cup holders are left deployed as seats are folded into the floor, mechanism releases the cup holder and allows the seat to be folded into the floor, leaving the cup holder intact
Minivan-First Third-Row Easy Entry System
With a pull of a single strap, the second-row seat tumbles out of the way and allows for easy entry into the third row
Minivan-First Split-Bench Tailgate Seating
In split seconds, the third-row split bench (60/40) may be flipped, individually or in its entirety, completely rearward for convenient, comfortable tailgate seating complete with a weather shelter provided by the liftgate
Reclining Third-Row Seat
Third-row seat back reclines up to 39 degrees, offering 12 different positions from which to choose
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Three-Row Supplemental Side Curtain Air bags
Three-row, A-to-D pillar side curtain air bags provide full-length coverage for all rows of seats. The side curtain extends protection to all outboard passengers. Both side curtain air bags have impact sensors, which trigger the air bag on the side where impact occurs
Minivan-First Driver-side Inflatable Knee Blocker
The knee blocker inflates in conjunction with air bag deployment. It helps position the driver relative to the air bag and offers additional upper leg protection
Advanced Multi-stage Front Air Bags
Provides enhanced protection for a greater range of occupants at various deployment levels, based on the severity of an impact
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Determines the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag, based on the weight of the occupant
BeltAlert
Chrysler Group’s new enhanced seat belt reminder system. If a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted, the system will periodically activate a chime and illuminate a light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up
Child Seat Anchor System
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) help ease the installation of compatible aftermarket child seats. In addition to second-row seats, this feature is now available in the third-row seating of the new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan
Rear Park Assist
Rear obstacle detection system with audible warning and rear overhead display
Minivan-First Standard Door Alert
Signal lights activate when power sliding doors or manual sliding doors are in operation, signaling occupants getting in or out of the vehicle. Feature is standard on all 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans (late availability)
EVEN MORE FEATURES
Minivan-First Factory-Installed UConnect™
Hands-Free Communication
Integrated into the vehicle’s electrical and audio system, wireless Bluetooth® technology links to the customer’s cell phone. Control buttons are intuitive and conveniently located on the rearview mirror
Minivan-First Movable/Removable Overhead Rail System
Includes overhead console with three movable/removable storage bins, rear temperature controls, and an optional DVD screen
Navigation System
Available as factory-installed or through Mopar®, this single DVD solution
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Comments
1): Second row seats are NOT too low. Best is to provide a way of height adjustment. Second row of Ford's Freestar is too low.
2): All maintenance items are easy to access.
3): Try to remove rebate, thus the MSRP should be closed enough to the competitors.
4): All short base use 3.3 engine, and All long base use 3.8 engine.
Then it will perfect.
I do like the bins under the 2nd row seats as wlel as the additional safety equipment. Of course they have to work the engine. I'm not refering to horsepower but fuel efficiency. The current 3.8L is a gas guzzler compared to the Toyota 3.3.
But I must say nice job Chrysler! When will it be available?
I've been looking hard at ALL the vans out there right now, and at all their interesting features. Certain things are more important to me than others because of all the different ways that I use my vehicle.
Regarding the redesign of the interior of these vans, which looks like it outshines everything else out there. I have two specific questions that I wonder if anyone knows an accurate answer to.
1) Will AWD still be an option?
2) Where does the spare tire go? Or will it be a run-flat like an AWD Sienna?
With 3 big wells extending down below the floorboards,I suspect that there won't be room for a drive line and rear differential for the optional AWD. I mean they still have to fit a fuel tank down there. And IF there is a spare tire in some other nook or cranny then how could there be any room for AWD.
If anyone knows anything factual about this please let me know.
BTW something I'm less concerned about but still it looks curious to me in the pics... Is that 3rd row seat bottom really at the severe angle that it looks like? They will definitely take heat for that.
Thanks, Greg
The service manager at my local Chrysler dealership (where I purchased my first and last Chrysler vehicle), offered a sound piece of advice: "Never purchase the first year of a new Chrysler model, too many problems, and Chrysler is using you as the guinea pig to help them iron out the bugs.
BTW there's a 2004 Sienna sitting in my garage!
The outside views don't make it seem that the minivan is any taller. Thus any increase in floor pan thickness (due to being able to hide the second row seating) must come out of the interior floor - ceiling height or am I wrong here?
To me it seems that the floor pan area must be significantly "thicker" (deeper) with the hidden seat option.
Thanks
Don
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=07996049
I live in Canada where we have significant amounts of snow and ice for many months a year.
I've gotten stuck with my wife's 2001 Olds Alero which is FWD with low speed traction control yet have never gotten stuck in my 4WD Toyota 4Runner.
As I'm likely to be giving up the 4Runner I would want AWD to have at least one "foul" weather vehicle in the garage.
If a minivan is deemed appropriate then it's the Sienna AWD or possibly the new 2005 Honda Odyssey if it comes in an AWD version (although I prefer the Toyota 50/50 AWD system to the Honda's current 100/0 AWD system which varies the torque split and is basically FWD until slippage is detected {hopefully in time}).
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_passvans.htm#- 0102_02
At least they could offer a spare tire, unlike the Sienna AWD which offers no spare tire, but expensive and hard to find run-flat tires instead.
Also, Chrysler/Dodge minivans has the smallest mirrors than any minivan, and the biggest blind spot, since the mirrors are not close to the door. Just look on the new Toyota Sienna - X-large mirrors and very close to the door gives you an excellent view out. Who needs signal mirrors with tiny mirrors?
1. Windshield wiper de-icer (which is already copied by Toyota and Kia minivans);
2. Illuminated controls for power door locks / windows.
Can anybody confirm?
jchan2: I agree, even though the DC vans are rated "acceptable" by the IIHS, they should be getting "good" when all of the competition does. I am confident that the `05 models will garner "good" ratings from the IIHS and five stars from the NTSB/NHTSA.
The new Grand Caravan preview photos do not show the sunroof - the rails run all the way up to the overhead console. I am wondering if the T & C and higher end GCs will have a different configuartion.
Thanks in advance for any info.
The new Grand Caravan preview photos do not show the sunroof - the rails run all the way up to the overhead console. I am wondering if the T & C and higher end GCs will have a different configuartion.
Thanks in advance for any info.
~alpha
Other than that the only criticism is not having flat seats and middle seats don't slide back and forth. Can one say not a biggie on either?
All I can say is that I could not be happier with my Dodge Grand Caravan. Excellent car, excellent value.
This cost cutting and chasing lower price suppliers from one model year to another( NEVER MSRP cutting though) will drive the so called "Big 3" to the ground. How do you feel about driving a vehicle 70 miles an hour on the highway if you knew it was built with lowest price components where the suppliers are picked off the internet????
Last year, Honda built 187K Odysseys. Toyota built 120K Siennas in the US. All discontending does,is making Honda and Toyota stand out as better and better choices. I have no problem with Chrysler vans. I loved ours. Ours had 130K miles with no tranny problems ever when we sold it this week. We sold it because the kids are driving no and my wife no longer wanted to drive a van. We got a RX300 for now. Whenever I am ready to buy a van again, Chrysler will be my first choice. If I sense the cheap feel and look, that would be the end of Chrysler vans for me. I owe it to our old reliable van to look at Chrysler vans first.
Winshield deicer and sliding door tracks right under rear panel glass were such a clever Chrysler designs. It is sad if the deicer is discontinued for Chrysler, and see that Toyota is offering it in 2004, 8 years after Chrysler first did.
Joe
I find it astonishing that DaimlerChrysler would drop such useful features after having them for 10+ years. If I had discovered this before purchase (I never thought about taking a test-drive at night), it probably would not have been a deal-breaker. But DaimlerChrysler saved pennies at the expense of my brand loyalty.
Does the 2004 T&C have these two illumination features? What about 2005 Caravan and T&C?
I sure hope they will offer the moonroof/sunroof together with the overhead rail system.