A company that has marketed a far-reaching production in various countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Taiwan and the U.S., Chrysler has earned their repuation for the best-selling minivans in the United States.
Completely eradicating the negative image that America held regarding family transportation, Chrysler reformed the idea of usable space for passengers and cargo.
Marketed by DaimlerChrysler, the Chrysler Town and Country was introduced in 1990. The vehicle was meant to be a companion to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.
The Chrysler Town and Country is one of the first-ever luxury minivans.
Using the Chryler S platform that was closely related to the K-cars, the original Town & Country minivan came standard with an electronically four-speed automatic transmission
The Chrysler AS Platform was used from 1991 until 1995 in the Town and Country.
In 1991 the 'Quad Command' bucket seats were made standard on the Town and Country. Anti-lock brakes were available in 1991 and intregrated child safety seats were installed in 1992. The Town and Country became the first minivan that met 1998 U.S. federal Safety standards.
More than 11 million Chrysler Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold since production began in the fall of 1983.
Marking the twentieth anniversary, the Platinum Series Town & Country was released.
For 1996 and 1997, the Town & Country was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list.
In 1997 an available option was permanent all-wheel drive on long-wheelbase minivans. All-wheel drive models received 4-wheel disc brakes. Becoming standard on all 1997 Town & Countries was the rear driver's side sliding door.
The lineup for 97 included two long wheelbase modes: the LX and LXi, and a short-wheelbase SX model.
In 2000 the short wheelbase minivan was dropped. Leaving only extended wheelbase models, these models seated seven and had sliding doors on each side.
The following year, Town and Country minivans utilized the Chrysler RS platform.
The newly designed 2007 and 2008 models are expected to be redesigned by Ralph Gilles. Gilles is aclaimed for his work on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Production is expected to commence at Windsor Assembly.
By Jessica Donaldson
