New Chrysler and Dodge Minivans

Chrysler invented the minivan back in 1983 and has seen a lot of competition from foreign rivals. Still Chrysler and Dodge minivans have retained their top spot on the podium, and they don’t intend to give it up. Tom LaSorda, with help from TV chef Bobby Flay, donned an apron at the launch of the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and called the vehicles Chrysler’s “bread and butter”.

There’s a lot to be excited about. Many innovative new features have found their way into the minivans over the years and this fifth generation intends to pick up right where the last one left off. There are 35 new or improved features on what Chrysler like to call a “family room on wheels”, including three distinct seating positions and storage systems.

The newest addition is the new ‘swivel and go’ seating system which offers a second row of seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. A table can then be placed between the two rows. This system also features storage bins integrated in both the floor of the second row (covered) and on either side of the third row, which can also fold flat into the floor via a one touch power down button, another industry first.

The large center console slides forward and aft and can accommodate anything from laptops to DVDs, which can prove particularly useful considering the dual DVD multimedia entertainment system which is capable of playing different media at the same time.

Both the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will be offered in five models with three distinct seating and storage systems and three powertrains, including a minivan-first six-speed transaxle.