Minivans
Sample Chrysler minivans down through the ages.
Chrysler Minivans
The introduction of the Chrysler minivans went unchallenged for several years. By the time competitors jumped in, Chrysler had expanded its grip on the market, introducing extended wheelbase and a Chrysler Town & Country model later on.
The new segment was welcomed by consumers who had grown tired of the traditional station wagon, the mainstay family car choice for decades until the minivan came along. The station wagon served its purpose, but young families of the 1980s were ready to embrace something different, but as long as it had sufficient passenger carrying capacity and storage space.
Chrysler’s minivans had both, built on its K-car chassis and powered by its front wheels. Initially powered by a 2.2-liter four with five-speed manual transmission standard and 3-speed automatic optional, these vehicles were light and fairly slow. Optionally, a Mitsubishi 2.6-liter four was available, offering a slight boost in power, but at the expense of fuel economy.
Competing Models
Chrysler immediately found and maintained a huge sales edge in the segment with its minivans quickly becoming its bread and butter vehicles. Though the K-Car models helped to save Chrysler in the early part of the decade, by the late 1980s, the minivans became the de facto face of the company. For years, well after competitors jumped in, Chrysler sold more minivans than its competitors combined.
Today, one of the models is usually the sales leader although Toyota and Honda have routinely challenged for top honors. Combined, the Chrysler and Dodge minivans still outsell the competition, in a segment that has shrunken considerably as shoppers consider crossover SUVs as the family vehicle of choice.
The following is an overview of the minivans currently sold in North America, with links to detailed information about each model:
Chrysler Town & Country — The T&C arrived in 1990, well after its Dodge and Plymouth cousins had sewn up the market. Today’s model represents the top of the line minivan sold by Chrysler, with such amenities available as nappa leather, third-row power vented windows and a heated steering wheel.
Dodge Grand Caravan — With a sticker price $7,000 below the T&C, the Grand Caravan is positioned to appeal to budget minded shopper. It also is available as a cargo van. The same 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission found in the Chrysler powers this model too.
Honda Odyssey — Honda arrived to the minivan game late, in the mid-1990s, but along with Toyota has one of the top-rated models on the market. And pricey too — most Odysseys cost at least $35,000, with some fetching much more.
Kia Sedona — Now in its second generation, the Kia Sedona has worked to rid itself of its cheap materials and substandard workmanship. This model is clearly better than the original. The Sedona appeals to the budget-minded people hauler shopper.
Nissan Quest — Nissan has found it difficult to compete in a market dominated by Toyota, Honda and the Chrysler minivans. Still, the automaker soldiers on with a model that is one of the most expensive on the market.
Toyota Sienna — Along with the Odyssey, the Toyota Sienna has managed to set itself as the segment’s quality leader. Sales aren’t bad too as buyers are just as likely to consider this model as they would the others.
Volkswagen Routan — If you can’t join ‘em, then borrow one. That’s Volkswagen’s position in this segment, harnessing Chrysler to sell its own model. Look for this arrangement to end in a few years as Volkswagen finally returns to the market with a van of its own.
Retired Models
The competitive minivan segment has seen models come and models go. The Ford Motor Company and GM tried mightily to compete, but eventually abandoned the segment. Other manufacturers with a temporary presence include Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
Although crossover SUVs have pinched the segment, no one seems ready to abandon it. Minivans still serve a purpose, although today’s longer, wider, heavier and more powerful models are closer to being a maxivan than a minivan.
2012 Model Overviews & Specs
Dodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler Town & Country
Honda Odyssey
Kia Sedona
Mazda Mazda5
Nissan Quest
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Routan
