2005 and 2006 Changes to the Chrysler - Dodge Minivan Family
New: intensive review!
New: 2008 Caravan/Town & Country upcoming changes!
Engine choices for 2005-2007 remained the same as in 2004 models, except for export models - but they have gained a surprisingly strong power boost. The 3.3 went to 180 horsepower with 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8 went to 215 horsepower - with 245 lb-ft of torque (this was modified to 207 horsepower in 2006 and 200 horsepower in 2007). Gas mileage has also increased - 19/26 for the 3.3, 18/25 for the 3.8 (in 2008-equivalent numbers this is 17/24 and 16/23). This brought the Chrysler minivans back up to the top of the engine pile for a year or two.
Export versions got a new diesel engine, now with an optional automatic. The new 2.8 CRD engine delivered 110 Kw (150 bhp) of power at 3,800 rpm and best-in-class torque figures of 360 Nm (266 lb.-ft.) at a low 2,100 rpm. The new 2.8-liter engine returned less than 9 liters per 100 km, meeting or beating its lower displacement competitors. Chrysler engineers paid particular attention to "launchability," the rapid take off from standstill. The accelerator pedal also features a kickdown detent that allows the driver to actively control the downshift of the transmission and the vehicle's acceleration at higher speed (a feature known to TorqueFlite users).
For 2007, there were few changes, but the notable one is probably due to a change in measurement systems (from a new SAE standardization that affected all automakers). The 3.3 engine dropped down to 170 hp, and the 3.8L dropped to 200 hp.
The Plymouth Voyager's final incarnation as the Chrysler Voyager was finally put to death - at least, in the United States. But the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country remain, built alongside the Chrysler Pacifica (and apparently atop the same chassis), while the Chrysler Voyager is still sold overseas.
Intensive review with more photos - click here
Key features of the 2005 vans include rapid stowing of second and third row seats into the floor with one-handed operation (available on long-wheelbase vans) that does not require headrests to be removed or cupholders to be folded in; spacious storage bins with integrated lids in the back rows; cargo nets integrated into the storage bins; new high density cushions; for-aft adjusters and reclining seat backs for second row seats; single-pull easy access to the rearmost seats; split-bench rearmost seats; and reclining third-row seats.
Safety has been advanced with three-row side curtain airbags covering all seats, driver-side inflatable knee-blocker, multistage front airbags, automatic deactivation of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant's weight, LATCH system car seat anchors in both rear rows, rear obstacle detection system, and signal lights to show when the sliding doors are being used.
Other options include a moveable / removable overhead rail system with storage bins, DVD screen, and rear temperature controls; UConnect; and navigation system.
For 2006, the second-row storage bin covers were given a tri-fold access panel that allows easier access to the covered storage bins and doesn't require moving the front driver or passenger seat forward.
The down-side of these and prior minis was the cost-cutting binge, which insiders tell us was caused by a team of youngsters who are no longer given power to do such things. Many have complained about the loss of windshield-wiper de-icers and backlighting for the headlight switch panel and door switches.
Noise and vibration reduction
State-of-the-art technology is used to ensure quietness in all seating positions for 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans. By combining computer simulation techniques with vehicle testing in Chrysler's state-of-the-art Auburn Hills wind tunnel and on environmental four-post shakers, Chrysler Group engineers were able to create the quietest minivans in the marketplace. Some changes for 2005 models include:
- Robotically applied liquid spray dampener technology to prevent noise from entering the passenger compartment. The damping treatment is applied to the floor, toe-pan, cowl, and roof panel.
Chrysler conducted a survey to gauge response to Stow 'n Go. Participants had the opportunity to compare Stow 'n Go against every competitor in the market. Overall, Stow 'n Go scored six times higher than seating systems in Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In the category of flexibility, Stow 'n Go scored eight times higher than Honda Odyssey and four and one-half times higher than Toyota Sienna. And in the category of purchase consideration, Stow 'n Go scored 50 percent higher than Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
