Introduction
Chrysler introduced the minivan to American buyers in 1983, and despite today's much more competitive field, it is still the leading seller, with this, the third-generation, version. Main rivals now are the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, with its domestic competition coming from the Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey, and the GM family.
Last year, while most minivan competitors were being thoroughly redesigned or treated to bumper-to-bumper freshenings, Chrysler Corp. invested its limited budget in a revised platform that accommodates the company's exclusive Stow 'n Go seating, which allows the second- and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor without removing the headrests. The gamble has played off well in sales, with the Dodge Caravan still leading the category, though ground has been lost in technology, powertrain, and refinement to newer vehicles. Both the Caravan and Town & Country received this update for 2005, and the fraternal twins carry over for 2006 with only minor detail changes.... Read full article