Target Demographic:
Families, individuals requiring flexible cargo and passenger space.
Primary Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Vans, Mercury Villager.
Flexible Seating:
Known for its Stow 'n Go or similar innovative seating arrangements (though Stow 'n Go debuted later, the GS platform offered ample interior flexibility).
Powertrain Options:
Reliable V6 engines providing ample power for hauling and towing.
Comfort And Convenience:
Emphasis on passenger comfort, ride quality, and convenience features for family use.
Market Coverage:
North America (USA, Canada)
Region Specific:
Primarily US specifications, adaptable for Canadian market with minor regulatory notes.
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Subtype:
Repair and Diagnostic Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (3.3L, 3.8L V6), Transmission (4-speed automatic), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, disc/drum)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and component replacements to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, and advanced electronic diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers diagnostic procedures utilizing the OBD-II system and likely Mopar-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., DRB III).
Engine Code 1:
EGA (3.3L V6 SOHC)
Displacement 1:
3301 cc (201.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 1:
93.0 mm x 81.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.19 in)
Compression Ratio 1:
9.0:1
Horsepower 1:
158 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
EGH (3.8L V6 OHV)
Displacement 2:
3778 cc (230.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 2:
96.0 mm x 86.0 mm (3.78 in x 3.39 in)
Compression Ratio 2:
8.5:1
Horsepower 2:
166 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
218 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) controlling fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Identifier:
41TE / 42LE
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Performance/Overdrive Off).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.4 quarts (7.9 liters) for dry fill, 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for refill.
Length:
195.5 inches (4966 mm)
Width:
72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Wheelbase:
119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 150.4 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 34.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded:
Approx. 75.7 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4000-4300 lbs (1814-1950 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5800-6000 lbs (2630-2722 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good (NHTSA rating for similar era vehicles)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (NHTSA rating for similar era vehicles)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (IIHS rating for similar era vehicles)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional (often integrated with ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in second row seating.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player options. Upgraded Infinity sound systems available on higher trims.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional overhead or in-dash video monitors with wireless headphones were available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Rear park assist sensors were an optional feature.
Keyless Entry:
Available as an option, often with remote keyless entry.
Power Sliding Doors:
A signature convenience feature, often optional or standard on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specifics.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as specified in the manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (conventional vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type 3.3L:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Engine Oil Type 3.8L:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769.
Transmission Issues:
Potential for torque converter shudder, internal seal failures, and solenoid pack issues in the 41TE/42LE transmission. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Engine Misfires:
Common causes include faulty ignition coils, spark plug wires (on some models), and fuel injector issues, especially on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering wander and premature tire wear.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window motors and regulators is a common complaint across this generation of Chrysler minivans.
Heater Core Leaks:
The heater core is located within the dashboard, making replacement labor-intensive and a common point of failure leading to coolant leaks and fogged windows.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager in 1984. The Town & Country represented the premium offering.
Gs Generation:
The GS platform represented the second generation of Chrysler's minivans, launched for the 1996 model year. It featured a significant redesign over the previous RS platform.
Year 2000 Updates:
For the 2000 model year, the GS platform saw minor refinements, often including updated styling cues, interior features, and powertrain optimizations based on previous years' feedback.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Period:
1996-2000 (GS Platform)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager (closely related) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, establishing the platform's reputation.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted its utility and comfort but noted average to below-average reliability in certain areas, particularly transmission and electrical systems.
Emisiones Compliance:
Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) emission standards for the model year.
