Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Minivan
Original Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile cargo and passenger transport
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna
Unique Selling Points:
Practicality, spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, powerful engine options for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for DIY mechanics and professional technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle effectively.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic and Manual), Drivetrain, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS and Standard), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Audio System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair, Suspension Component Replacement
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced (includes diagnostic trouble codes, component testing, and wiring diagrams)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Type Optional:
None (Manual transmission was discontinued in this generation for the US market)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent specification like Chrysler 7176E)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 out of 5 stars (1996-1997 models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 out of 5 stars (1996-1997 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for 1996 models)
ABS:
Standard or Optional depending on trim and model year
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear Seatbelts, Front Shoulder Belt Height Adjusters
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, optional premium sound systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors were an option on some later models, but not common.
Phone Integration:
No factory integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) with synthetic oil, or as per owner's manual recommendations based on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and service history.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (for most conditions)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Common Problems Powertrain:
Head gasket leaks on some V6 engines, transmission solenoid issues, potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
Common Problems Chassis:
Worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), front brake wear, potential for power steering leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures, dashboard instrument cluster issues, door lock actuator failures.
Common Problems Body:
Rust around wheel wells and rocker panels, issues with sliding door mechanisms.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time)
Generation Start:
Second generation debuted for the 1996 model year, introducing a significant redesign from the first generation.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country.
Production Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Market Presence:
One of the best-selling minivans in North America during its production run.
Consumer Guide Rankings:
Frequently rated as a recommended buy by automotive publications like Consumer Guide during its production.
Car And Driver Best 10:
While not a consistent recipient of top '10 Best' awards, it was recognized for its practicality and family-friendliness.
Emission Standards:
Meets prevailing Federal and California emission standards for its model years.
