Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, Fleet Operators
Key Competitors 2000:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Trans Sport/Oldsmobile Silhouette, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Mercury Villager
Seating Capacity:
Up to 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration
Storage:
Flexible seating arrangements (e.g., Stow 'n Go in later models, but foldable/removable in 2000), ample cargo volume
Door Configuration:
Sliding rear passenger doors (driver and passenger sides), rear liftgate
Engine:
3.3L OHV V6 (EGA), 3.8L OHV V6 (EGH)
Transmission:
42LE Automatic Transmission
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum; ABS System
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Torsion Beam Axle
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Fuses and Relays, Wiring Diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Body:
Interior and Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim
Exhaust:
Exhaust System Components and Repair
Fuel:
Fuel Delivery System, Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump
Cooling:
Cooling System, Radiator, Water Pump
Emissions:
Emissions Control Systems and Diagnosis
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Tire Rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
ECM/PCM Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Calibration:
Instrument Cluster Calibration, ABS Sensor Calibration (if applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Scope:
Full Workshop Level Coverage
Digital Format:
Likely PDF with searchable text and high-resolution images/diagrams
Illustrations:
Clear, detailed diagrams and schematics
Text Clarity:
Legible text, easy-to-follow instructions
Physical Manual:
If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability
Physical Manual:
If printed: Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for workshop environments
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
Approximately 197.1 inches (5006 mm)
Width:
Approximately 72.5 inches (1841 mm)
Height:
Approximately 68.2 inches (1732 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 4,180 lbs (1896 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 4,370 lbs (1982 kg) depending on engine and trim
Max Cargo Volume:
Approximately 150.1 cu ft (4.25 m³)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side Impact:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific NHTSA reports for 2000 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side Impact:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific NHTSA reports for 2000 model year)
IIHS Offset Frontal Impact:
Information varies; generally considered good for its class at the time.
ABS:
Standard on most trims (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional side-impact airbags in some configurations
Seatbelts:
All seating positions equipped with three-point seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette and/or CD Player, optional premium audio systems
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional factory-installed rear-seat video system (VHS or early DVD based)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum-tipped)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or as per severe service recommendations
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or SAE 10W-30 for temperatures below 0°F/-18°C)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change for 3.3L; 5.0 Quarts (4.7 Liters) for 3.8L
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent antifreeze/coolant
Transmission:
Intermittent shifting issues, solenoid pack failures, torque converter problems in the 42LE transmission.
Ignition:
Coil pack failure, spark plug blow-out (especially on 3.3L engine)
Power Steering:
Leaking power steering pump or hoses.
Body:
Rust accumulation, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, A/C compressor issues.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager in 1984. The Town & Country nameplate has been used for upscale versions of these minivans.
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) - 1996-2000
Major Updates Ns:
Updated styling, improved safety features, new engine options over its lifecycle.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Model Year Range:
1990-2016 (continuously updated generations)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Chrysler minivans frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list during this era, highlighting their segment leadership.
Consumer Reports:
Reviews from Consumer Reports for this model year would typically cover reliability, performance, and owner satisfaction, often highlighting strengths in practicality and space.
