What Is It?
2005 Dodge and Chrysler Minivans
What's Special About It?
Chrysler has long been the leader in the minivan market, in fact it was Chrysler that pioneered the segment 20 years ago. But lately stellar entries from Honda, Toyota and even Mazda have diluted Chrysler's dominance of the lucrative minivan market. This segment is so important, some have speculated that it was minivan sales alone that prompted the DaimlerChrysler relationship. Either way, the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country for 2005 offer significant improvements over the 2004 versions.
So what's so big about these vans? I mean, they don't look noticeably different. The really big deal is the addition of the fold-flat third-row seats. Lots of customers are looking for a reason, any reason to choose the Dodge or Chrysler vans over the competition and the fold-flat seats are just the reason they've been looking for. Not only do the new 2005 vans have folding third-row seats, but the second row of seats fold flat as well. Touted as an industry first, the Chrysler vans offer what the carmaker calls "stow and go" seating. With seats that take no more than 30 seconds to completely fold, the vans also offer an easy-entry system that allows better access to the third row of seats — a longtime complaint of adult minivan passengers.
In addition to the added convenience of fold-flat seats, the new vans also offer a 16 percent quieter ride, and reduced wind noise thanks to triple door seals. To make the vans even more family-friendly, several new features are included. In the back, there are storage bins with lids and a vinyl-covered table, hard plastic second-row storage bins, a soft side cooler and a roadside safety kit for emergencies. Safety enhancements include turn signal mirrors, park distance sensors and a new seatbelt reminder system. The new minivans can also be had with Chrysler's Uconnect system that allows hands-free use of an existing cell phone.
What's Edmunds' Take?
This is just what the venerable Caravan (and Town and Country) needed — fold-flat seats and a host of other improvements that push this pioneering van back to the top of the heap. — Brian Moody
2005 Dodge and Chrysler Minivans
What's Special About It?
Chrysler has long been the leader in the minivan market, in fact it was Chrysler that pioneered the segment 20 years ago. But lately stellar entries from Honda, Toyota and even Mazda have diluted Chrysler's dominance of the lucrative minivan market. This segment is so important, some have speculated that it was minivan sales alone that prompted the DaimlerChrysler relationship. Either way, the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country for 2005 offer significant improvements over the 2004 versions.
So what's so big about these vans? I mean, they don't look noticeably different. The really big deal is the addition of the fold-flat third-row seats. Lots of customers are looking for a reason, any reason to choose the Dodge or Chrysler vans over the competition and the fold-flat seats are just the reason they've been looking for. Not only do the new 2005 vans have folding third-row seats, but the second row of seats fold flat as well. Touted as an industry first, the Chrysler vans offer what the carmaker calls "stow and go" seating. With seats that take no more than 30 seconds to completely fold, the vans also offer an easy-entry system that allows better access to the third row of seats — a longtime complaint of adult minivan passengers.
In addition to the added convenience of fold-flat seats, the new vans also offer a 16 percent quieter ride, and reduced wind noise thanks to triple door seals. To make the vans even more family-friendly, several new features are included. In the back, there are storage bins with lids and a vinyl-covered table, hard plastic second-row storage bins, a soft side cooler and a roadside safety kit for emergencies. Safety enhancements include turn signal mirrors, park distance sensors and a new seatbelt reminder system. The new minivans can also be had with Chrysler's Uconnect system that allows hands-free use of an existing cell phone.
What's Edmunds' Take?
This is just what the venerable Caravan (and Town and Country) needed — fold-flat seats and a host of other improvements that push this pioneering van back to the top of the heap. — Brian Moody
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