Chrysler · 1995–2002

Chrysler minivans

The third-generation Chrysler minivans are a series of passenger minivans that were marketed by the Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler) from the 1996 to 2000 model years. The first ground-up redesign of the model lines since their introduction, designers added a further degree of divisional identity between the Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country. In a notable change, the cargo van was discontinued, with all examples sold as passenger vans. Coinciding with the retirement of the Plymouth brand during 2001, this is the final generation marketed as the Plymouth Voyager. Designated the Chrysler NS platform, the third-generation minivans grew substantially in size, with standard-length vans becoming only 4 inches shorter in length than the previous "Grand" vans. Though following the introduction of the Ford Windstar by nearly exactly a year, the NS Chrysler minivans saw their form factor adopted nearly universally by the minivan segment in North America. In addition to its chief competitors Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna, the model line configuration was adopted by the Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Pontiac (Trans Sport) Montana, and the Mercury Villager/Nissan Quest. Alongside its use of front-wheel drive and three-row seating, the NS vans introduced a driver-side sliding door (previously seen only in compact MPVs in North America). In line with the first and second-generation minivans, the third-generation minivans were assembled at Windsor Assembly in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with additional production sourced from Saint Louis (South) Assembly in Fenton, Missouri. To supplement exports from the United States, production of the Chrysler Voyager was sourced from Graz, Austria (in the Eurostar joint venture factory between Chrysler and Steyr-Daimler-Puch).

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Development

Development of the NS platform minivans commenced in 1990; with a team led by Tom Gale and Chris Theodore, design work (by Don Renkert) was approved in September 1991 with a design freeze in May 1992. In addition to becoming the first all-new Chrysler minivan in a decade, the third-generation vans were also a response to the development of a front-wheel drive replacement for the Ford Aerostar (unveiled in 1994 as the 1995 Ford Windstar). While the S/AS-platform vans did not share direct structural underpinnings with the Chrysler K-Cars, in contrast to their predecessors, the NS vans were the first generation designed from the ground up as a minivan. They were of the first Chrysler vehicles designed with CATIA, which allowed for much tighter design tolerances. In its effort to design the third-generation minivans, Chrysler benchmarked the vehicle from various sources of data, using customer input, warranty data, and research based on various other minivans (the Ford Aerostar, Mercury Villager, and Toyota Previa). During its market research, Chrysler sought owner feedback on adding a $300 driver-side sliding door option from minivan owners, with 85% of participants answering that they would buy the van with the second sliding door, even as an extra-cost option. Ironically, the feature had been planned for the first-generation minivans, but was removed in 1980 due to concerns over additional tooling costs. Alongside a sliding door feature, several designs underwent consideration for the floor layout. Initially, a lower floor height was considered (research feedback felt that the step-in height was too high), but was rejected as it jeopardized the higher driving position sought by buyers. Chrysler approved a compromise between the two for final production, retaining the sam

Model overview

=== Chassis === The third-generation Chrysler minivans use the Chrysler NS platform designation. Using a completely new unibody chassis, the NS platform uses a 113.3 inch wheelbase for standard-wheelbase vans (1.3 inches longer) and a 119.3 inch wheelbase for long-wheelbase vans (same as 1994-1995 AS-platform vans). Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain configuration with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The suspension of the NS platform is a modified version of the previous two generations. In front, the use of MacPherson struts continued, with leaf springs and a beam axle in the rear. During its development, a number of suspension configurations were considered, including a 4-wheel double wishbone layout. Rear leaf springs were retained largely in an effort to provide an ideal handling balance with a load in addition to maximize interior load space. In a major modification, the front track width was widened three inches, allowing for lower mounting of the engine and transaxle, reduction in turning radius, and a lower cowl height. Front-wheel drive vans had front-wheel disc brakes and rear drum brakes. From 1997, all-wheel drive vans were fitted with four-wheel disc brakes. Powertrains. For 1996, the Chrysler minivans received the first new four-cylinder engine in the powertrain line since 1987, with the introduction of a 2.4L engine (shared with the JA-platform cars). While smaller in displacement than its 2.5L predecessor, the 150 hp engine nearly matched the 3.0L V6 in both output and fuel economy. In states that did not observe California emission standards, the Mitsubishi 3.0L V6 was the standard V6 option. In those that followed California emissions standards, the Chrysler 3.3L V6 was the standard V6 option. In the Dodge Caravan ES and Chrysler Town &

Marketing variations

Introduced in March 1995 for the 1996 model year, the third-generation Chrysler minivans were marketed by the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth divisions, with the return of the Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country. In a change from the previous two generations, to better distinguish its three divisions, the Plymouth Voyager was marketed as an entry-level minivan, with the Dodge Caravan slotted between the Voyager and the Chrysler Town & Country. As before, the Voyager and Caravan were produced in standard and extended-length (Grand) configurations, with the Town & Country introducing a standard-length configuration for the first time. For the first time, all Chrysler minivans were passenger vans, as the Dodge Caravan C/V cargo van was discontinued. Chrysler Town & Country. Again positioned as the flagship of the Chrysler minivans, the third-generation Chrysler Town & Country underwent an extensive revision of its model range. For the first time, a short-wheelbase body was offered, along with multiple trim levels. As part of the redesign, the model line saw its long-running simulated woodgrain trim (dating to 1965) deleted in favor of body color moldings with chrome exterior trim. In another change, the Chrysler crystal Pentastar hood ornament was replaced by a medallion-style Chrysler grille badge. Replacing the LE-trim Voyager/Grand Voyager (in the United States), the base trim was LX (short-wheelbase, SX for 1997–1999) with LXi serving as the top-level trim. In 1997, the driver-side sliding door became standard on the Town & Country (1996 examples produced without one are very rare). For 1998, the Town & Country underwent a mid-cycle revision to further differentiate it from its Dodge and Plymouth counterparts, centered around the introduction of

Easy Out Roller Seats

In 1996, Chrysler introduced a system of seats to facilitate installation, removal, and re-positioning. Marketed as Easy-Out Roller Seats, the system remained in use throughout the NS generation. When installed, the seats are latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lift each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks have locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks release the floor latches single-handedly without tools and raise the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks are permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions are aligned, facilitating the longitudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter. When configured as two- and three-person benches, the Easy Out Roller Seats could be unwieldy. In subsequent generations of the Chrysler minivans, beginning in 2001, second and third-row seats became available in a 'quad' configuration – bucket or captain chairs in the second row and a third-row three-person 50/50 split "bench" — with each section weighing under 50 lb (23 kg).

Alternative-fuel vehicles

In 1999, Dodge introduced the Caravan EPIC, a fully electric minivan. The EPIC was powered by 28 12-volt NiMH batteries and was capable of traveling up to 80 miles (130 km) on a single charge. The EPIC was sold as a fleet-only lease vehicle. Production of the EPIC was discontinued in 2001. Only a few hundred of these vehicles were produced and sold. After the leases expired they were returned and crushed. Approximately 10 vans remain in private hands today.

Concept vehicles

In 1999, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of Chrysler minivan production, Chrysler unveiled three concept minivans, largely intended to further advance the divisional styling and design of each vehicle. Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler Pacifica, derived from the Chrysler Town & Country, was given an exterior and interior restyling. Similar to a full-size conversion van, the Pacifica was given a raised roof for increased headroom, with a full-length skylight. In a 2+2+2 seating layout, the Pacifica was fitted with power-operated middle-row seats (with power-operated footrests). The exterior adapted design elements of the flagship Chrysler LHS sedan, including a (smaller) version of its grille and modified versions of its headlamps. From 2004 to 2008, the Chrysler Pacifica nameplate saw use on a production vehicle, as a CUV derived from the Grand Caravan/Town & Country. For 2017, the Pacifica nameplate was again revived, used on the current generation of Chrysler-division minivans. Dodge Caravan R/T. As a follow-up to the 1996 Dodge Caravan ESS, the 1999 Dodge Caravan R/T replaced the 3.8L V6 with the 3.5L V6 of the Chrysler 300M, increasing output to 253 hp, paired with the 4-speed AutoStick transmission. The Dodge Caravan adapted several styling elements from the Dodge Viper RT/10, including hood scoops (carried directly over from the Viper), and a redesigned lower fascia that shifted the Dodge "crosshair" grille into the lower bumper (with the addition of foglamps from the Viper). The interior featured a performance-oriented theme, with brushed aluminum trim for the trim and door panels, with black leather seats and racing-style pedals. From 2011 to 2016, Dodge produced the Grand Caravan R/T as an trim variant, though the option was largely cosmetic. Plymouth Voyage

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Chrysler minivans (NS)
Manufacturer: Chrysler Corporation (1996–1998), DaimlerChrysler (1998–2000)
aka: Dodge Caravan, Dodge Ram Van (Netherlands), Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB), Plymouth Grand Voyager (LWB), Chrysler Grand Voyager (LWB), Chrysler Caravan, Chrysler Grand Caravan, 3-Star Grand Caravan (China)
Production: January 30, 1995–2000, 1995–2002 (China)
Model years: 1996–2000, 1996–2002 (China)
Assembly: St. Louis, Missouri, United States, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Graz, Austria (Eurostar), Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China (3-Star CKD)
Designer: Don Renkert (1991)
Body style: 3-door and 4-door minivan
Platform: Chrysler NS platform
Layout: Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Engine: Gasoline:, 2.0 L A588 SOHC I4, 2.0 L ECC DOHC I4, 2.4 L EDZ I4, 3.0 L 6G72 V6, 3.3 L EGA V6 (gasoline/E85), 3.8 L EGH V6, Diesel:, 2.5 L VM425 TD I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual (outside North America), 3-speed 31TH automatic, 3-speed A670 automatic, 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase: SWB: 113.3 in, LWB: 119.3 in
Length: SWB: 186.3 in, LWB FWD: 199.6 in, LWB AWD: 199.7 in
Width: 76.8 in
Height: 68.5 in, FWD: 68.7 in
Kerb weight: 3528 lb, 3680 lb (Grand Caravan)
Predecessor: Chrysler minivans (AS)
Successor: Chrysler minivans (RS)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30599122CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_minivans_(NS)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1369323192 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysler_Voyager_front_20080108.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Rudolf Stricker · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.