2000 Plymouth Voyager (no driver-side sliding door) Overview Manufacturer Also called Dodge Caravan Plymouth Voyager Chrysler Voyager Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB) Plymouth Grand Voyager (LWB) Chrysler Grand Voyager (LWB) Chrysler Caravan (Brazil) Chrysler Grand Caravan (Brazil) 3-Star Grand Caravan (China) Production January 30, 1995–2000 1995–2002 (China) 1996–2000 1996–2002 (China) Assembly, Austria , China (CKD) Don Renkert (1991) Body and chassis 3-door and 4-door / Powertrain. Contents. Development Development of the NS platform minivans commenced in 1990; with a team lead by 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 (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. One of the first Chrysler vehicles designed with, 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 was planned for the first-generation minivans, but was removed in 1980 due to concerns over additional tooling costs. Alongside the sliding door, 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. For production, a compromise design was approved, retaining the same floor height as the previous generation eased into lower door sills. In addition to preserving the higher driving position, the floor design allowed the fitment of all-wheel drive without major modification, larger wheels and tires, CNG tanks, and batteries for electric vehicles.
While the V6 powertrains of the previous-generation platform were retained, during the development of the NS platform, several configurations underwent configuration. To improve the body structure, a mid-engine powertrain (in line with the ) was initially considered, but was rejected for cost and complexity considerations. A transition to a longitudinal-mounted powertrain (to simplify V6 engine access and all-wheel drive configuration) underwent strong consideration; the transverse layout was chosen in order to reduce overall length. In an extensive shift from the boxy design of the first two generations, the body adopted, shifting the dashboard and windshield forward. In contrast to the controversial styling of the GM APV minivans, the roof was moved upward (nearly 3 inches) and the cowl moved lower, allowing for a less radical windshield angle. To move the base of the windshield back several inches (to further improve visibility), Chrysler designed the windshield wiper module/lower windshield cowl to be removable (allowing for improved engine bay access).
In total, the development of the NS platform would cost Chrysler Corporation $2.8 billion dollars (approximately $4.6 billion in 2017 dollars ), the most costly vehicle ever developed by Chrysler at the time. 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 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 150hp engine nearly matched the 3.0L V6 in both output and fuel economy. In states that did not observe, 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 & Country LXi, the 3.8L V6 was standard. In 1999, the 3.8L V6 became optional on the Plymouth Voyager Expresso; in Canada, the 2.4L engine was dropped, with the 3.0L V6 becoming the standard engine. In the United States and Canada, a manual transmission was no longer available, with a 3-speed automatic fitted to the 2.4L and 3.0L engines. The 3.3L and 3.8L engines were fitted with a 4-speed automatic. For the first time, export vehicles were fitted with different powertrains, with the standard engine being a SOHC 2.0L engine with an optional DOHC 2.0L engine (from the Neon); a VM Motori 2.5L inline-4 was offered, becoming the first diesel Chrysler minivan. All three engines were offered with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
In addition to the four-cylinder engines, export vehicles were offered the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines offered in American-market minivans. AWD models were not sold in the.
2000 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Chrysler Town & Country Again positioned as the flagship of the Chrysler minivans, the third-generation marked a major expansion of the Town & Country model range, from one model to three. For the first time, a short-wheelbase configuration was offered (LX for 1996, SX for 1997-1999). The previously-standard long-wheelbase configuration was offered in two trim levels (LX and LXi).
The short-wheelbase LX and SX models replaced the Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager LX. In a shift from the simulated woodgrain trim of the previous generation, the Town & Country was distinguished by chrome exterior moldings. Unique features for the Town & Country include pre-programmed driver's seat and mirror, standard leather interior, 8-way power adjustable front seats, with cassette/CD player. Marking the retirement of the Chrysler crystal Pentastar hood ornament, the Town & Country adopted the Chrysler medallion badge. As part of a 1998 mid-cycle exterior revision, the front fascia underwent a revision, replacing the waterfall grille with a black eggcrate grille and a winged version of the Chrysler ribboned badge. In 1997, the driver-side sliding door became standard on the Town & Country (1996 examples produced without one are very rare). For 1999, the middle-row bench seat configuration was deleted in favor of rear bucket seats.
2001 Chrysler Grand Voyager LE (RHD) Chrysler Voyager (export) Outside the United States and Canada, Chrysler exported the third-generation minivans to a number of global markets under the Chrysler (Grand) Voyager nameplate. Using the body and interior of the Dodge Caravan, the Voyager was produced by Saint Louis Assembly in Fenton, Missouri and by Eurostar in Graz, Austria.
For the first time, right-hand drive configurations were produced, allowing wide sales of the Chrysler Voyager in Australia and the United Kingdom. Alongside the 3.0L, 3.3L, and 3.8L V6 engines of domestic-market minivans, the Chrysler Voyager was produced with 2.0L 4-cylinder engines shared with the Neon, along with a 2.5L diesel engine. Along with automatic transmissions, a 5-speed manual transmission was offered (the only third-generation Chrysler minivan produced with a manual transmission). In Brazil, Chrysler minivans were offered under the Chrysler Caravan nameplate, using Dodge Caravan bodyshells. 1996 Dodge Caravan (no driver-side sliding door) Dodge Caravan In a break from its predecessors, the third-generation Dodge Caravan was marketed distinctly from the Plymouth Voyager.
Replacing its role as the Dodge counterpart of the Voyager, the Caravan was remarketed to serve as the mid-range model of the Chrysler minivan product line. In contrast to the chrome trim moldings of the Chrysler Town & Country, base, SE and LE trims shared gray moldings with the Voyager with model-specific front bumpers; the ES trim and vans equipped with the Sport package featured body-colored moldings. As with the AS-platform vans, 7-passenger seating was offered on the Dodge Caravan, regardless of body length. In 1999, the driver-side sliding door became an option on all versions of the Caravan. For 1999, the Dodge Caravan ES was equipped with an for its automatic transmission, a first for a minivan.
In contrast to previous uses (the Eagle Vision TSi and the Plymouth Prowler), the Caravan ES placed the system selector on the end of the column-mounted shifter. Plymouth Grand Voyager SE Plymouth Voyager In an effort to reposition the Plymouth division during the mid-1990s, Chrysler sought to focus the Plymouth brand on entry-level vehicles. In place of serving as a direct counterpart of the Dodge Caravan, the third-generation Plymouth Voyager became the entry-level Chrysler minivan. In a major change, for the first time, the Voyager and Caravan visually differed from one another. Along with a dark gray eggcrate grille (a body-colored grille became optional starting with model year 1998), the Voyager adopted matte gray bumpers across all trim levels along with matte gray side moldings. Voyagers featured unique front bumpers not shared with other models and did not come with fog lights in all trim levels. 1996 marked the introduction of the Plymouth 'sailboat' grille emblem; examples produced before calendar 1996 were produced with the Chrysler Pentastar, with latter vehicles bearing the sailboat emblem.
A Rallye option package (carried from the previous generation) was available on the SE trim. For 1998, the Rallye trim was renamed Expresso. 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, 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 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 hoodscoops (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 Voyager XG Derived from the Plymouth Voyager, the Plymouth Voyager XG was a four-seat minivan geared towards active lifestyles of younger drivers. Externally similar to the standard Voyager, the XG was distinguished by its 17-inch wheels (shared with the Plymouth Prowler), and body-color bumpers and grille.
The interior was given a full-length retractable fabric sunroof, with a large removable storage pod placed behind the seats. The Voyager XG featured the powertrain of the export-market Chrysler Voyager, with a 2.5L diesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Awards The new minivans earned unanimous critical acclaim: the Dodge Caravan was the 1996 (the first and only minivan to ever win the award), and the vans were on magazine's for 1996 and 1997. References. de Feijter, Tycho (December 15, 2016). Retrieved March 14, 2018. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
Archived from (PDF) on October 16, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2014. Retrieved 2018-07-21. Retrieved 2018-07-21.
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Retrieved 2013-09-02. Retrieved 2018-08-12. Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure '1996 Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager'. Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure '1998 Plymouth Voyager'.
Toyota 2005 4runner Owners Manual
^. Retrieved 2018-08-04. ^ Site-Mechanics. Retrieved 2018-08-04., retrieved on 2010–08–24. July 30, 2012, at, retrieved on 2010–08–24. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to.
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Kia magentis manual. Kia sold more than 2.7 million vehicles in 2012 alone, and topped the list of putting the most reliable car in the United States. Amongst the most popular Kia models are the Optima, Sorento, and Sportage. The brand is owned by the Hyundai Motor Company and is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea.