You Auto Know	Minivan Redux by Jim Corbran

re·dux: adj; brought back, especially in being

restored to former importance or prominence

(Encarta® World English Dictionary).

Perhaps redux isn’t quite the right word here, at least not as far as DaimlerChrysler’s product line is concerned. Chrysler Corporation created the minivan market segment when it rolled the first Dodge Caravan off the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario back in 1983, and it’s been at or near the top in sales ever since. Other North American manufacturers haven’t fared as well, as both Ford and General Motors have thrown in the towel on the minivan market, and have put all of their minivan-ish eggs into the crossover market. Whether or not that was a wise move remains to be seen.

What also remains to be seen is what I’ll be typing in as a corporate name once DaimlerChrysler sells off the Chrysler half of the business—please, let it be something shorter! I think it’s safe to assume that whatever they call themselves, they’ll still be strong in the minivan segment. There’s been tough competition for the past few years from both Honda and Toyota, whose somewhat pricier vehicles were nevertheless the darlings of the motoring press. Now Hyundai and their sister division Kia have hit the market with feature-packed minivans at lower prices than their Japanese counterparts to further divide what has been a shrinking market. Perhaps that will change shortly, what with rising gas prices and the subsequent drop in interest in the large SUV market.

After all, there are many people out there who still need a vehicle capable of carrying seven or eight passengers plus their gear. Some who shied away from the “soccer mom” image of the traditional minivan and bought into the “macho” image of the large, piggish SUV are starting to see the light. The light, of course, is the one illuminating the signs which show the current price of gas.

The minivan, while it will never be mistaken for a lean, green machine, is certainly better on gas than, say, a fully loaded four-wheel drive Dodge Durango with a Hemi V-8 under the hood.

So, what has Chrysler brought to the table this time around? New, crisper styling is what first hits the eye. It’s definitely a squarer look, one that’s a welcome change from the ever-rounding shape of the past couple of generations of the Town & Country (keep in mind that just about everything I write here will also apply to the new Dodge Caravan, and maybe eventually, to another version to be sold by Volkswagen dealers). You’ll also see an improvement on Chrysler’s Stow ’n’ Go seating, as they’ll add a Swivel ’n’ Go feature to the second row. It’s just what it sounds like—the second row quad chairs will rotate 180 degrees to face the third row. In between will be a removable table which Chrysler touts as “great for playing games, eating on the go or working from the road.” For those in a real hurry, a single-touch power-folding third-row will also be available—just make sure no one’s sitting in it before pushing the button!

Bad news for the after-market fabric protection business will be Chrysler’s

Yes® Essentials stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static fabric seats. And before we climb out of the seats, there’s one more feature—available heated cloth or leather for front and second row seats. I guess people in the third row are back far enough so the driver can’t hear their complaining of cold bums.

Also available on the 2008 T&C: standard Electronic Stability Program; rearview interior conversation mirror (“Who’s the fairest of them all?”); ParkView rear back-up camera; 13 (yep, count ’em, 13) cupholders (for seven passengers—somebody’s getting cheated); and, maybe best of all, an umbrella holder.

The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. At dealers this fall. More info at chrysler.com.