The 2001 CHRYSLER'S MINIVANS- Not even Chrysler knew what a stir they would cause when they introduced the first minivan 16 years ago. The front-wheel-drive family hauler was loved by millions then, and is loved by the tens-of-millions now. With over 2 dozen major manufacturers producing minivan's of their own, Chrysler, er DaimlerChrysler, has some competition than they did then. With American ingenuity and German engineering, the new 2001 minivans should keep the public smiling, and competitors frowning.

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The Trio of Minivans Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, and Chrysler (formerly Plymouth) Voyager. They introduced the first minivan 16 years ago.

Chrysler didn't change what people like - its size, functionability, seat-height, and front-drive setup. However they added a lot of goodies that will raise the bar even more. Including, but not limited to, quieter-ride suspension pieces, bigger brakes, a trio of more potent V-6 engines, a powered rear liftgate, dual powered sliding doors, improved front airbags and new side-impact bags, power-adjustable pedals, fresh exterior sheetmetal, and an even more clever interior design. All these features find their way into the triplets (Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, and Chrysler (formerly Plymouth) Voyager.

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An increase in power is never shunned: Though a 150-horse/2.4-liter SOHC four will still be offered, the spicy news concerns the three V-6s. The previously renowned 3.3- and 3.8 liter OHV powerplants have been refined with a fine-toothed comb. Greater power and a smoother engine were the priorities. The 3.3 goes from 140 to 180 ponies, while output of the 3.8 jumps from 180 to 215. The top performer is the new 3.5-liter SOHC V-6. Borrowed from Chrysler's 300M sedan, it produces 230 horsepower. With a premium-sedan feel underfoot, and virtually undetectable shifts, this is the engine of choice, and makes driving as effortless as can be.

Chrysler went with a lot of little changes rather than a couple huge ones- and it pays. With visually subtle exterior changes, it makes the vans look more refined and versatile. Front and rear fascias, grilles, and the lighting systems are all new and so is the edgier body-side sheetmetal. Even the floorpan and suspension mounts have been extensively beefed up to minimize shake, quiet the ride, and protect more effectively in a crash. Several competitive vans piloted on the same drive shuddered noisily over the identical road surfaces.

With a baby in one hand and a grocery bag in the other, opening the doors might be a little tricky -have no fear, Chrysler didn't forget that part of it. With a keyless entry system operating both sliding doors and the rear hatch, getting in and out is as simple as can be. A shock-sensitive system on the auto-doors will retract them at the slightest bump or resistance, while a pressure sensitive pump system opens the doors calmly and controllably. The same low-step in height (made famous in the Mercedes' ML -utes) is present, which makes getting in and out a breeze. Optional lighted running boards complete the enter/exit package.

Though a pretty picture, one thing you won't find is a hide-a-way third seat: Adored by owners of the Honda Odyssey and Mazda MPV, a third seat that can disappear in the floor would complete this almost flawless package. Chrysler says it couldn't fit one in its short wheelbase van due to the location of the fuel tank and spare. Engineering also cited all-wheel-drive packaging problems and noise. The rear bench is still removable, but it remains an awkward and inconvenient process. With that really being the only flaw, and a small one when considered everything else it comes with, the new trio from Daimler Chrysler should take over right where its market-leading predecessors left off. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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