Chrysler, Dodge minivans get five stars

The short and long wheelbase Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country earned the highest ratings – five stars for frontal impact crash tests - from the NHTSA. Chrysler worked hard in their press release to remind us that their minivans have been on the forefront of safety.  This is an interesting list: 1991- first minivan with standard driver airbag and center high-mounted brake light, 1992 – first minivan with integrated child seat, 1994 – first minivan to offer passenger-side air bag standard,  1996 – first minivan to offer driver-side sliding door, 2000 – first minivan will power-up and down liftgate, 2005 – Stow 'n Go seating. The last few were more convenience items than safety, but all testament why the Chrysler Group still leads the minivan segment with 34 percent of the market.