That said don't worry, I won't make you wait for the latest news in cupholders. Chrysler Group is famous for being the first to bring a functional cupholder to market, no matter what the size of cup, mug or disposable drinking apparatus used. The brand one-ups itself with new break-away outboard cupholders for second row passengers, that won't literally 'break away" if left exposed when tumbling under the seat.

Besides the new seating system, thirteen additional improvements have been added to help the number three automaker gain back lost ground from its rivals. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Slightly more important safety features include dual front multi-stage airbags, side curtain airbags that span the full length of the passenger compartment, and a knee bag for the driver. Parents of infants and toddlers will appreciate the flexibility of having Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in the third row as well as the second, a truly convenient system if you have the matching child safety seat.

For safeties sake, Caravan's standard Door Alert system activates the appropriate signal lights when either the manual or power sliding side doors are opened. The turn signals integrated into the side mirrors (shown) are a dealer-installed option. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

What's more, Caravan's standard Door Alert system activates the appropriate signal lights when either the manual or power sliding side doors are opened, telling coming and going traffic that people are getting in or out of the vehicle.

Dodge reportedly does a good job reducing noise, vibration and harshness levels over last year's model too. The 2005 model now makes use of quiet steel, as well as a liquid-applied spray dampener, while expandable polyurethane foam insulates otherwise hollow areas behind the sheetmetal. I'll go more into these features in the Town & Country preview as well.

Being that the new seating arrangement put a literal dent in the floor configuration, Chrysler Group completely redesigned the underbody structure. While doing so the engineers made it stiffer torsionally to reduce suspension vibration, plus improve overall handling and crash worthiness.