I cannot help but be intrigued by the sales prospects for DaimlerChrysler's new Town and Country and Caravan minivans. I respect their decision to create a very advanced interior. After all, we spend a vast majority of our time interfacing with the inside of our vehicle and if we are ever let down by the practicality, utility, or quality inside, the entire relationship is quick to sour.

To borrow Bobby Flay's recipe analogy from this morning's introduction, DCX has included several new ingredients inside their new vans such as the all-new "Swivel n' Go" seating option (similar to that found in many custom fullsize vans), dual source DVD screens, one-touch power down Stow-and-Go rear seats, and sexy ambient lighting options. All good and very compelling purchase incentives.

But if we fail to fall in love with the outside of our vehicle, especially at that famous "first glance", that relationship my never get off the ground.or in this case, leave the dealership. And here is where DCX may have slipped. Not only did Chrysler invent the segment 23 years ago, but they popularized it by making it look like something special. Today's new Dodge and Chrysler vans look fine, but is `fine' good enough in this hyper-competitive (and shrinking) segment? Tough to believe that, to my eye, the latest Hyundai and Kia minivan clones have an edge in style.never mind the aging Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.