Town and Country

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Chrysler Town and Country Models

The Chrysler Town and Country is available in three trim levels: LX, LXi and Limited. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions are available for each trim level. All are built on a long wheelbase, making these among the biggest minivans on the market.

LX and LXi models come with a 3.3-liter overhead-valve V6 that produces 180 horsepower. The Limited gets a more powerful 3.8-liter overhead-valve V6 that generates 215 horsepower. Mid-year models will offer a brand-new 3.5-liter single overhead-cam engine that delivers 230 horsepower, all the makings for one mighty minivan.

The LXi comes with popular and useful convenience features: front and rear air conditioning with three-zone automatic temperature control, an air filtration system, dual power sliding doors, garage door opener, electroluminescent instrument panel, map and courtesy lights, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with Infinity speakers, eight-way power driver's seat, split fold-down rear bench, and 16-inch tires.

Side-impact airbags are standard on the Limited, optional on LX and LXi.

In addition to the Town and Country line, Chrysler also markets the Voyager; Voyager is a standard-wheelbase minivan.

Driving the Town and Country

Chrysler has done a great job with this new Town and Country. It rides smooth and feels very stable at highway speeds. It handles competently and seems surprisingly nimble for its size. Power-assisted steering is light, making it easy to maneuver and park in crowded lots, and the front air dam isn't so low to the ground that it scrapes on curbs. Careful suspension tuning, a new steering system and its rigid new structure have raised the Town and Country's handling prowess to that of the leading minivans.

Our LX came with the base 3.3-liter V6. It delivered lively acceleration; we felt like we had plenty of motor to jackrabbit away from standstills or pull off that big pass. The engine is smooth and quiet when cruising and makes itself be known under full throttle.

Wind noise is minimal. Chrysler engineers worked hard to ensure carrying on a conversation inside the Town and Country is easy and pleasant. And they were successful. Special gaskets, re-engineered suspension attachments and other measures have resulted in a quiet cabin when cruising along at 70 mph.

Town and Country comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and it stops quickly and without drama. Heavier duty brake rotors and new brake calipers improve braking performance, durability, and enhance pedal feel. Having ABS as standard equipment is good as it helps the driver maintain steering control in an emergency or panic stop. An available traction control system reduces front wheelspin on slippery surfaces. Better is the all-wheel-drive system, which redirects power to the tires with the best grip; all-wheel drive is a smart option for drivers who live in the Snowbelt.

Lots of glass makes for good visibility all around, though the thick A-pillars hamper front three-quarter vision. Rearward visibility is greatly enhanced with big side mirrors, though third-row headrests block the rear-view mirror somewhat.

An automatic load-leveling system is available that automatically trims the Town and Country to a level ride height