Chrysler Town And Country Overview
The Chrysler Town & Country comes in three trims: LX, Touring and the premium Limited. Even the base model is reasonably well equipped, featuring the Stow 'n Go system as standard, though many buyers will want to step up to the midlevel Touring to benefit from additional amenities such as a power liftgate. With the Limited, you get additional luxuries like heated second-row seats and an eight-way power front passenger seat.
Powering the LX is a 3.3-liter V6 that offers 175 horsepower; it's paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Touring models get a 197-hp 3.8-liter V6, teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The most appealing choice is the 4.0-liter V6 that powers Limited models. Paired with the six-speed transmission, the engine puts forth 251 hp and endows the van with respectable quickness. The list of standard safety equipment on all Town & Country minivans is generous, and includes stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, projector headlights and three rows of head curtain airbags.
One notable feature on the current T&C is Swivel 'n Go seating, which consists of second-row captain's chairs that turn 180 degrees to face the third row for card-playing and such. Entertainment options are abundant. A three-zone video entertainment system allows front, middle and rear-seat passengers to view or listen to separate entertainment sources, and passengers can enjoy Sirius Backseat TV as an available option.
Unfortunately, our editors have found that the T&C is hindered by numerous shortcomings. At the top of the list, materials and build quality in the cabin are remarkably poor. The base engine is ancient and lethargic, and the 3.8-liter engine isn't much better. Driving dynamics are also lackluster. Buyers should also be aware that Chrysler's Town & Country doesn't offer an eight-passenger seating option; seven is the most you can carry. The T&C will do the job for most families, but other minivans are likely to do it better.