Overview:
This week we’ll look at the 2002 Chrysler Town & Country eX. I wish I could convince my kids with young families that vans are cool. They, like so many young folks, gotta have trucks, SUV’s and trendy sporty passenger cars. On the other hand, with so many manufacturers represented in the competition, it’s obvious they aren’t counting on my kids to make sales. A lot of folks must think as I do. This is the best Family Car option, hands down. They are roomy and have great options. The sliding doors (especially the power ones) give the best entry and exit functionality of any vehicle.
With the entertainment center this is a car for all ages. It’s the best for long trips, vacations etc., and it seconds as a small bus to haul the scouts, a soccer team or carting the kids and their friends to the beach.
Handling & Performance:
Typical for mini vans. Low slung, comfortable, corners well, and good power.
Styling:
Chrysler has to be one of the most innovative manufacturers in the world at this time. And it shows in all the vehicles in their lineup. Yes, they are a little “Cookie-Cutter” in design – like all were stamped out of the same mold, but they generally have bolder styling than much of the competition.
Fit and Finish:
Chrysler has made a huge leap in quality assembly this past decade and I believe it will only get better with their alliance with Daimler.
Cost:
Very close competitively and all are worth the price of admission.
Consumer Recommendation:
See the ranking below, because that is based on the facts and nothing but the facts, (Jack Webb in TV cop show Badge 714 – remember that famous line?) but as for me I love ‘em all. In fact this class gets the award for “Best Family Car”. But as to which one, if I had to choose? Well, the two most memorable are the #(3) Toyota Sienna and the #(5) Honda Odyssey.
The Competition: * (see ranking below)
(1) Mercury Villager $19-27,000, (2) Dodge Caravan $16-34,000, (3) Toyota Sienna $24-28,000, (4) Mazda MPV $22-27,000, (5) Honda Odyssey $24-28,000, (5) Nissan Quest $23-27,000, (6) Chevrolet Venture $22-34,000, (7) Oldsmobile Silhouette $27-36,000, (8) Pontiac Montana $25-34,000, (9) Ford Windstar $21-34,000, (10) Town & Country $24-38,000.
* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.
Good News:
Comfortable, lots of storage nooks and crannies, clean styling, roomy and powerful.
Bad News:
Tough to choose from such an impressive array of competitors.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter 215 horsepower V6, 4-speed automatic trans, front wheel drive, traction control, power liftgate, power right sliding door, 8-way power driver seat, dual air bags, child seat anchors, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, power steering, front and rear intermittent wipers, air conditioning, power widows & locks, cruise control, tilt steering column, AM/FM with cassette and CD player, trip computer, front and rear power outlets, keyless entry, power mirrors and roof rack.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 24 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $26,315.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair
