Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country 2 WD and although outwardly you won’t see much difference in design it is the optional configurations that will strike you as it did me. Innovation which has been the rule rather than the exception from Chrysler products is a real plus. It is perhaps the best company over the past couple of decades to think (and I hate the term) outside the box.
The Mini Van generally delivers the best in family transportation, in my opinion, and although they project the image of a vehicle for “Soccer Moms” they are just the best family vehicle on the market.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 73%.
Assembly – Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – 300, Aspen, Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country.
Well, we all know where the CHP is when we make a mistake but what I want to know is where they are when dangerous debris is on our highways. Seems to me that is much more important – how about you?
Handling & Performance:
Typical mini van with double sliding side doors and a rear liftgate. It is a low profile vehicle that handles much better than those vans of a generation ago, and the engines and transmissions are much more sophisticated.
Styling:
Clean and sleek with all the bells and whistles to carry a good size family with options that make this a great vacation / holiday travel companion. The DVD player options – two of them – with headsets – provide the ultimate in tools to occupy several people. The optional swivel chairs and table between 2nd and 3rd row seating gives unparalleled versatility in making travel convenient and comfortable. The entertainment system is fantastic for those long trips.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Not to bad for all the capability in this class van around $30,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
Chrysler came to play and is a serious contender for the best of the best. They are perhaps the most innovative of car companies. My test vehicle was the Stow and Go version but I reviewed the Swivel and Go version and it is truly impressive. Really cool with captains chairs in the second row that swivel around to the rear so the 2nd and 3rd rows can interact with a table between them. The kids (or adults) can enjoy a home like environment for games or conversation over tea and crumpets.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you’re in the market for a family vehicle, you won’t beat this one. SUV’s have been more popular but times, they are a changing. I don’t believe these will go the way of the Station Wagon of the mid 20th century. The Mini Van has evolved to meet the SUV but with the added convenience of sliding doors and low thresholds that are friendly to kids and older folks.
Recognized Competition:
Chrysler Town & Country $22-36,000, Buick Terraza $27-31,000, Dodge Grand Caravan $22-27,000, Hyundai Entourage $24-30,000, Mazda 5 $18-22,000, Saturn Relay $22-28,000, Kia Sedona $21-26,000, Mercury Monterey $28,595, Ford Freestar $20-30,000, Nissan Quest $21-34,000, Chevrolet Uplander $21-29,000, Honda Odyssey $26-39,000, Toyota Sienna $24-38,000.
Good News:
There is a great selection of competition to choose from which makes bargaining easier, great optional configurations, comfy and convenient for old and young alike with wonderful interior lighting.
Bad News:
I didn’t see much worth mentioning but I wish they’d do better with fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
3.8 liter V6 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, front and side airbags, ESP electronic stability program, anti lock brakes, power pedals, auto headlights, tire pressure monitor system, dual power sliding doors, power liftgate, child seat anchor system, rear window defroster, rear intermittent wiper washer, stow’n go 2nd row bucket seats, 3rd row 60/40 bench seat, 2nd row power windows, 3rd row power vented windows, removable floor console, dual glove boxes, overhead storage and surround lighting, removable rechargeable flash light, 8-way power driver seat, 12 v and 115 v outlets, analog clock, am/fm with CD / MP3 radio with steering wheel audio controls and 6-speakers, cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer power locks, quad halogen headlights, fog lights, sunscreen glass, power heated fold away mirrors and roof rack.
Optional equipment:
dual DVD entertainment system, hard disc drive, single disc DVD player, 2nd and 3rd 8-inch monitors w/DVD player, wireless headphones, video remote control, Sirius satellite digital radio, 1 year service included and rearview backup camera ($2,395).
Gas Stats:
$3.06/ Gal avg. October 17, ‘07
for more information.
16 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,700 / $30,825 with options.
