Review
Introduction
It’s fairly well known—unless you’re a hermit, in which case, how are you on the Internet?—that Chrysler invented the modern minivan. The 1984 original was the Plymouth Voyager/Dodge Caravan, and the Chrysler-branded Town & Country joined the lineup at the tail end of the first generation in 1990. Model year 2009 is the second year of production for the fifth-generation minivan, which also forms the basis for Volkswagen’s badge-engineered Routan.
An optional AC power outlet and up to two rear-seat video screens should help keep the kids quiet. There are three trim levels and, appropriately, three V-6 engines. LX models come with a 3.3-liter making 175 horsepower. Touring models jump up to 3.8 liters and 197 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line Limited is equipped with a 251-hp 4.0-liter. The base engine comes with a regrettable four-speed automatic; the two bigger engines get a proper six-speed auto.
Verdict
The cheap-looking plastics of the new van’s interior are disappointing, and we prefer the Honda Odyssey’s ride, handling, and refinement—indeed, we prefer the Honda overall. The T&C’s corporate sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan, finished smack in the middle of a five-vehicle comparison test, lagging behind the second-place Toyota Sienna and first-place Odyssey in categories such as fit and finish, second- and third-row space, overall cargo room, and price. The Dodge beat out the Nissan Quest and Hyundai Entourage on the strength of its performance in the areas of features and amenities (this van can certainly be tricked out), third-row comfort, and second-row functionality (thanks to Stow ’n Go).
Overall, the Town & Country is a versatile, practical vehicle that isn’t a terrible choice, but there are simply better minivans to be found.
Click here to read our full review of the Chrysler Town & Country.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Chrysler Town & Country.
What’s New for 2009
The rear-seat video screens are bigger, and when you get two screens and Swivel ’n Go seats, the rearmost screen twists so that second-row passengers can see it while facing backward. A blind-spot warning system is new: amber warning markers in the side mirrors light up when a vehicle is close, and a warning chime sounds if you activate the turn signal when someone is in your way. The same system works while backing out of a parking space to warn you of cross traffic.
Highlights and Recommendations
Stow ’n Go has its merits, even though it requires thinner, less comfortable seats than the regular setup. Swivel ’n Go is little more than a gimmick—swing the seats around, and you’ll find legroom fit only for two-dimensional paper cutouts.
Beyond that, what you want in your Town & Country depends on how much you want to spend. The price jump for the loaded Limited is high, so if you can make do with less power, you can put plenty of options on a Touring and save money.
You could also swing by the local VW dealership and get the same mechanicals wrapped in slightly more stylish sheetmetal, and with nicer interior materials, for about $500 more than a comparable T&C. The VW, however, doesn’t offer any of the trick seats.
Safety
Front airbags, curtain airbags for all three rows, and driver and front passenger knee airbags are standard, as are ABS and stability control. As mentioned, a combination blind-spot and reverse side-warning system is new.
