Chrysler's First-Class Minivan

First class minivan

Finding someone who vocally supports minivans is more rare than finding an American who voted for George W. Bush in either of his two terms as president.

Yet just as millions of people had to have voted for the former U.S. president, millions of people have bought minivans since Dodge popularized the modern version in the early '80s with the Caravan. And why do people keep buying them? Because, for the most part, they're simply the most convenient and versatile vehicles for families.

That's the reason you'll see a vehicle like the Chrysler Town & Country - the more upscale version of the Chrysler minivan stable that also includes the more popular Dodge Grand Caravan - still being made and improved upon. This is as close as you'll get to a luxury minivan, and to be sure, it's more luxurious and feature-laden than a lot of vehicles in other segments as well.

Now, though many features on other vehicles are focused on improving the actual driving experience, that's not exactly the case with the Town & Country. Even third row occupants in our test vehicle have leather seats with suede inserts that can be tilted at the touch of a button. Sunshades are standard in the back row, and even a DVD screen is available as part of an option package.

Move up to the second row, and you get a couple four-way adjustable captain's chairs with similar accoutrements as the third row, along with armrests and climate controls. Both back rows even have access to RCA outputs to hook up video games.

Of course, though these things aren't aimed specifically at the driver, they're sure to make the person behind the wheel thoroughly delighted, because when youngsters in the back are happy, those in the front usually follow suit.

Of course there certainly are features intended to make the driving experience (and everything leading up to it) a pleasurable one. The side doors, rear hatch and every window is power-operated - even those silly rear ones that pop out a couple inches - and all rear controls, from HVAC to audio/video, can be controlled from the cockpit. There is a three-deck centre console that can swallow just about anything you've ever attempted to fit in a centre console, as well as a 'conversation mirror' that allows you to keep an eye on what's happening behind you (it should be renamed the 'Get Your Finger Out Of Your Nose! Mirror').

You'll probably know what to expect when it comes to driving dynamics, or more accurately, what not to expect. Don't be holding your breath for lightning-quick acceleration, ultra-responsive steering, or any type of connection to the road, really. The Town & Country is made for the utmost comfort and safety, and that's exactly what it provides.

The big naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V6 that comes in every Town & Country offers perfectly acceptable acceleration - even when loaded up with three adults and some extra cargo - but the engine buzzes like a four-cylinder you'd find in an entry-level subcompact. You can forget about being frugal with gasoline, as the Limited model weighs close to two-and-a-half tons.

Second and third row chairs also come standard with Stow 'N Go, meaning they can all be tucked away completely into the floor. It's a neat feature to have, though 'stowing' the second row captain's chairs is not an easy process. Power folding third row seats are available as a standalone option, though we're fairly certain that manually stowing them is a faster process - and about as easy!

So though the Town & Country has its share of detractions, the positives far outweigh the negatives. For that reason, we're happy to admit that it's a definite recommendation.

Summary:

Year/Make/Model

2010 Chrysler Town & Country

Price as tested

$48,320

Trim level

Limited

Price range

$45,245 - $52,745

Freight

$1,400

Options

Entertainment Group #2 ($1,575) includes 2nd and 3rd row overhead video screens, wireless headphones, single disc DVD player, video remote control; Media Centre ($1,250) includes GPS navigation, 30 GB hard drive, iPod control, auto-dim mirror w/ microphone, UConnect phone and voice command; Trailer Tow Group ($700) includes load levelling and height control, heavy duty transmission oil cooler, trailer tow wiring harness, heavy duty engine cooling, heavy duty radiator; Power folding 3rd row seats ($650); Safety Sphere Group ($400) includes blind spot and cross path detection.

EnerGuide fuel economy ratings

12.2 L/100km city; 7.9 L/100 km hwy

Observed fuel economy

12.6 L/100 km combined over 655 km

Warranty (basic)

3 years/60,000 km

Warranty (powertrain)

5 years/100,000 km

Competitors

Dodge Grand Caravan; Honda Odyssey; Nissan Quest; Toyota Sienna; Volkswagen Routan

Strong Points

Weak Points

- size
- versatility
- UConnect
- easy to park

- no AWD option
- fuel economy
- some interior build quality

Editors Rating:

Fuel consumption ***

Good on the highway; awful in the city.

Value for price ****

Expensive, but on-par with competing fully-loaded models.

Styling ***

Not particularly attractive, but HID headlamps and lots of chrome help.

Comfort ****1/2*

No passenger is taken for granted in this minivan.

Performance *****

As a cargo carrier, few vehicles can match it.

overall ****1/2*

A superb vehicle for a big and busy family.

(Souce: autonet.ca/10chryslervan)

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Chrysler's First-Class Minivan

Summary:

Strong Points

Weak Points

Editors Rating:

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