Chrysler Town and Country

The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan marketed by DaimlerChrysler. The Town and Country was introduced in 1990, while its sister vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, had already been in production since the 1984 model year. Chrysler's success of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager pursued the company to produce one of the first-ever luxury minivans, and General Motors was in hot pursuit by releasing the Oldsmobile Silhouette. But they arrived at dealerships the same time, which was in 1990.

Since their introduction, the Chrysler minivans have been the best-selling minivans in the United States.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Chrysler Town and Country Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2011, Chrysler gives the Town and Country a mid-cycle refresh and the new 3.6 litre 283hp Pentastar V6.


 * The 2007 Town and Country remains relatively unchanged since its generation's debut in 2005.

Styles and Major Options
The 2007 Town and Country is available in 4 trims: the Base model, the LX, the Touring, and the Limited. The Base model comes in a short wheelbase version, while the other three come in a long wheelbase form, which is longer by about 11 inches. The first two trims are powered by a 3.3L 180hp V6 engine, while the latter two are equipped with a 3.8L 215hp V6. All models work with a 4-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. Some of the standout features are as follows:

Base Model
 * 15" steel wheels
 * 4-way front bucket seats
 * Removeable 2nd and 3rd row full bench seating
 * Cloth seating trim and vinyl door trim
 * Manual front air conditioning
 * 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
 * Cruise control
 * Analog instrument display

LX

Adds to or replace Base features with:
 * Rear captains seats and 60-40 split 3rd row bench
 * Dual illuminated vanity mirrors
 * Cargo net

Touring Adds to or replaces LX features with:
 * 16" silver alloy wheels
 * 8-way power front bucket seats
 * Roof rack
 * Front and rear reading lights
 * Mini overhead console with storage
 * Dual zone front manual air conditioning
 * Rear air with separate controls
 * 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette audio system
 * Power trunk release
 * HomeLink Wireless Control System
 * Tachometer, compass, exterior temperature monitor, trip computer

Limited

Adds to or replaces Touring features with:
 * 16" alloy wheels
 * 8-way power heated front bucket seats w/driver seat memory
 * Simulated suede/leather seating
 * Carpeted front/rear floor mats
 * Removeable floor console
 * Modular overhead console
 * Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
 * Rear air with separate controls
 * 10-speaker Infinity AM/FM/SIRIUS/in-dash 6cd changer audio system
 * Amplifier and automatic equalizer
 * Parksense rear park distance control
 * Navigation system

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Chrysler Town and Country can be found at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
The latest generation of the Town and Country was only unveiled in 2005, so accurate long-term reliability information is not yet available. However, Consumer Reports states that short-term reliability for the new model has been "unimpressive." The last model in the previous generation received an overall Green rating from Automotive Information Systems, indicating minimal problems in all areas.


 * RECALL ALERT: On Dec 15, 2010, Chrysler launched a recall affecting 367,350 2008MY Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravans due to a water leak in the heating and air conditioner drain grommet, which, eventually, can lead to inadvertently deployed airbags. Chrysler and Dodge dealers will replace the faulty part free of charge, starting from February 2011. Owners may contact the automaker at 1-888-327-4236.

Safety
The NHTSA's safety ratings for the 2007 Town and Country have not yet been revealed, but the 2006 model responded very well to its safety tests. The 2006 Town and Country earned 5-Star ratings for all front- and side-impact crash tests, and tests for rollover yielded 4-Star ratigs. Standard safety equipment on the 2007 model includes:
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
 * Occupancy sensors
 * Driver knee airbag
 * Side Impact Bars

Colors
Available colors will vary by trim, and a complete list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the possible combinations are:

Exterior
 * Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat
 * Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat
 * Cognac Crystal Pearlcoat
 * Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat
 * Magnesium Pearlcoat greenblue
 * Modern Blue Pearlcoat

Interior
 * Dark Khaki/Light Graystone
 * Medium Slate Gray

Main Competitors

 * Dodge Caravan
 * Honda Odyssey
 * Hyundai Entourage
 * Toyota Sienna
 * Nissan Quest
 * Buick Terraza
 * Mercury Monterey

Hybrid Models
Chrysler ecoVoyager

Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Town and Country is projected to retain a lower than average residual value. The base vehicle is expected to retain just 36 percent of its value after 24 months and the Limited 43 percent, so the Town and Country lags far behind its import rivals from Honda, Nissan and Toyota."

Criticisms

 * "A few key conveniences are missing, such as a hide-away third seat and a navigation system." - Edmunds.com
 * "If parallel parking isn't one of your strong suits, you might find yourself in some awkward positions while behind the wheel of long-wheelbase Town & Country models. Side windows that can only pop open to vent fresh air make for a claustrophobic interior." - Kelley Blue Book

Fifth Generation: (2008-Present)
The minivans are expected to be redesigned in 2007 as 2008 models by Ralph Gilles, who also worked on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. A six-speed automatic transmission and a new 4.0 L V6 engine are all but certain to appear, while a diaper changing station is rumored. Also, there may be rear windows that roll down, or a Hemi engine. Chrysler has finalized a deal through which Volkswagen will receive a variant of the Chrysler RT platform van with its own styling and features. It is expected to be produced at Saint Louis Assembly alongside the Dodge and Chrysler vans. Volkswagen says it is not the same as the Chrysler minivans, but still uses the Caravan/Town & Country platform. The plans are to keep the Stow 'n Go seating, maybe even for the front passenger seat, but that is still being decided.

By the look of the front grille and headlights, a bit of family resemblance to the 300 and Crossfire is seen. The rear of the new van is squared off, unlike the past two generations, and is quite like the Nissan Quest. The taillights are similar to the current generation, but squared off.

Fourth Generation: (2001-2007)
The 2001 minivans used the Chrysler RS platform. The Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager had been transferred to the Chrysler lineup in mid-2000, and for 2001, the Chrysler Voyager was available as a short-wheelbase model only. Since 2004, a short-wheelbase version of the Town & Country has been offered as compensation for the Voyager. Foldable Stow 'n Go second- and third-row seats, available only on long-wheelbase Town & Country models, were a first for 2005 along with a host of other updates such as new larger headlights.

A 3.5 L V6 was also planned for a mid-year introduction for 2001, but this never came to fruition.

Engines

 * 2001-present 3.3 L EGA V6, 180 hp (134 kW) at 5000 rpm and 210 ft·lbf (285 N·m) at 4000 rpm
 * 2001-present 3.8 L EGH V6, 215 hp (160 kW) at 5000 rpm and 245 ft·lbf (332 N·m) at 4000 rpm

Town and Country models from 1998 to 2003 can use E85 fuel.

Minivan production
Chrysler Town & Country minivans with Stow 'n Go seats are built in Windsor, Ontario and Saint Louis Assembly.

Two plants have had the task of building the Town & Country, with Saint Louis Assembly building it from 1990 to 2001, and Windsor from 2001 to the present. As of May 2006, Windsor Assembly will be the lead producer of the RT, but will not fully take over until 2008 when they phase out current production of the Pacifica (CS). Saint Louis Assembly will close in October of 2008 and Windsor will recieve all production from the Saint Louis plant which includes right hand drive vehicles,panel minivans and diesel minivans.Also Windsor will be building Volkeswagon minivans based on the Chrysler version.

Taiwanese-market Town & Country minivans are assembled in Yangmei, Taiwan under license by the China Motor Corporation, starting with the 2006 model year. They are similar to the North American model, with minor variations for the local market. Many other global markets receive the Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager assembled in Austria.

The Town & Country is also marketed in Mexico and Venezuela. Chrysler markets the Chrysler Caravan in Argentina.

Third generation (1996–2000)
The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a driver's-side sliding door, a first. The Town & Country was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.

Base models of both the Town and Country were offered in most states with the 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 engine, except in California and several northeastern states, where the Mitsubishi V6 didn't meet emissions standards. In those locales, the 3.3 L engine was offered instead from 1997 through 2000.

Engines

 * 1996–2000 3.3 L EGA V6, 158 hp (118 kW) and 203 ft·lbf (275 N·m)
 * 1996–1998 3.8 L EGH V6, 166 hp (124 kW)
 * 1999–2000 3.8 L EGH V6, 180 hp (134 kW)

Year-to-year changes

 * 1997: Permanent all-wheel drive arrived as an option for 1997 on long-wheelbase minivans, and all-wheel drive models got 4-wheel disc brakes. Front wheel drive minivans gained a new traction control system, which worked at low speeds to prevent wheel slippage. The rear driver's side sliding door was standard on all 1997 Town & Countries. The lineup now included a short-wheelbase SX model and two long wheelbase models: the LX and LXi. The 3.8 L engine was standard on the LXi and optional on the SX and LX.
 * 1998: The front fascia was freshened. There was now an open grille and winged emblem. The new front fascia also featured new headlights that offered better illumination. Also, the 3.8 L V6 gained 14 hp for a total of 180 hp. Another model, the top-of-the-line Limited, was also available for 1998.
 * 1999: The middle bench seat was dropped for 1999, and a child seat was now available in one of the two reclining middle-row buckets. Other additions included a small cargo net between the front seats and 16 in chrome alloy wheels on the Limited.
 * 2000: The short wheelbase minivans were dropped for 2000, leaving only extended wheelbase models, along with new interior and exterior colors. All models seated seven and had sliding doors on both sides. A new Rear Seat Video entertainment system, with a VCR and 6.4 in display screen, was available as a dealer-installed option.

Second generation (1991–1995)
The 1991 through 1995 Town and Country used the Chrysler AS platform. This was the last Town and Country that was derived from the Chrysler K platform.

Innovations

 * "Quad Command" bucket seating (1991), made standard on the Town and Country (1992)
 * Integrated child safety seats (1992), improved design with recliners (1994)
 * Available anti-lock brakes (1991)
 * First driver's side airbag in a minivan (1991), made standard (1992), and first dual front airbags (1994)
 * First minivan to meet 1998 U.S. federal safety standards (1994)

Engines

 * 1991–1993 3.3 L EGA V6; 150 hp (112 kW)
 * 1994–1995 3.8 L EGH V6, 162 hp (121 kW)

Year-to-year changes

 * 1992: All-wheel drive and integrated child safety seats were both options and a driver's side airbag was standard on 1992 Town & Countries. On the exterior, the vinyl woodgrain sides could be deleted and replaced by a gold pinstripe along the beltline. Also gold lacy-spoke alloy wheels were available.
 * 1993: Several interior revisions, a stainless steel exhaust system, and new wheels were a few of the changes on 1993 Town & Countries.
 * 1994: All 1994 Town & Countries were given a passenger's side airbag and knee bolsters. Side door guard beams were installed this year, so that they met 1998 federal side impact standards. Also made standard was a 3.8 L V6 engine.
 * 1995: The fob for the standard remote keyless entry had to be pressed twice within five seconds to prevent accidental opening of the liftgate.

First Generation (1990)
The Town and Country was introduced in 1990 as a companion to the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan; it was essentially a more luxurious version of the Plymouth Grand Voyager. The first Town and Country minivan used the Chrysler S platform, which was closely related to the K-cars (Plymouth Reliant, Dodge Aries, and Chrysler LeBaron). An electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Engines

 * 3.3 L EGA V6, 150 hp (112 kW)

Origins
The Town and Country was introduced in 1990. Before the introduction of the 1990 Chrysler Town & Country, the name had been used on several Chrysler vehicles from 1941 to 1988.

2008
The minivans are expected to be redesigned in 2007 as 2008 models by Ralph Gilles, who also worked on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. A six-speed automatic and a new 4.0 L V6 engine are all but certain to appear, while a diaper changing station is rumored. Chrysler has finalized a deal through which Volkswagen will receive a variant of the Chrysler RT platform van with its own styling and features. It is planned for production at Windsor Assembly alongside the Town and Country vans.

Design quirks and oddities
Since the beginning of production in the fall of 1983, more than 11 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold as of mid-2005.

Special anniversary editions of the Chrysler minivans have been issued to mark significant milestones; the first, in 1994, is notable for the "10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION". The twentieth anniversary was marked in 2004 with the Platinum Series Town & Country.