Here’s a test
for you: take all of the minivans
on the market today, line them up
without their nameplates and manufacturer
badging and see if you can tell which
is which. With the possible exception
of the Nissan Quest’s polarizing
yet distinctive styling, a minivan
is a minivan is a minivan. In this
segment of the vehicle market, perhaps
more than in any other, it’s
what’s on the inside that counts.
The Chrysler minivan’s
reputation for dependability, whether
as a Dodge Grand Caravan or the current
Town & Country, has been spotty
at best and dismal in comparison
to the likes of Honda Odyssey, the
perennial favorite among soccer moms.
The Town & Country, last redesigned
for the 2001 model year, has been
revised again for 2005, most notably
adding the touted Stow ‘n Go
fold flat second and third row seats.
The base model comes
well-equipped with cruise control,
air conditioning, power windows and
locks, AM/FM/CD and a 3.3-liter V-6,
but you’ll have to move up
to the LX, Touring or Limited to
see for yourself why the Stow ‘n
Go is the most talked about feature
in the minivan world. Stepping up
to the Touring edition also bumps
the V-6 to a spry 3.8-liter, 215-horsepower
and adds a nifty dual power sliding
doors, liftgate and driver seat,
and ABS. The sliding doors and liftgate
are conveniently operated via the
key fob.
Outside, the T&C
boasts a slightly more upscale, classier
look than its competitors, notably
on the front fascia with its winged
Chrysler logo. In profile or from
the back, it’s just another
minivan. But Chrysler has done a
good job with the interior, particularly
on the Touring model that I drove.
The extended models (all but the
base) offer 26 cubic feet of storage
behind the third row, seating is
comfortable, and the controls are
attractive and intuitive.
On the road, the
215 horses power the T&C smoothly
and quickly with little hesitation,
defying the slow minivan stereotype.
There was even, dare I say, a luxury
element to the drive quality, although
I found it to drive a little big
and present some parking and maneuvering
challenges. I would probably stick
with Touring model to take advantage
of the added engine power. The Limited
adds leather with suede accents,
navigation system, side-curtain airbags
and an Infinity audio system. I would
also opt for one of these two models
for their standard safety features.
ABS and traction control are standard
on these models, optional on the
base and LX. Side curtain airbags
are standard only on the Limited,
optional on all other models.
The bottom line:
T&C is an adequate offering in
the minivan category, providing a
little bit more luxury than the competition,
but also more concerns about reliability.
The Stow ‘n Go system is its
biggest asset — simple to operate
and useful for soccer moms everywhere.
It’s roomy, smooth on the road
and worth a look if you’re
in the market for a kid mobile.
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