EDMUNDS.COM 2005 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Pleasing to drive and ride in, the T&C has finally come to the table with the all-important fold-flat third seat, allowing families to get the most out of its expansive interior. While it still can''t match the rock-solid reliability of import rivals, this otherwise well-qualified van is worth consideration.
Pros
Excellent ride and handling, good low-end pull from 3.8-liter V6, roomy and luxurious interior, innovative fold-flat second- and third-row seats.
Cons
Unimpressive reliability history, major safety features remain optional on lower-level models, no stability control.
What''s New for 2005
The Town & Country gets revised styling, a handful of new features, a much lower base price and -- oh yeah, the Stow ''n Go fold-flat second- and third-row seating system.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 1990 as an upscale version of the Dodge Grand Caravan (complete with faux wood grain body paneling at the time), Chrysler''s Town & Country is now in its third generation after being redesigned for the 2001 model year. After taking heat from the media and consumers alike for its lack of a fold-flat third-row seat, Chrysler has equipped long-wheelbase models with what it calls the Stow ''n Go seating and storage system. This system enables owners to quickly and easily fold the second- and third-row seats into the floor. Also, the third-row split bench may be flipped completely rearward to provide tailgate seating. Like its Grand Caravan twin, the T&C impresses with its peppy performance and carlike ride and handling qualities. These minivans have been Chrysler''s biggest success story of the last two decades and have always been at or near the top on the segment''s sales charts. But these corporate darlings haven''t been without their problems, having been plagued with build quality and mechanical woes as recently as the mid-1990s. However, quality has improved greatly in the last five years, making the purchase of a Town & Country a less risky proposition than in years past. Nevertheless, the current generation has had its share of repair issues, and an extended warranty would not be a bad idea if you''re planning to keep the van after its basic three-year/36,000-mile coverage expires. Apart from its fold-flat seating and enjoyable driving demeanor, Chrysler''s top minivan has many charms, among them a comfortable interior, clean styling and an available power liftgate. Depending on what trim level and options are selected, driver and passengers can be ensconced in soft, gathered-leather seats, while triple-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortably cool or warm. But in spite of the Town & Country''s strengths, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna offer something else that Chrysler won''t be able to simply bolt on: a long-standing reputation for exemplary reliability and build quality. Still, we don''t feel sorry for Chrysler, as plenty of folks will be won over by the T&C''s combination of agile handling, comfy ride, expansive interior, stylish sheet metal and iconic presence in the minivan segment. How do you decide whether to go with the Chrysler or the Dodge version? Basically, there are two considerations -- price and style. The lower-level Grand Caravan models have lower base prices, so if you simply need a larger van with minimal features, the Dodge would be the way to go. On the subject of style, some buyers are likely to prefer the Town & Country, whose front fascia features a 1930s-era winged Chrysler emblem, as opposed to the DGC, whose mug greets you with a head-on shot of a Ram pickup.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Town & Country offers four trim levels -- base, LX, Touring and Limited. The base model is the only standard-wheelbase T&C; the other three are extended-wheelbase. Base models are equipped with basic amenities like cruise control, tilt steering, air conditioning, power locks, an AM/FM/CD stereo and a 3.3-liter V6 engine. Moving up to the LX model adds Stow ''n Go fold-flat seating in the second and third rows. The Touring adds dual power-sliding doors, power liftgate, power driver seat, ABS and a 3.8-liter V6 engine. The top-of-the-line Limited model is further upgraded with three-zone automatic climate control, leather seats with ultrasuede accents, a DVD-based navigation system, rear park assist, three-row side curtain airbags and an Infinity audio system. A rear DVD entertainment system is optional on Touring and Limited models.
Powertrains and Performance:
A 3.3-liter, 180-horsepower V6 comes standard on base and LX models. Standard on Touring and Limited models is a 215-hp, 3.8-liter V6. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission. A T&C with the 3.8-liter V6 is a sprightly performer, with crisp response down low and through the midrange. Towing capacity maxes out at 3,800 pounds with the optional towing package.
Safety:
ABS with traction control is optional on the base and LX, and standard on Touring and Limited models. Full-length side curtain airbags are optional on base, LX and Touring models, and standard on the Limited. All T&Cs include a new driver''s knee airbag. The structurally identical Grand Caravan has posted four (out of five) stars in frontal impact testing and five stars for side impacts. Offset crash testing produced an overall "Acceptable" rating (the second highest on a scale of four).
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The star of the show is definitely the Stow ''n Go fold-flat seating and storage system, but the cabin also sports a number of other neat optional features, such as a movable center console equipped with power points and a power rear liftgate. The seats are generally comfortable, and drivers will find most controls within easy reach. Extended versions have 26 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the 60/40-split third-row seats, and a maximum of 168 cubes with all second- and third-row seats folded into the floor.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Town & Country''s most endearing qualities continue to be its agile handling and supple ride characteristics. We suspect that this van will surprise and win over a lot of folks who expect the minivan driving experience to be an exercise in lethargic vehicle dynamics. The 3.3-liter V6 engine provides adequate acceleration, but larger families and those who tow a trailer will prefer the added power of the 3.8-liter V6.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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