Chrysler, the company that started the minivan craze, takes its all-new 2008 Town & Country to a new plateau with more standard features and available creature comforts, making the family road trip much more enjoyable.
Those that don't mind the stigma of owning a minivan will be rewarded with goodies you can't get on other vehicles. For instance, the new Town & Country offers an available dual flip-down DVD multimedia entertainment system that can play different media at the same time for second and third-row passengers.
It gets better. With the optional MyGig radio, the driver and front seat passenger are treated to a 6.5-inch screen that can play videos when the vehicle is stationary. The MyGig radio also features voice-activated capability, touch screen and real-time traffic and navigation, a 20-gigabyte hard drive, and USB port for loading audio and/or video files.
Wait, there's more. Along with the available Sirius Satellite Radio, you can add Sirius Satellite TV. There are currently three family-oriented channels available with Sirius Satellite TV; Disney Channel, Nickelodeon Mobile, and Cartoon Network.
There's also a 110-volt power inverter, two second-row output/input jacks with a 12-volt power outlet and an overhead console with bins large enough to store headphones.
The kids will be entertained while traveling in the Town & Country. My kids wanted to go everywhere in my tester so they could play their game systems and watch TV. The reception from the Satellite TV was exceptional wherever we traveled.
Town & Country buyers can choose one of two second-row seating configurations; Stow 'n Go, or Swivel 'n Go. Stow 'n Go seats can be folded down flat into the floor.
Swivel 'n Go seats do not fold flat into the floor, but they can swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. Also, with Swivel 'n Go, you get a removable table that installs between the two rows. With both Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go, you get second-row covered storage bins for hiding your valuables.
For those that like to tailgate, a new power folding third-row seat makes it even easier. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is available in three trim levels; LX, Touring, and Limited.
The base LX ($22,510) comes nicely equipped. The midlevel Touring ($27,895) is expected to be the volume model and it adds a larger V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, a power driver's seat and pedals, power mirrors, power liftgate, power-sliding doors, Stow 'n Go seating and rear air-conditioning.
The Touring model also opens the door to a long list of options not available on the LX. The top-of-the-line Limited ($35,670) adds a larger V-6, leather-trimmed upholstery and much more.
Powering the base LX trim level is a 175-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A 197-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission powers the Touring model.
Stepping up to the Limited includes a new 251-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6. The 3.8-liter engine in my Touring tester felt plenty capable, even when loaded down with passengers and cargo.
The ride is agreeable and feels quieter and more refined than the previous generation. I can't think of a better vehicle for those family road trips.
Of course, there's a long list of standard safety features, and for 2008 Chrysler has added a limited lifetime powertrain warranty. If you're in the market for a family-friendly hauler, put the Town & Country on your short list.
2008 Chrysler Town & Country
Engine: 3.8-liter (197 hp) V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive type: FWD
MPG (city/highway): 16 /23
Base price: $27,700
As tested: $35,595 (includes $730 for destination)
Web site: www.chrysler.com