The van’s white-faced gauges have thin-script numerals that aren’t easy to read and are much less legible than the Odyssey’s massive backlit speedometer. The design of the dash itself is rather angular. The Town & Country’s cabin has decent materials for the most part, though one editor didn’t like the silver-colored trim on the dash. I was level with crossover and SUV drivers. You can, however, sit pretty tall in the Town & Country with the optional power driver’s seat. The position of the brake pedal aside, the Town & Country’s braking response is easy to control, and the firm pedal feel inspires confidence. Moving the seat farther back wasn’t a viable option because the van’s steering wheel doesn’t telescope - it only tilts - which made me stretch my arms out farther than I liked. I had to bend my right leg too much when braking.
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They’re designed to help drivers of different sizes get comfortable in the driver’s seat, but I couldn’t move the pedals far enough away from me. The Town & Country’s driving position was problematic, which was a little surprising because it was equipped with adjustable pedals. There’s a general creakiness to the van’s structure that’s exposed when you’re traveling on uneven surfaces, and some things - like the dash-mounted gear selector in particular - have a crude feel and sound that lower the overall quality impression. Unlike those two, the Town & Country doesn’t feel as well put together. Both the Toyota Sienna and the Odyssey ride more firmly. There are times when the van bobs up and down as if it were on the high seas, but the overall emphasis on comfort is the right one for this type of vehicle. The Town & Country has a softly tuned suspension that’s well-suited to minivan duty, where a comfortable ride is key. Unfortunately, this engine comes only in more expensive trim levels, so you have to spend more now to save more later. That makes it one of the fuel economy leaders among large minivans. Despite being the strongest, this Town & Country drivetrain returns the best gas mileage, with an EPA rating of 17/25 mpg city/highway. It’s not unusual in this regard it feels about as strong as the Honda Odyssey.
The six-speed automatic transmission makes succinct but smooth upshifts that you barely feel - and it also kicks down quickly for passing, though the power wanes a little at highway speeds. The most powerful of three V-6 engines offered, it accelerates the van easily from a standstill. The Limited model we tested is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6. The Town & Country was redesigned for 2008, and a significant change for 2009 is a more fuel-efficient 4.0-liter V-6 drivetrain (see a side-by-side comparison with the 2008 model).ĭespite some notable problems, the Town & Country’s driving experience isn’t all bad.
Whereas the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna do more to reward the driver, the Town & Country is better at pleasing passengers. While it rides comfortably, the van’s structure doesn’t feel that solid, and the driving position is awkward. The problem is, the Town & Country’s driving experience isn’t the most enjoyable. There’s plenty to keep your crew occupied while you enjoy the open road. To see what’s new for 2010, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.Ī minivan can get away with a lot of things if it has the right features, and Chrysler’s Town & Country does, including imaginative seating options and compelling entertainment features. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. Editor’s note: This review was written in June 2009 about the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country.
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