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1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager.
1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Review
Chrysler had joined the minivan race in 1990, fielding a posh variation of the highly popular Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager. Major overhauling for '91 included a restyled body and a fresh interior. Dodge and Plymouth fielded short- and long-wheelbase minivans. Chrysler issued only an extended version with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and digital instruments instead of analog gauges. Antilock braking was optional on the less-costly minivans, but standard on Town & Country. During the model year, Town & Country minivans added a driver-side airbag.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: A driver-side airbag was standard and child safety seats became optional. For the first time, an all-wheel-drive version went on sale. Another first: Minivans could be ordered without the woodgrain bodyside graphics. Lacy-spoke, gold-colored alloy wheels joined the option list.
1993 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: Except for newly designed wheels, a stainless steel exhaust system, and a few interior revisions, Chrysler's posh minivan carried on unchanged.
1994 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: A 3.8-liter V6 engine was made standard in the Town & Country for '94, and all vans added a passenger-side airbag and knee bolster. Side door guard beams were installed this year, so minivans met 1998 federal side-impact standards.
1995 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: To prevent accidental opening of the liftgate, the fob for the standard remote keyless entry had to be pressed twice within five seconds. The Town & Country was totally redesigned for 1996.
1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (3.8-liter V6) Fuel economy
Passenger and cargo room
Ride/handling
Entry/exit
Antilock brakes
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Rearward visibility was improved with the '91 overhaul, and seats are more contoured and comfortable than before. Radio and climate controls are easy to reach, which they weren't in earlier versions. Other controls also are logically positioned. Cargo space is abundant behind the backseat. Acceleration is adequate with the 3.3-liter V6, but nothing to boast about--especially if the Town & Country is filled with passengers and luggage. If you do a lot of heavy hauling, look for 1994-95 models with the 3.8-liter V6. With that engine under the hood, a Town & Country does not feel overburdened. Gas mileage is likely to be around 15-17 mpg in town, and the low 20s on the highway (a little less with all-wheel drive). A recalibrated suspension reduced body roll in turns. Ride and handling both are excellent--soft but well controlled--much like a Grand Caravan or Voyager LE. Wind and road noise are minimal. Unlike Caravan/Voyager, the Town & Country was not available with integrated child safety seats until 1994. Adjustable front shoulder belts in 1993-up models are pleasant to use, and an airbag (dual airbags for '94) and ABS are safety bonuses.
Value for the Money
All three of these updated Chrysler Corporation minivans--Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Plymouth Voyager--belong at the top of their class. The Town & Country wraps all of their minivan virtues into an envelope of high luxury, packed with comforts and conveniences.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Chrysler Town & Country 3.8-liter Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 7
Total: 56
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner: If the air conditioner gradually stops cooling and/or the airflow from the vents decreases, the computer (PCM) may not be sending a signal to the compressor clutch relay to cycle off, which causes the AC evaporator to freeze up. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission: 3.3- or 3.5-liter engines may have late, harsh, or erratic automatic transmission shifts that are not transmission related, but caused by a defective throttle position sensor. (1994)
Automatic transmission: Transmission shudder under light to moderate acceleration, could be due to a leaking front transmission pump due to a worn bushing. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission: 41TE or 42LE automatic transaxles could take several seconds to engage at startup because of a problem with the valve body. (1993-95)
Automatic transmission: Bad seals in the transmission lead to premature friction component wear, which causes shudder when starting from a stop, a bump when coasting to a stop, and slipping between gears. (1993-95)
Engine noise: The motor mount on the left side of the engine tends to break. (1992-93)
Oil consumption: High oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust at idle and deceleration on 3.0-liter engines is caused by exhaust valve guides that slide out of the heads. (1991-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $455
Alternator $310
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,040
Brakes $275
Constant Velocity Joints $385
Exhaust System $400
Radiator $325
Shocks and/or Struts $230
Timing Chain or Belt $265
NHTSA Recall History
1991 w/ABS: High-pressure hose in antilock braking system may leak or detach at crimped end fitting, resulting in discharge of hydraulic fluid.
1991: Liftgate support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.
1991-92: The steering-wheel mounting armature can develop cracks and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column. This can result in loss of vehicle control.
1991-93 w/ABS: ABS hydraulic control unit can experience excessive actuator piston seal wear, causing pump-motor deterioration; ABS could fail, and power assist might be reduced.
1991-93: Left windshield-wiper pivot-drive arm was not mechanically staked to shaft; arm could disengage, causing loss of wiper function.
1991-93: Seatbelt-release button can stick inside cover, so buckle is only partly latched; also, center rear belt anchor clip can disconnect.
1992: Improperly bent fuel-tank flanges may not allow specified clearance for mounting straps and fuel lines, both of which could be damaged; a broken strap would cause tank to drop, while damaged fuel line may leak fuel.
1992: Zinc plating of some upper steering-column-shaft coupling bolts caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
1993-94: 15-inch stamped steel wheels in some vans have malformed lug-nut seat configuration, which causes poor nut-to-wheel contact and centering of wheel during installation; could lead to possible loss of wheel and loss of vehicle control.
1993-94: Liftgate support attaching bolts can break, resulting in liftgate falling unexpectedly.
1993-95: Electrical short could cause airbags to deploy inadvertently.
1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1991
Town & Country $1,200-1,700 $700-1,000 $100-200
1992
Town & Country $1,400-1,900 $900-1,200 $200
1993
Town & Country $1,600-2,100 $1,100-1,400 $200-300
1994
Town & Country $1,800-2,300 $1,200-1,600 $300
1995
Town & Country $2,000-2,600 $1,400-1,800 $300-400
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1991-1995 Chrysler Town & Country Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 3-door van
Wheelbase, in. 119.3
Overall Length, in. 192.8
Overall Width, in. 72.0
Overall Height, in. 66.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3955
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 141.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 38.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available in 1991: a 3.3-liter overhead-valve V6, developing 147 horsepower, coupled to a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. For 1994, Town & Country buyers got a bigger V6: an overhead-valve 3.8-liter, rated at 162 horsepower and cranking out 213 pounds-feet of torque--considerably more than the prior 3.3-liter.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.3 / 201 147-150 183-185 4-speed automatic: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 17.6
ohv V6 3.8 / 232 162 213 4-speed automatic: 17/23 4-speed automatic: 15.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1995 Town & Country
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
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