1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2000 Chrysler Town & Country
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1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country ▼
- Price Range: $1,700 - $4,900
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (3.8-liter)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
Cons
- Wind noise
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
In the spring of 1995, Chrysler issued a dramatically redesigned Town & Country--and equivalent Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager--as early 1996 models. Meeting 1998 federal passenger-car safety standards, the new Town & Country could be ordered with an optional sliding door on the driver's side--a "first" for minivans. Three versions went on sale: a standard-wheelbase (113.3-inch) LX; a base model on the long (119.3-inch) wheelbase; and a top-of-the-line LXi, also on the longer wheelbase. Base and LX minivans got a 3.3-liter, 158-horsepower V6 engine. A 166-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 went into the LXi, and was optional for its mates. Both engines drove a 4-speed automatic transmission. All models offered 7-passenger seating, including two front bucket seats and a 3-place rear bench. Base and LX models had a 2-place middle bench; LXi, twin center buckets. Center and rear benches had new "Easy Out" built-in rollers. Dual integrated child safety seats were optional on models with a center bench seat and cloth upholstery. Even in base form, the Town & Country's long list of standard equipment included dual airbags and antilock braking, plus air conditioning with dual controls, cruise control, and tinted glass.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager:
Permanent all-wheel drive arrived as an option for '97 on long-wheelbase minivans, and AWD models got 4-wheel disc brakes. Front-drive minivans gained a new traction control system, which works at low speeds to prevent wheel slippage. All 1997 models got the extra driver-side sliding door. The lineup now included a short-wheelbase SX model and two long wheelbase models: the LX and LXi. The 3.8-liter engine was standard on the LXi and optional on the others.
1998 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager:
Town & Country got a new look with an open grille and winged emblem for '98. The new grille features new headlights that offer better illumination. Also, the 3.8-liter V6 gained 14 horsepower for a total of 180.
1999 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager:
The middle bench seat was dropped for '99, and a child seat was now available in one of the two reclining middle-row buckets. Other additions included a small cargo net between the front seats and 16-inch chrome alloy wheels on the Limited.
2000 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager:
Regular-length minivans were dropped for 2000, leaving only extended-length models, with new interior and exterior colors. All models seated seven and had sliding doors on both sides. A new Rear Seat Video entertainment system, with VCR and 6.4-inch display screen, could be dealer-installed.
Our road test for the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The latest Town & Country is more spacious and practical than its predecessor. Door sills were lowered by 1.4 inches to improve entry and exit, which is easy all around--especially with the available driver-side sliding door. Step-in height is actually among the lowest in the minivan class. The dashboard is lower and side windows deeper, so visibility is improved. Choosing a long-wheelbase minivan means everyone has plenty of room. You get ample cargo space at the rear in long wheelbase models, and adequate space in the standard-size version. Cupholders and storage bins are sprinkled throughout the interior, with plenty of space for stashing small items. Steering is precise, and hard cornering produces only modest body lean. The ride is supple, yet well-controlled at highway speeds. The shorter wheelbase Voyager gives a jumpier, less-forgiving ride, but offers good steering feel and adequate brakes. Voyager buyers should steer clear of the 4-cyl, as it lacks power for a vehicle this size. Acceleration is adequate with the 3.3-liter V6, even in the heavier long-wheelbase models, but the bigger engine has enough extra muscle to make a noticeable difference when merging onto the expressway and running uphill. Fuel economy is gloomy with any engine: Expect an average of 15-17 mpg in urban driving, or into the low 20s on the highway. Base Voyager's overworked 4-cyl likely will offer only slightly better economy. Tire noise is low, but wind noise grows prominent at highway speeds. All seats are comfortable for long treks.
Value for the Money
On the road, Chrysler's minivans feel like big cars. Ford's Windstar and the latest GM minivans also are tempting, but Chrysler deserves to hang on to its title of best all-around buy. All of the Town & Country's extras are appealing, but of course a Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager offers most of the same features, for fewer dollars.
On the road, Chrysler's minivans feel like big cars. Ford's Windstar and the latest GM minivans also are tempting, but Chrysler deserves to hang on to its title of best all-around buy. All of the Town & Country's extras are appealing, but of course a Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager offers most of the same features, for fewer dollars.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager .
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.
Automatic transmission:
Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1996)
Blower motor:
Blower motor quits working and a new resistor and wiring repair kit is required. (1996-97)
Blower motor:
Blower motors make a whine in low and second speed. (1996)
Brakes:
The antilock brakes may activate at speeds under 10 mph due to one or more faulty wheel speed sensors. (1996)
Dashboard lights:
The instrument cluster, mini-trip computer and/or compass may show incorrect information or go completely blank due to a bad relay for the heated backlight. (1997)
Doors:
Sliding door and/or liftgate power locks fail to lock or unlock both manually or electrically. (1996)
Engine temperature:
Reprogramming the powertrain control module might correct overheating. (1997-98)
Radiator:
The radiator fan may run after the key is turned off, or may not run leading to overheating because the fan relay attaching screws break and the relay overheats. (1996-97)
Rough idle:
Vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 may lose power and/or buck and miss. Problem can be fixed by disconnecting the knock sensor. (1996-97)
Rough idle:
Rough running in 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 might be due to broken pedestals in the cylinder heads. (1996)
Vehicle noise:
A thud or thump when accelerating or stopping is caused by fuel sloshing in the tank. A foam pad and strap kit does not always fix the problem. (1996-97)
Wipers:
Windshield wipers come on by themselves or fail to stop when the switch is turned off due to a problem with the multifunciton switch on the column. (1996)
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 | $490 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,040 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $605 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $385 |
| Exhaust System | $330 |
| Radiator | $480 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $330 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| LXi, Limited | $4,700-5,800 | $3,900-4,900 | $1,800-2,200 |
| Town & Country | $4,100-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 1999 | |||
| LXi, Limited | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Town & Country | $3,500-4,300 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Town & Country | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Town & Country LXi | $3,700-4,300 | $3,000-3,500 | $1,100-1,200 |
| 1997 | |||
| Town & Country | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Town & Country LXi | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1996 | |||
| Town & Country | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Town & Country LXi | $2,800-3,300 | $2,100-2,500 | $600-700 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3863 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 141.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Town & Country buyers could choose from two V6 engines: 3.3-liter, developing 158 horsepower; or a 3.8-liter that made 166 horsepower. Both engines drove a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on 1997 long-wheelbase models. Voyager joined the Chrysler brand late in 1999 with an available 2.4-liter I4 engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 158 | 203 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: 17.4 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 230 | 166 | 245 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: 15.1 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 153 | 150 | 167 | 3-speed automatic: 20/26 | 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-2000 Chrysler Town & Country directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1996:
Fuel-tank rollover valve can allow fuel to enter vapor canister, creating potential for leakage and fire.
1996:
On a few minivans, bolts holding integrated child seat modules to seat frame can break.
1996:
On certain minivans, fuel can leak from tank at interface of fuel pump module attachment.
1996:
Static charge could cause spark as tank is filled; vapors could ignite.
1996-97 w/integrated child seats:
Shoulder-harness restraint on child seat can be difficult to release when latch plate becomes contaminated.
1996-98:
The clockspring may have been wound incorrectly, resulting in illumination of airbag warning light and possibly causing the driver's side airbag to not function. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts on vehicles with 70,000 miles or less.
1997:
Certain master-cylinder seals will not seal adequately, allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into power-assist vacuum reservoir; brake warning lamp will then illuminate.
1997:
The D-pillar mastic sound barrier patch could loosen and drop into the seatbelt assembly, rendering it inoperative.
1998 w/integrated child seats:
Shoulder-harness webbing was incorrectly routed around reinforcement bar; can fail to restrain child properly.
1998-00:
Driver's airbag on some minivans may become disabled due to a failed clockspring in the steering-wheel hub; airbag warning lamp should illuminate.
1999:
Front-seatbelt retractor does not work properly and will not adequately protect occupant in a crash.
1999-00 w/3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines:
Fuel could leak from the underhood fuel-injection fuel rail, increasing risk of vehicle fire.
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