2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2001 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
2004 Chrysler Town & Country
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2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country 

  • Price Range:  $3,400 - $12,300
CG Rating

64

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Entry/exit
  • All-wheel drive
  • Interior storage space

Cons

  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Fresh styling, more powerful engines and some minivan "firsts" (including a power liftgate) highlighted the redesigned Town & Country. Wheelbases were unchanged from the previous year, but the Town & Country rode only the longer (119.3-inch) wheelbase, while the Chrysler Voyager (listed separately) went on a 113.3-inch span. As in the past, the Dodge Caravan shared this design and most mechanical features. Caravans also were redesigned for 2001, in both regular- and extended-length models. Town & Country minivans came in LX, LXi and Limited trim levels. Front-wheel drive was standard, but the Town & Country was available with all-wheel drive. A 3.3-liter V6 was standard in the LX and LXi, now rated at 180 horsepower (previously 158). Limited and AWD models got a 3.8-liter V6, which was optional for LXi; it rose from 180 to 215 horsepower. Both engines mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard. New wraparound taillamps, 50-percent larger headlights, and lower body cladding on the Town & Country LXi and Limited were among the styling changes. These minivans were about 2 inches wider than the 1996-2000 models. All models seat seven and have two sliding side doors, with power operation for one or both side doors available. Alterations inside included new dashboards, and a center console with an internal power outlet. The console could be mounted between the front or second-row seats. A newly available rear parcel shelf could be fixed at floor or midlevel positions, and included pop-up storage dividers. Dashboard airbags gained dual-stage inflators. Front side airbags (a first for these vans) were standard on the Limited and optional for other Town & Country models. A rear-seat entertainment system with 6.4-inch LCD screen, VCR, and wireless headphones, was a dealer-installed option, as was a navigation system. An available in-dash four-disc CD player also was new. A manual override for the available power sliding side doors permitted them to be opened or closed by hand during the powered phase. A right-side power door was optional for the Town & Country LX, while power operation for both sides was standard on LX and Limited models. The new power liftgate was controlled by the keyfob or interior switches, and had sensors designed to stop its movement if it encountered an obstruction. The power liftgate was standard on the Limited and optional on other models. Unlike the Honda Odyssey and Mazda MPV, the third-row bench seat does not fold away into the floor, but Chrysler did offer a new 50-50 split third-row bench; each portion weighs 55 pounds and removes individually, and can also recline or fold flat. Rivals included the Chevrolet Venture, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Chrysler Town & Country Limited Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 10
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 64
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: New options for 2003 included a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system and a tire-inflation monitor. This year's lineup included high-value eL and eX models, as well as the LX, LXi, and Limited.
2003 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: Upper-level Town & Country minivans could get a sunroof this year. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals also were scheduled to become available, later in the model year.
2004 Chrysler Town & Country and Voyager: The Voyager is gone from the Town & Country linup for 2004. It is replaced by a base version of the minivan. A platinum series option package is available for the Touring model in '04, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Chrysler-built minivan. Also new for '04 is a tire-pressure monitor standard on all but the base and LX.

Our road test for the 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

SUV-intenders would do well to consider an AWD Town & Country as a sensible, comfortable alternative. Riding about as comfortably as a full-size car, a spacious Town & Country absorbs bumps better than any SUV, and beats most minivans (Voyager included). Bigger wheels and tires give the Town & Country an edge over Voyager in handling and roadholding, too, though both are carlike and friendly to drive. The Town & Country brakes with more authority than a Voyager, thanks to its standard antilock four-wheel discs. A Town & Country requires the muscle of the 3.8-liter V6 to get off the line smartly and hold its own in highway passing and merging. Fuel economy hasn't changed much from the prior generation. A test minivan with 3.8-liter engine averaged 15 mpg. Abundant sound insulation makes the Town & Country one of the quietest minivans, with fine suppression of wind, road, and engine noise. Playing its luxury role to the hilt, the Town & Country features comfortably supportive and generously sized seating at all positions, and may have been fitted with leather upholstery. Driver positioning is excellent, and entry/exit easy. Split third-row seats remove easily, but unlike stowable alternatives, you must decide whether to take them out before you begin a trip. The power side doors' manual-override function is convenient, while the power liftgate (shared with Grand Caravan) is a useful innovation. Both systems stop and reverse direction quickly when encountering an obstruction, the liftgate's sensors proving particularly sensitive. The available movable, lighted center console, if installed, enhances versatility. So does the multiposition rear parcel shelf, though we question the durability of its plastic pop-up dividers. The revamped dashboard moved controls closer to the driver, but front cupholders block access to the in-dash CD changer. With no provision for an integrated navigation system, the add-on screen mounts atop the dashboard. A unique "three-zone" climate-system option allows for independent control of driver, front-passenger, and rear-seating settings.
Value for the Money
DaimlerChrysler's lineup dominates the "shoulders" of the minivan market. By 2002, their minivans accounted for 62 percent of sales under $20,000 and 37 percent of those over $30,000. Such figures demonstrate the appeal of both the entry-level Voyager and the luxury Town & Country, which, bolstered by the 2001 redesign, are now stronger values than ever.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Chrysler Town & Country Limited Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 10
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 64

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.

Air conditioner: The A/C compressor may fail, causing a squealing or missing drive belt. Using only the front A/C controls and not the rear controls can cause the compressor to fail. After the A/C parts are replaced, the body-control computer requires reprogramming. (2001)

Doors: Loose weather strip tricks the power sliding door into thinking there is an obstruction making it misbehave during opening or closing. The weather strip must be replaced.

Engine noise: Engine tapping noise on startup of V6 engines requires updated exhaust valve swivel pads. (1998-04)

Engine stalling: The engine may lose power or stall, especially when the temperature drops below freezing, requiring replacement of the throttle-position sensor. (2001-02)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may drop below the actual level while driving, but may return to the correct reading after sitting for about 10 minutes due to a kinked hose at the leak detection pump filter. (2001-02)

Suspension noise: Knocking or squawking sounds from the front suspension are corrected by replacing the sway-bar links. (2001)

Water leak: Some early-production (prior to April 2001) vehicles may have a serpentine belt that squeals or jumps off (in cold weather) the pulley because of water leaking from the wiper-module drain tube. In cold weather, ice forms on the pulley. (2001)

Water leak: A wet passenger side carpet is often due to condensation from the A/C drain tube blowing back into the passenger compartment and replacing the tube with a longer one corrects the problem. (2001-02)

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 $415
Alternator $535
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,620
Brakes $440
Constant Velocity Joints $990
Exhaust System $415
Radiator $395
Shocks and/or Struts $1,500
Timing Chain or Belt $180
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
2004
Town & Country LWB $7,600-11,500 $6,800-10,400 $3,800-5,800
Town & Country Ltd. $12,000-13,700 $10,800-12,300 $6,700-7,700
Town & Country SWB $6,200-7,200 $5,400-6,300 $2,700-3,100
2003
LXi, Limited $8,500-10,700 $7,700-9,600 $4,400-5,600
Town & Country $5,400-7,000 $4,600-6,000 $2,200-2,900
2002
LXi, Limited $6,700-8,500 $5,900-7,500 $3,100-3,900
Town & Country $4,800-6,000 $4,000-5,000 $1,800-2,300
2001
LXi, Limited $5,300-6,700 $4,600-5,800 $2,200-2,700
Town & Country $4,200-5,300 $3,400-4,300 $1,400-1,800
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. 119.3
Overall Length, in. 200.6
Overall Width, in. 78.6
Overall Height, in. 68.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 4107
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 167.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.


Powertrain Options and Availability

A 3.3-liter V6, making 180 horsepower, went into the Town & Country eL, LX and LXi. Town & Country eX, Limited and AWD models held a 3.8-liter V6, rated at 215 horsepower. The larger engine has been optional in LXi minivans. All Town & Country models have a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.3 / 202 180 210 4-speed automatic: 18/24 4-speed automatic: --
ohv V6 3.8 / 231 215 245 4-speed automatic: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 15

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Built In:  Canada, 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

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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 2001-2004 Chrysler Town & Country directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2001: Lower control-arm bolt could fracture and lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace affected parts.
2001: Sliding door latches could release in severe accidents. Dealers will replace both sliding door yet cylinder links free of charge.
2001-02: Condensation from air conditioning ducts may drop through vent holes in top of radio, resulting in short-circuit that could lead to speaker fire.
2002: Fuel-tank-control valve weld joint could separate resulting in a fuel leak or fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002: Some owner's manuals are missing instructions for installing child seats. Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owners manual.
2002-04: Upper power steering cooler hose on some minivans may split and cause fluid leakage, which could result in underhood fire.
2003: Power liftgate latch may not engage the striker, allowing liftgate to open while vehicle is moving.

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