2005 Chrysler Town & Country: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chrysler updates its minivans for 2005, adding available curtain side airbags and fold-away 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, but dropping all-wheel drive. Town & Country is an upscale version of the Dodge Caravan. It comes in regular- and extended-length models, both with 7-passenger seating. Base regular-length and LX extended-length models have a 3.3-liter V6. Touring and Limited extended models have a 3.8 V6. All have automatic transmission. Traction control is available on extendeds. ABS is standard on extendeds, optional on regulars. Newly standard on all is a driver knee airbag. Newly available are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows; they replace front side airbags and are standard on the top-line Limited model, optional on other Town & Countrys. A tire-pressure monitor is standard on Touring and Limited.

Exclusive to extendeds are Chrysler's Stow 'n Go 2nd- and 3rd-row seats that fold into floorwells. When the seats are raised, the wells become covered storage bins. Other available features include power sliding side doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, rear DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Newly available are rear obstacle detection; Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free wireless link to cell phones; and ceiling tracks that allow moving and removing such items as storage bins, a CD holder, and a first-aid kit.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.