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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Review
The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is redesigned, growing modestly in most dimensions and losing its short-wheelbase model. Town & Country is built from the same design as the Dodge Grand Caravan but differs in trim and pricing. LX, Touring, and topline Limited models are offered. LX models have a 3.3-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Touring models have a 3.8-liter V6, Limiteds a 4.0. Touring and Limited models have a 6-speed automatic. Safety features include curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, ABS, an antiskid system, and traction control.

Three seating configurations are offered; all accommodate seven passengers. The standard seating arrangement includes a 3rd-row bench that folds flush into the floor. Available Stow 'n Go seating has 2nd- and 3rd-row seating that folds flush into the floor. New for '08 is Swivel 'n Go seating that includes 2nd-row seats that rotate to face rearward, a removable table that fits between the 2nd and 3rd rows, and a flush-folding 3rd row. Options include a navigation system, DVD entertainment, and heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. Another option is a satellite TV system, which broadcasts kid-friendly programming on the DVD entertainment screens. Chrysler's MyGIG Multimedia system, which includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures and digital music files is also available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as a 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 are the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.

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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (4.0-liter V6) Fuel economy
Cargo room/flexibility Interior materials
Ride
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Touring Limited Class Average
5 6 5.4

Both the Touring's 3.8 V6 and the Limited's 4.0-liter engines offer sufficient power for around town driving, with the 4.0 providing much needed extra boost for merging and highway passing. With both these V6s the transmission is quick to shift as needed but can change gears harshly at low speed. Consumer Guide has not yet tested an LX with its 3.3-liter V6, but we predict that it will be overwhelmed by its approximately 4500-pound curb weight.
Fuel Economy

Touring Limited Class Average
4 4 4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, Town & Country and Grand Caravan models with the 3.8-liter V6 averaged 16.1-17.1 mpg in city/highway driving. Extended-use Town & Country Limited is averaging 18.7 mpg over its first 1405 miles. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines use regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the 4.0-liter V6.
Ride Quality

Touring Limited Class Average
7 7 6.4

Impressive road isolation, with even larger bumps taken with poise. Note that similar Grand Caravans equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 include a sport suspension that is not available on other Caravan or Town & Country models. With the sport suspension, impacts are more readily felt and some body quiver is evidenced over broken surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Touring Limited Class Average
5 5 5.2

Despite their overall size, these big vans are little more difficult to drive than a midsize sedan, though lean in corners is fairly pronounced.
Quietness

Touring Limited Class Average
7 7 6.3

Along with the similar Grand Caravan, these are possibly the quietest minivans. Wind noise is impressively muted. Road noise is only an issue on Caravan 4.0-liter models--due in part to their standard sport suspension. The engines are generally quiet, though noise can intrude during acceleration, with the 4.0-liter V6 sounding especially coarse when pushed.
Controls

Touring Limited Class Average
7 7 6.2

Large dials and gauges are simple to locate and easy to read. Most controls are plainly marked and work as expected, though audio controls suffer undue complication on models with navigation system or Chrysler's MyGIG media management system. For 2008 Chrysler moves the shifter to the dashboard, an apparent novelty that quickly becomes second nature to use.
Details

Touring Limited Class Average
6 6 5.3

Interior assembly is mostly top notch, but hard plastic surfaces and low-grade materials dominate the cabin and disappoint at these prices.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Touring Limited Class Average
9 9 7.5

Wide, comfortable chairs contribute to long-haul comfort. Chrysler widened the upper portion of Town & Country's cabin for 2008, and the interior has a roomier more airy feel as a result. Visibility is very good in all directions, though the rear view is seriously compromised when both screens of the Dual DVD entertainment system are in use.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Touring Limited Class Average
9 9 7.6

No opportunity to test model without Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go seating. On models with optional seating, 2nd-row passengers enjoy roomy, supportive buckets, though larger Swivel 'n Go seats offer more comfort and back support than Stow 'n Go units. The 3rd-row bench is plenty roomy for two passengers, a squeeze for anything but three preteens. Novel Swivel 'n Go seats work as advertised, allowing easy interaction between 2nd and 3rd-row riders. Available table a great idea but it is fairly small and difficult for 3rd-row passengers to reach once buckled.
Cargo Room

Touring Limited Class Average
10 10 10

Vast space available, though different seating configurations offer varying challenges to accessing that volume. Stow 'n Go second-row seating disappears into van floor as advertised, but process of folding the seat into the floor is more complicated and clumsy than it should be--though it is a welcome convenience not offered on rival minivans. Ditto Swivel 'n Go seats, which rotate easily enough but are complicated to remove and extremely heavy. Available power-folding 3rd-row is a marvel of convenience, however. Seat folds flat into floor or rolls to face rearward providing comfortable tailgate seating. Note the rear-facing seating position is not intended for use while van is in motion.
Value within Class

Touring Limited Class Average
9 8 7.1

Bigger and stronger, the redesigned Town & Country boasts all the space, functionality, and available power a minivan shopper could want. Along with the Grand Caravan from sister division Dodge, these new vans may not be as sporty as the Honda Odyssey or as well-appointed as the Toyota Sienna, but neither of those matches the T&C's and Caravan's Best Buy blend of family-friendly attributes and dollar value.
Total Score

Touring Limited Class Average
78 78 71.2
Scores for all Minivans

Low Score
62
Average Score
71
High Score
78
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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LX 4-door van $22,825 $21,064 $770
Touring 4-door van $28,210 $25,857 $770
Limited 4-door van $35,985 $32,777 $770
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, 2nd-row bench seat, 3rd-row stowable split folding seat, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, conversation mirror, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, 225/65R16 tires, wheel covers.
Touring adds to LX:
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, 2nd-row stowable bucket seats, heated power mirrors, power rear windows, power sliding rear doors, power liftgate, trip computer, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack, alloy wheels.
Limited adds to Touring:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system, upgraded tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), interior air filter, leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, heated front and 2nd-row seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), mirror-mounted turn signals, satellite radio, hard drive, remote engine start, removable center console, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, outside-temperature indicator, compass, 2nd- and 3rd-row sunshades.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, 225/65R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 24G
LX
$1,310
$1,153
Tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), cruise control, floormats.
Quick Order Pkg. 24H
LX
$2,950
$2,596
Quick Order Pkg. 24G plus power adjustable-pedals, 2nd-row stowable bucket seats, 3rd-row seat w/tailgate feature, heated power mirrors, power rear windows, automatic up/down driver window, remote engine start, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, compass.
Special Appearance Group
LX
$995
$876
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, roof rack, alloy wheels. Requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Power and Remote Entry Group
LX w/Pkg. 24G
$2,300
$2,024
LX w/Pkg. 24H
$1,995
$1,756
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, automatic up/down driver window, power sliding rear doors, power liftgate.
Quick Order Pkg. 25L
Touring
$5,045
$4,440
Leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 8-way power passenger seat, rearview camera, hard drive, satellite radio, remote engine start, removable center console, 2nd- and 3rd-row sunshades, vehicle information display.
Quick Order Pkg. 25M
Touring
$4,980
$4,382
Quick Order Pkg. 25L plus tri-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, DVD entertainment system w/dual screens, 225/65R17 tires.
Security Group
Touring
$900
$792
Rear-obstacle-detection system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, mirror-mounted turn signals, alarm. Requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Sound Group
Touring
$795
$700
Upgraded sound system, satellite radio. Requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Swivel 'n Go Seating Group
LX, Limited, Touring
$495
$436
2nd-row swiveling bucket seats, 2nd- and 3rd-row removable table. LX requires Quick Order Pkg. 24H.
Entertainment Group 1
LX
$2,120
$1,866
DVD entertainment system w/single screen, satellite radio, hard drive, rearview camera.
Entertainment Group 2
Touring
$2,200
$1,936
Touring w/Pkg. 25L
$1,525
$1,342
DVD entertainment system w/dual screens, hard drive, rearview camera.
Entertainment Group 3
Limited
$2,020
$1,778
DVD entertainment system w/dual DVD players and dual screens, mobile satellite TV.
Exterior Appearance Group
LX, Limited, Touring
$937
$800
Bright door sills, floormats, running boards, mud guards.
Cargo Group II
LX, Limited, Touring
$362
$308
3rd-row storage bins, table, storage tray.
Trailer Tow Group
Touring, Limited
$600
$528
Heavy-duty engine cooling, trailer-wiring harness, load-leveling suspension.
Safety
2 integrated child seats
LX, Limited, Touring
$225
$198
LX w/Quick Order Pkg. 24H, Touring, Limited require Swivel 'n Go Seating Group.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mobile satellite TV
Touring
$495
$436
Includes one year service. Requires a Quick Order Pkg., Entertainment Group 2.
My GIG Multimedia
Touring, Limited
$1,300
$1,144
Touring w/Security Group
$905
$796
Navigation system, rearview camera, hard drive, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Touring requires a Quick Order Pkg.
Hard drive
LX
$725
$638
Touring
$675
$594
Includes rearview camera, DVD player. LX requires a Quick Order Pkg.
UConnect
Limited
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link.
Power sunroof
Touring, Limited
$895
$788
Touring requires Quick Order Pkg. 25M.
Heated front seats
Touring
$250
$220
Requires heated 2nd-row seats.
Heated 2nd-row seats
Touring
$250
$220
Requires heated front seats.
Stow 'n Go Seats
LX
$795
$700
2nd-row stowable bucket seats, 3rd-row seat w/tailgate feature. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 24G. Std. Touring and Limited.
Power-folding 3rd-row seat
Touring, Limited
$595
$524
Touring requires Quick Order Pkg. 25M.
Floormats
LX
$55
$48
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
LX
$250
$220
Special paint
LX, Limited, Touring
$150
$132
Premium paint
LX, Limited, Touring
$225
$198
Engine-block heater
LX, Limited, Touring
$35
$31
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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chrysler Town & Country 4-door van
Wheelbase, in. 121.2
Overall Length, in. 202.5
Overall Width, in. 76.9
Overall Height, in. 68.8
Curb Weight, lbs. --
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 140.6
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.5
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 ohv V6 sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.3 /202 3.8 /231 4.0 /241
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 5000 197 @ 5200 253 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 205 @ 4000 230 @ 4000 259 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 17/24 --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 16/23 16/23
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chrysler Town & Country 4-door van
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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