2008 Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler Group, the minivan pioneer, has always been a top sales leader in the segment since the minivan's inception 25 years ago. Though these mom mobiles are being replaced across automakers' lineups by crossover-type SUVs, Chrysler Group's vans are still strong sellers, and are a bright spot in the otherwise bleak-looking future of the class.
Consumer Guide decided to add a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country to our fleet of extended-use test vehicles. Long-term testers stay with us for six months to a year and give us a chance to evaluate the vehicle's everyday drivability and real-world fuel economy. Our eight test-car editors will take turns living with the Town & Country, driving it through multiple weather and traffic situations, navigating all possible road conditions and surfaces, and transporting all varieties of passengers and cargo. We'll put the van to the test during a yearlong stint transporting our families on trips, hauling our groceries, and carrying us to and from work each day.
About CG's Test 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
For 2008, Chrysler redesigned the fifth generation of its Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, giving them a facelift along with more power, room, and convenience amenities.
Consumer Guide's test 2008 Town & Country is a top-line Limited model. It is equipped with the biggest engine offered; the 4.0-liter 253-horsepower V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates its fuel economy at 16 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway. So far, our editors are averaging around 19 mpg over a mix of city and highway driving.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
The Limited model comes standard with safety features like traction control, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. Other standard amenities include tri-zone climate controls, steering wheel radio controls, eight-way power passenger and driver seats, power adjustable pedals, power-sliding doors and power liftgate, a rear-obstacle detection system, heated first- and second-row seats, satellite radio, remote start, and second- and third-row sunshades for a base price of $35,985.
We heavily optioned our tester with the Swivel 'n Go seating package (second- and third-row removable table, and removable second-row seating), dual-screen DVD entertainment package with SIRIUS backseat TV (an additional DVD Player, second- and third-row overhead eight-inch video screens, wireless headphones, and a remote control), a power-folding third-row seat, MyGig multimedia storage system, SIRIUS Traffic with one year of service, UConnect hands-free communication system, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror with microphone. After adding $5,180 of optional equipment, this Town & Country Limited's as-tested price climbed to a hefty $41,165.
Initial Impressions
Editors agree that this Best Buy minivan returned for 2008 with more size, power, and functionality, while still hanging on to what we've praised it for in the past: a great blend of family-friendly attributes and overall dollar value. One tester commended its clever storage areas. Another editor referred to it as a luxury sedan with room for a very large family and praised its smooth power delivery and seamless transmission.
However, some testers were disappointed that the new-for-2008 Swivel 'n Go seating system, which allows the seats to rotate 180 degrees to face a pop-up center table, can't be combined with the Stow 'n Go package, a popular feature on Chrysler vans since 2005. Another gripe was the van's cost. Yes, our test van is outfitted with just about everything, but at $41,165 shouldn't it come with a navigation system? Check back regularly as we spend more time in and log more miles on our long-term Town & Country.