Chrysler Town and Country

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
2.60 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $30000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Touring

Summary:
I just have to say that this is the best van on the market. Bar none!!!

I've always been a Chrysler fan, but 1 1/2 years ago I traded in my Chrysler Pacifica (due to being tired of my careless children banging other cars with their doors) for a Buick Terrazza. Big mistake. At the time, I looked at the T&C's and since they hadn't changed in years, I didn't go with one. I didn't really like the jelly-bean look of the T&C at the time, either. The Terrazza seemed to have what I wanted (as for luxury) and slightly cooler styling.

Soon, however, I HATED the Buick Terrazza, because it just didn't seem to be of good quality. Lots of creaks, and the transmission felt weak. It didn't feel like it would hold up well. My husband was always making cracks about it. It was fine, the interior was comfy, but it was just plain boring.

Last week I went for a test drive in the NEW T&C, "just to see if I like it"...well, everything that the Buick Terrazza didn't have, the T&C did. I liked it, I liked it!!!!!

The T&C has crisp handling, the transmission is much better than the Buick's, the ride is very smooth, the van is spacious, plus there are so many bells and whistles I can't believe it.

The Limited that I drove initally was loaded with every possible option, but the payment was more than I was interested in. To my surprise, just by moving down one level to the next highest trim (the top of the line, highest equipped Touring model) and the price dropped dramatically. I guess for the Limited you are paying for the horsepower and V8 engine. I don't need a more powerful engine (gas mileage, you know...while the sticker claims they are similar, I don't believe the V8/higher horsepower could possibly do as well). The Touring I selected also included a safety package and the satellite radio/satellite TV/navigation system and the swivel seats. As far as I can tell, the ONLY features I gave up were the sunroof and the wood trim on the interior doors (it's still on the dash). My van also has a chrome package added by the dealer, so it looks just like the more expensive limited. It saved me about $100 a month, and I kid you not. If you are smart, you will go with the Touring over the Limited! Plus, the seats of the Limited had suede inserts on the seats, and little boys and suede don't sound like a match, no matter WHAT kind of warranty they claim to have on the seats. The Touring removes the suede, to my relief.

You may think that I don't have enough driving experience to rate this yet, but I just returned from a 300 mile round trip excursion with 3 other ladies. We were gone for 2 nights. We did not pack lightly, and everything fit into the van with no problem. We were comfortable, the ride was great, and everyone raved about the features and convenience of the van.

My children LOVE it, as well. The first couple of days, we swiveled the 2nd row and they played cards with the table set up. They also wanted to eat DINNER in the car! They're enjoying the satellite selections (Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, included for one year with purchase). Can you beat having 2 TVs? I just couldn't have imagined this a few years ago.

Here's the coolest feature of all...you put in your CDs and can SAVE them to the hard drive. Then you just use the touch screen to select from all of the music you loaded. It works like an I-pod with playlists, playing by artists, etc. I put them all in and promptly gave them to my sons (only the ones that were appropriate, of course!) You can also play your I-pod through the speakers with the right auxillary input cord. (But what else would you expect?)

The boys also love the 2nd row heated seats. They have coveted ours for years, and now they can heat up their tushes just like the adults.

The storage is phoenomenal. There's an umbrella well on the driver's side, 2 glove compartments, and lots of nooks and crannies to store things....not to mention the storage wells in the 2nd row floorboard. I can't believe how much storage that provides. I drove a 2000 T&C before they added that feature, and I love it.

I could go on, but I will stop here. It's a great van. I don't know why anyone would buy anything else. I've certainly learned my lesson...although it was worth the wait!

Strengths:
Comfort, convenience, gadgets, handling, ride.

Weaknesses:
Cupholders in the 2nd row are noticibly missing. All they have is 2nd row door bottleholders unless you slide the front console back, and I don't like that feature. But if the only problem is cupholders, I can deal with that!!! All the more reason to have the boys drink bottled water in the car...

Similar Products Used:
2000 Town and Country Van
2003 Chrysler Pacifica
2006 Buick Terrazza

Price Paid:  $42395.00 from Dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring (Caravan)

Summary:
I have been with Chrysler for over 20 years and this is the worst and most expensive product from them. I live in Canada and we have winters. You cannot defrost the windshield nor can you the side windows even if your face is burning from the heat form the heating system. This is the minute the temperature outside drops below 0 degree C, you should see at -15C… You lock the parental control for the windows and your front passenger cannot open his anymore but the kids can turn the heat on their seat in the back without control. You can swivel the rear seats but cannot get into them after. The opening of the sliding doors is at least 2 to 3 inches smaller than before (of course with no kids....). 9 cup holders as long as your cups don’t have handles (maybe they are sold as an option?). The spare tire is where you cannot access it, ever. 2 DVD players (not by choice) you cannot get only one. If you turn the rear seats, you cannot see the DVDs anymore. I know it is new but these things are not going to change. I want my 2004 SXT Grand Caravan back. It was much better. This is not a family car like the publicity says or maybe if your kids are dogs. I have the luxury floor consol, it is very difficult to attach and remove your seat belt. You can only use the tip of 2 fingers. In my 2004 there was a nice storage bin in the back for grocery, shopping, etc. In the 2008 you must pile up your grocery but again if you don’t have kids….

It is very hard, close to impossible, to be positive with such a vehicle. It is nice but not particle.

Strengths:
Nice color

Weaknesses:
Not enough space to write it down

Similar Products Used:
Since 1992 it was all Grand Caravan from Dodge. It was a great adventure for the close to 750,000 Km that I drove.