2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXi

There's generous legroom for tall adults even in the third row. Should you need to mix cargo and people or convert entirely to cargo use, the T & C is highly adaptable. The rear bench is actually comprised of two separate seats that can be folded down or rolled completely out independently. The middle-row captain's chairs offer similar convenience. Though not exceptionally light, the simple latching mechanism and built-in rollers make the Chrysler's seats relatively easy to manage. Though the Honda Odyssey remains the minivan utility champ by virtue of its generous internal dimensions and an ingenious rear bench seat that folds down into a well in the rear cargo floor, the T & C needs to make few excuses on the utility front.


The standard powerplant in the T & C is a 180-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6; for just $335 more, you can upgrade to a more-capable 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 that is much more responsive and delivers identical fuel economy figures as compared to the smaller engine. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is standard with either engine. With the 3.8-liter upgrade, the T & C's powertrain is well suited to its typical mission. Good off-the-line torque and decisive throttle response make this Chrysler feel pleasantly powerful, even with a full house. The engine is serenely quiet at cruising speed, though it kicks up a minor commotion when the revs rise for a full-throttle downshift. Honda's standard-setting Odyssey now comes equipped with a 240-horsepower V-6 and a five-speed automatic transmission—an unbeatable combination among minivans when your foot is to the floor. The Chrysler counters with great flexibility and strong real-world mid-range power, which to many drivers will feel every bit as impressive as the Honda's power delivery.


Good road isolation and supple bump compliance make the T & C a comfortable cruiser. The well-tuned suspension isn't excessively soft or floaty, so your confidence and sense of control remain intact when the road turns twisty. Features like standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock further bolster your confidence. On the safety front, the Town & Country has a solid complement of equipment, including seatbelt pretensioners and optional front-seat side-impact airbags.

Whether in LXi or Limited trim, the Town & Country is an upscale way to minivan.

Our well-optioned test car was a rolling candy store of goodies. Leather seating, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, reading lamps, vehicle information center, and tire-pressure monitoring system were just the tip of the feature-berg. A clever rear cargo area organizer makes the most of the rear compartment storage space and keeps items from rolling around. Not only are the left and right sliding doors power operated, but even the rear liftgate opens and closes with the touch of a button. The elaborate automatic climate-control system has three zones (driver, passenger and rear area) to minimize temperature squabbles on the road. Another aid to family harmony is the upgraded Infinity AM/FM/CD audio system with rear controls and two sets of wireless headphones. If that's not enough to occupy the kids (or clients), you can also opt for a rear-seat video system with a 6.4-inch LCD display, or wow them with an on-board navigation system. In the Chrysler Town & Country, the list of features just rolls on and on.


The Chrysler Town & Country LXi offers plenty of practical virtues to be sure, but most of these characteristics are essentially a given among modern minivans. And there are certainly more affordable choices. Should your tastes run a bit more upscale, you may very well be Town & Country material. If you appreciate convenience items and clever features, the Chrysler Town & Country LXi needs to feature prominently on your minivan shopping list. (www.chrysler.com)