2004 Chrysler Town & Country

The standard powerplant in the Town & Country is a capable 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 that is quick and responsive. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is standard. With the 3.8-liter, 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. The Chrysler's powerband has great flexibility and strong mid-range (real-world) response making it comparatively favorable with the Honda Odyssey's 240-horsepower V-6.


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.

Features include a power sunroof, a factory-installed DVD entertainment system and power adjustable pedals.

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 like the new sunroof, 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 AM/FM/CD audio system with a 6-disc changer. If that's not enough to occupy the kids (or clients), you can also opt for the new DVD entertainment system with a 7-inch LCD display (which is unaffected by the new sunroof), or wow them with an on-board navigation system. For the Chrysler Town & Country, the list of features just rolls on and on.


The Chrysler Town & Country Touring 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 Touring needs to feature prominently on your minivan shopping list. (www.chrysler.com)