2008 Chrysler Town & Country

Targeting slightly older buyers, Chrysler's Town & Country is influenced by the company's 300 sedan up front, making what Trostle calls "an elegant, modern statement."

Power and Handling

Three powertrains now are available, topped by the 4.0-liter V-6. Coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, that new engine develops 251 horsepower and gets an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (using the new 2008 test methodology). Chrysler's 3.8-liter V-6, producing 197 horsepower and using the same six-speed, gets the same EPA estimate. If less power will suffice, Dodge's "entry level" Grand Caravan SE contains a familiar 3.3-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic, capable of running on E85 (a blend of ethanol and gasoline). That one earns a 17/24 mpg EPA estimate.


Chrysler's six-speed transmission is the first in a minivan. "Steps between the gear ratios are smaller," said chief engineer Chris Alianz, and the "customer feels much smoother shifts." Chrysler claims a 40-percent improvement in first-gear ratio for brisker takeoffs. Coupled with the 4.0-liter engine, the new six-speed automatic tends to shift rather often, especially on upgrades and around town. Yet, it operates so smoothly that gear changes are barely noticed. Engine whir is nearly subdued much of the time, with little road or tire noise, though the V-6 is heard more at low, in-town speeds.


All along, Chrysler's minivans have been easy and enjoyable vehicles to drive. Even so, the 2008 models come across as significantly improved. No, the driving experience isn't dramatically different. Most noticeable is the tight and solid construction, followed by more confident handling than before, with especially positive steering. No one is likely to consider any minivan model sporty, but at least the Chrysler and Dodge models have edged a bit into that sphere.

Interior

Ride quality in a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is outstanding, at least on smooth pavement. Sometimes, you hardly know you're moving, except for just a touch of up/down motion. If anything, Chrysler's Town & Country Limited feels a tad smoother on the road than the Grand Caravan—and that's heavy praise. Despite a wholly satisfying overall feel, though, in curves at higher speed, a momentary sensation of non-surefootedness can occur.