2009 Chrysler Town & Country

Despite Chrysler's bankruptcy early in 2009, and subsequent takeover by Fiat, one vehicle continues to shine brightly in the company's product arsenal. That vehicle is the minivan: specifically, the Chrysler Town & Country and its Dodge Grand Caravan companion.


Chrysler launched the entire phenomenon back in 1984, by introducing the first Chrysler/Dodge minivans. Massive redesigning for 1996 replaced the original boxy profile with curvaceous lines. Major fifth-generation reworking for 2008 provided greater differentiation between Chrysler and Dodge versions. Crisp edges are now the rule, and glass-to-body proportions are more contemporary. Some styling cues even hark back to the original 1984 model.

Styling and Features

Frontal appearance of the seven-passenger Town & Country is influenced by Chrysler's 300 sedan. Chrysler claimed 35 new and improved features for the 2008 redesign. Some were minor, and others more notable.


Again in 2009, three models are available: LX, Touring, and top-of-the-line Limited. A new 25th anniversary edition features premium perforated leather seating with French-seamed stitching, along with Dark Maple Burl interior trim. Chrysler touts several minivan "firsts" for 2009, available on Touring and Limited editions. The Blind Spot Monitoring system can detect possibly unseen vehicles when changing lanes. A Rear Cross Path system warns of traffic moving toward the vehicle when it's in Reverse.


Rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam headlamps also are available. New dual 9-inch DVD screens mate with the available Swivel 'n Go third-row seats. Each screen can show different media at the same time. Fuel economy for the 4.0-liter engine has improved. Stow 'n Go seating and rear air conditioning now are standard even on LX models.

Power and Handling

As before, three engines are offered: a 3.3-liter, 175-horsepower V-6 in the entry-level LX model; a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 197 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque for the Touring edition; and a 251-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 for the Limited, generating 259 pound-feet. A four-speed automatic transmission comes with the smallest engine, while the other two get a six-speed unit. The 3.8-liter V-6 is a flex-fuel engine, capable of running on either gasoline alone or an E85 ethanol/gasoline blend.


No one will mistake the Town & Country for a sporty vehicle. Handling is nothing special, but it's on par with other minivans. Body lean definitely is noticeable on expressway ramps, so you tend to slow down considerably—just to be sure. With the Limited's 4.0-liter engine, expect abundant acceleration with prompt downshifts and quick responses. Still, many buyers should be satisfied with the 3.8-liter V-6, if not the smallest engine choice. On upgrades and around town, the six-speed transmission may shift gears rather often, but does so smoothly.