All Hail the King of Minivans

There's only one minivan that's luxuriously enough to pass for a limousine. Chrysler's Town&Country is it, with the best leather and suede covered seats in the segment, most comfortable ride and highest level of standard and optional features.

Chrysler's Town&Country provides the luxury of a limousine wrapped in a practical minivan body. The "minivan brand" has updated its classiest people hauler with new headlight clusters, plus a revised grille and front fascia. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

The king of minivans just got better with the recent unveiling of the updated 2005 version, due to hit dealerships in early 2004. The first thing noticeable are more distinctive sculpted headlight clusters. They surround a revised four slat grille framed by the brand's bold winged badge that now stretches its entire top. The front fascia of the new model is modified to seamlessly integrate the license plate into a molded pocket, while round fog lamps and rich looking chrome accents are added.

Chrysler improves on the Town&Country's once again best-in-class luxury interior. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

High above, new cladding and chromed inserts embellish the roof rack's profile view, while a slightly modified rear fascia adds chrome trim and four sensors for the rear parking assist.

Inside, Chrysler improves on its once again best-in-class luxury. Being a premium van, nothing less than Sycamore wood trim graces the center stack, door trim and other trim pieces, while satin silver accents give the cabin a sophisticated, technologically advanced appearance. Adding to the top-tier experience, Chrysler adorns the steering wheel horn pad with a chrome and jeweled company badge. The sportier touring model replaces the wood with satin silver trim.

But more important than mere styling mods, the interior features the automaker's new "Stow 'n Go" second and third row seats. Despite claims by new offerings from Toyota and Nissan, Chrysler's vans (that include the Dodge Caravan) are the first in the class to offer this level of seating flexibility, with both rows fold completely flat into the floor. The rear seat folds 60/40 too, adding to the vehicle's passenger/cargo convenience.

Reportedly the effort to fold the seats down or lift them up is effortless, and the headrests don't even need to be removed to do so. I reviewed the "Stow 'n Go" in great detail in a Dodge Caravan preview, which is worth a read if you're interested in just how advanced the seats, and the respective storage solutions that come as part of the package, are. Altogether it's a revolutionary system that will place the Town&Country squarely on the path to even greater market dominance.

The interior features the automaker's new effortless "Stow 'n Go" second and third row seats. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

It would probably have been enough if the new seating system was the only improvement made to Chrysler Group's 2005 vans, but not willing to merely move forward in giant size leaps thirteen additional features add versatility to what is already an extremely versatile minivan. Most noticeable on the inside is Chrysler's removable overhead rail system, another minivan first. It boasts three movable/removable storage bins, rear temperature controls and the dual monitors for the model's best-in-class optional DVD entertainment system.

Chrysler's overhead rail system boasts three movable/removable storage bins, and the dual monitors for the model's best-in-class optional DVD entertainment system. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Why do I say best-in-class? The two TV screens will end annoying seat shuffling for best position, no doubt, but most importantly it's also easiest to use for parents, being that the system's controls are situated up front on the dash. DVD sound can also be separated to headphones for the kids, while adults can listen to the radio or a CD over the speaker system. It's not the only van to offer any of these features, but it's the only one I've tested that incorporates all of them in such a convenient format.

Chrysler customers can also order the van with an optional navigation system. It's one of those features that if ever tried will forever become a must-have in any new car you buy again. Chrysler offers it factory-installed, or dealer installed via its Mopar parts division. It features mapping of the entire U.S. and Canada, plus points of interest and business phone numbers (U.S. only).

When on long trips, many will appreciate the Town&Country's new Super High Density (SHD) foam seats. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Fortunately Chrysler chose to integrate its monitor into the center stack rather than into the instrument cluster such as in the Pacifica. While I love the Pacifica system when alone, its position makes it impossible to have the front seat passenger read the maps and set the controls. The Town&Country's 4.2-inch full-color display, that also features controls for the AM/FM/CD audio system in a single interface, is much more advantageous.

For some owners getting there comfortably is even more important than getting there at all. Such will appreciate the Town&Country's new Super High Density (SHD) foam seats, with those in the second-row tuned to dampen vibration that is inherent in this position. Another minivan-first, the space-age material was originally developed by NASA to make interstellar travel more comfortable, and is now used more commonly in top-line home and office furniture and Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

Super High Density (SHD) foam was originally developed by NASA to make interstellar travel more comfortable. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

The second-row seats can be made even more comfortable with a total of 100 mm (3.9 in) of fore/aft adjustment and up to 40 degree reclining seatbacks. Altogether the second row seats can be adjusted thirteen different ways to find optimal comfort. If you're stuck in the third row life is only one degree less comfortable, as the split rear seatbacks recline up to 39 degrees. What's more a total of twelve different adjustments are possible, giving first class treatment to "third class" passengers.

What about keeping your loved-ones safe? It would be foolhardy for an automaker to come to market with a family vehicle and not address all-important safety issues, and Chrysler makes no mistakes about it.

Chrysler's rear parking assist system, with sensors housed in the rear fascia, shows how close an object or person is to the rear of the vehicle with multi-colored graduating lights and audible beeps. Just above the fascia, the versatile third row seat is positioned for a tailgate party. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Of course dual front multi-stage airbags are standard, but the Town&Country goes a step further by including three rows of standard side curtain airbags, stretching from A- to D-pillars. Just like the Pacifica crossover vehicle Chrysler adds a driver's side inflatable knee blocker, which is basically an airbag positioned under the steering column to protect the knees in case of a crash. It inflates simultaneously with the front airbags.

I've used Chrysler's rear parking assist system previously in the Pacifica and appreciated its audible beeps and overhead visual display, showing how close an object or person is to the rear of the vehicle with multi-colored graduating lights. On a long-wheelbase van it's a must-have feature, especially if you live in an area where kids might be playing around your parking spot.

For now, only U.S. customers will be able to take advantage of the Town&Country's UConnect Bluetooth technology. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Only U.S. customers will be able to take advantage of the factory-installed UConnect Bluetooth technology, at least at first. It's a wireless system that allows cellular phone/PDA users with Bluetooth equipped portable devices to automatically connect directly to the van's hands-free system without having to hook anything up. Control buttons are located on the rearview mirror within easy reach. According to DaimlerChrysler Canada, this feature has been delayed because of CRTC regulations. I couldn't confirm through the government agency, but Acura includes a working version of the new technology in its latest TL, so something's not adding up. Nevertheless techies, a company spokesman has confirmed that the UConnect feature will be available north of the 49th in the future.

Technophiles with audio leanings will at the very least be temporarily consoled by one of the best stereo systems in the minivan business, an area the T&C has excelled in since its first generation. The van features a dash-mounted multi-CD changer and Infiniti speakers for excellent sound reproduction.

Chrysler has added a liquid-applied spray dampener for reducing noise even further on the already quiet Town&Country. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

And Chrysler makes sure all the nuances can be heard, by boasting reduced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels over the outgoing model. The current Town&Country already delivers a superb ride and top-level refinement, but the new vehicle now makes use of quiet steel, which is basically a composition of two layers of steel sandwiching a visco-elastic treatment. On the underside of the floor, toe-pan, cowl, plus the inside of the roof panel, Chrysler has added a liquid-applied spray dampener for reducing noise even further. All hollow areas, from the base of the cowl, to the liftgate opening and center and rear pillars, are filled with expandable polyurethane foam.

Being that the new seating arrangement put a literal dent in the floor configuration, Chrysler completely redesigned the Town&Country's underbody structure. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

"Reducing noise, vibration and harshness is critical to any new vehicle launch," commented Mike Donoughe, Vice President, Family Vehicle Product Team. "But it's especially critical for the minivan, a special space where family communication and bonding takes place. For our 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, we've essentially created a library-like atmosphere to ensure that conversation may occur anytime with anyone anywhere in the vehicle."

Being that the new seating arrangement put a literal dent in the floor configuration, Chrysler completely redesigned the underbody structure. While doing so the engineers made it stiffer torsionally to reduce suspension vibration, plus improve overall handling and crash worthiness.

Refining the van further, a fluid-filled hydro engine mount is said to significantly reduce engine vibration into the front rails, helping to isolate engine vibration. Also hydro bushings fitted to suspension control arms reduce suspension vibration. The engineers went another step farther by using triple door seals, molded gaskets, aerodynamically configured roof rack cross bows, and a spiraled antenna to reduce wind noise, the latter fine tuned in the automaker's wind tunnel in Auburn Hills.

Chrysler's attention to detail has resulted in a significant 16 percent decrease in overall cabin noise when compared to last year's already quiet model. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

Can you see a trend here? Chrysler doesn't want to be second best when it comes to minivans. In this department they won't be, as the brand's attention to detail has resulted in a significant 16 percent decrease in overall cabin noise when compared to last year's already quiet model. The company considers it to the quietest minivan available.

The Town&Country's 3.8-L V6 engine offers an abundance of torque, at 245 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and an adequate 215-hp. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

There are no changes to the T&C's 3.8-L V6 engine, however, which for the most part is no bad thing. It offers an abundance of torque, at 245 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and an adequate 215-hp at 5,000 rpm. Just the same I would have thought that Chrysler might finally offer its wonderful 250-hp 3.5-L unit currently standard in the new Pacifica and dearly departing 300M. While it needs additional revs to reach maximum output, it bypasses 218-hp lower down in the rev range than the 3.8-L engine and therefore would provide more power when needed. Even more important the 3.5-L engine's 250 lb-ft of torque, that comes on 100 rpm earlier than the 3.8-L, would be well suited to minivan duties, as proven in the equally sizeable Pacifica. Of course, adding the multivalve, multi-cam V6 would increase the price which is not optimal even in the premium minivan category.

As it stands, the Town&Country's only true weakness is its 4-speed automatic transmission. Oh, don't get me wrong, it's fairly smooth and quite reliable, but an extra cog would go a long way in optimizing the engine's sweet spot - important when hauling heavy loads. Also, many competitive vans now offer 5-speed gearboxes, which at the very least is a bonus to the marketing department.

Chrysler's Mopar division once again offers up a long list of dealer installable parts and accessories. This ski rack is only one of twelve new items available at Chrysler dealers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

On a more positive note, I have to make mention of the wide variety of dealer installable parts and accessories from Chrysler's Mopar division. Included in a long list that carries over from last year, are twelve new options. But rather than go into these in this review, I've detailed them specifically in the 2005 Dodge Caravan preview (see archives).

"With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

While new features are exciting, don't forget that the T&C boasts power sliding side doors, a power operated rear liftgate, dual zone climate control, power everything else, etc, etc, etc. These carryover features and all the new additions should have Chrysler dealerships buzzing in anticipation across the country, not to mention a great deal of excitement in the homes of 38 percent of the segment's buyers that continue to flock to the "minivan brand."

During the model's introduction, Dieter Zetsche, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group stated, "With 20 years of minivan experience and more than 10 million sold, we will continue to enhance the minivan formula in order to attract even more

The term "limousine of minivans" is synonymous with Chrysler Group, with the 2005 Town&Country going forth as the most dramatic improvement in the segment since Chrysler invented it in 1983. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

customers to the segment and keep minivan fans coming back for more." Zetsche continued, "At Chrysler Group, we take great pride in every single feature that we invent and every single minivan that we put on the road. Minivans are part of this company's DNA and synonymous with the Chrysler Group."

The limousine of minivans is also synonymous with Chrysler Group, with the 2005 Town&Country going forth as the most dramatic improvement in the segment since Chrysler invented it in 1983. All hail the king.

Specifications:

• Price Range (est MSRP): $45,000 - $55,000
• Body Type: 5-door minivan, unibody
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 215 hp, 245 lb-ft, 3.8-L 12-valve, OHV V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto, O/D
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight (est min - max): 2,040 kg (4,497 lb)
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Cargo Volume (est seats folded): 4,754 L (167.9 cu ft)
• Towing Capacity (est): 907 kg (2,000 lb) - 1,724 kg (3,800 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (est city/hwy): 13.4 / 9.0 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Venture, Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Mazda MPV, Pontiac Montana, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Saturn Relay, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Eurovan
• Web Site: www.chrysler.ca