One of the remaining American minivans graces this page for today.
2008-2017 Chrysler Town and Country
History
American car manufacturers had long been abandoning minivans for personal usage ten years ago or so, with General Motors and Ford Motor Company leaving the minivan market citing poor sales, with Chrysler/Dodge the remaining American brand to compete in a shrinking market now being relegated to a Japanese and a lone Korean brand. Times weren't friendly to the soccer mom since crossovers and SUVs now dominate the sales charts.
Introduced in August 2007 as a 2008 model, the Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Grand Caravan twins and the similar European Chrysler Voyager reached its fifth generation life span. It also gave birth to a North American exclusive Volkswagen Routan which wasn't a sales success. Numerous changes from its previous generation model occurred to this Canadian made minivan with an extensive one for the 2011 model year. Although the Caravan still lives on as a cheaper alternative, the Town and Country was replaced by the Pacifica (not related to a crossover sold in the mid-00s).
Apart from the Ford E-150, the Chrysler Town and Country were one of the remaining American minivans sold in the Philippine market during the late-00s, with the Chevrolet Venture - a Chinese branded Buick minivan - being removed. Two models were first launched with a sole diesel added in 2010 and in 2013, it was reduced to a single variant. It was silently discontinued with the pending introduction of the Pacifica later this year.
Value and Costs
American vehicles are notorious for their low resale prices which makes them a bargain for second hand buyers if you know how to look. Second hand Chrysler Town and Country minivans of this generation can cost between P600,000 to a million pesos in varying years. Before going for this van, you may want to reconsider other superior rivals which cost more and importantly, more reliable as we will explain further.
This van, alongside its siblings, aren't the most reliable minivans in the market especially in the US alone. Since this is a high end minivan, power options come standard and these must be checked if these still work. Other areas of concern include the transmission system, air-conditioning, and the interior plastics. Parts can be sourced from American car specialists, in which you must befriend them if you decide to own this one. Fuel consumption isn't a strength (except for the diesel), so if you are complaining of gas prices look elsewhere.
Exterior and Interior
Minivan qualities like a tall profile and dual sliding doors come standard, in which this vehicle is known for. Not much to be said on the outside, as the magic of this vehicle lies inside but Limited models of 2008 to 2012 distinguish themselves with a sun roof.
Since this van is aimed towards the upper scale of the market, it seats seven people just like several rivals (with the exemption of the USDM Honda Odyssey of the early 2010s) and comes with the famed Stow and Go but for the Limited, it gets a Swivel and Go seating configuration that gives you swiveling rear seats and an optional table. Since this van is fully loaded, depending on the year and variant, it comes with the following items: MyGig Hard drive with either 20GB or 40GB worth of storage, navigation system, power tailgate, power sliding doors, power pedals, cruise control, airbags on all sides, parking sensors, back-up camera, and a requisite among family oriented vehicles, a DVD player. Since this is a minivan, expect a roomy cabin for all types of people. Updated models gain a revised interior which bade farewell to cheap plastic materials.
Engine
There are two gasoline engines and a sole diesel burner which was offered. Let us first discuss the former as you'll be encountering this more often; 2008 to 2012 models utilize a 3.8 V6 with 193hp at 5,000rpm and 314Nm at 4,000rpm with 2013 to 2017 using a 3.6 V6 having 279hp at 6,600rpm and 344Nm at 4,400rpm. A rare (but our choice for this vehicle) diesel is offered in the form of a 2.8 4-cylinder with 163hp at 3,800rpm and 359Nm at 1,600rpm to play with. Both petrol engines are fast movers in both acceleration and fuel consumption while the diesel is the thriftier option.
Driving Impressions
The words sporty handling and minivan aren't mentioned in one paragraph, let alone a sentence, and this isn't applicable with the Town and Country especially that comfort rules here. Despite the abundance of power, we advise you to drive prudently especially with the vehicle being full.
Verdict
Although an innovator, the Town and Country became outclassed by superior rivals from Japan throughout the years. Sure, its interior is very flexible and there's a diesel but its isn't that reliable, so check first before committing.
Showing posts with label chrysler town and country. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chrysler town and country. Show all posts
Monday, July 10, 2017
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 5.1 (2008-2012)
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2008-2012)
Redesigned in 2008, the Town and Country gets a six-speed automatic, an optional Swivel 'N Go seating configuration for the Limited, and a diesel engine. This model can be had until 2012.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 4.2 (2005-2008)
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2005-2008)
For 2005, the Town and Country receives one important (and famed) feature: the Stow 'N Go seating function which makes all seats stowed underneath. Apart from that, numerous changes occurred.
Chrysler Town and Country - Generation 4.1 (2002-2005)
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY (2002-2005)
First introduced in 2002, the Town and Country is initially sold with a 3.3 engine in LXi guise. An update done in February 2004 had the 3.8 V6 under the hood as well as other power amenities and other features are added.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Car Profiles - Chrysler Town and Country
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
The only surviving minivan from the Detroit three, the Chrysler battles with the Alphard and Odyssey in local sales. Only one engine is retained, and it is removed in 2017 in anticipation of the Pacifica minivan.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Car Profiles - Chrysler Town and Country (2008-2017)
The Good: Flexible interior, easy ingress/egress for senior members
The Bad: Gulps a lot of gas (for the V6), maintenance costs can be expensive
The Say: Classy in a way, but best first to check alternatives before making a decision.
Go For: Touring CRDi
Avoid: Gas versions
Price Range: P1,200,000-P2,200,000
Our Rating: **
Related Review: None as of the Moment
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2012
2013-2017
Friday, January 4, 2013
Car Profiles - Chrysler Town and Country (2002-2008)
The Good: Standard fare of power amenities, flexible interior
The Bad: No diesel engine, fuel economy is not good
The Say: Pick this if you engage in long drives, steer clear if you stay inside the city.
Go For: Touring
Avoid: LXi
Price Range: P350,000-P550,000
Our Rating: **
Related Review: Used Car Review - Chrysler Town and Country (2002-2008)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2002-2005
2005-2008
Monday, December 17, 2012
Used Car Review - Chrysler Town and Country (2004-2008)
Eight days to go and Myk Belmonte hunts the steed that Santa needs for the big day. He spots a certain minivan popular in the streets of America and Canada, and asks if its a good choice. It is a good thing that the guy who brings the joys to kids asked your ultimate used car guide for advice.
2004-2008 Chrysler Town and Country
History
If there was to be the Santa Claus of the automobile industry in America, it would be Lee Iaccoca of Chrysler. Why do I say so? Chrysler had been in debt when asked for a bailout during the 80's, the company was able to pay their utang earlier due to the sales success of their minivans, named the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. So to conclude, these minivans are the gifts to the American and Canadian motorist since their Christmas wish is to have one parked at their garages.
Chrysler had the Town and Country in 1989, five years later than the Dodge and the Plymouth versions. It was positioned as the luxurious one among the three (with the Plymouth relegating at the budget conscious buyer while the Dodge fits smack in the middle). Three generations after, the Town and Country you see in this page is the fourth generation, introduced in 2001. Interestingly enough, the long wheel base version is named as such while the short wheel base variant is named Voyager (Plymouth was put to rest in 2000) but after 2003, it ditched the name in favor of its bigger brother. A refresh in 2004 had the addition of what could be an innovation, the Stow'n Go seat folding system. It was sold worldwide until 2008, with the fifth generation replacing it.
There are two distributors of the Town and Country in the Philippines, first it was Norkis Automotive (they used to distribute Chrysler vehicles before) for a brief period then in 2005, CATS Motors went in and provided better service. It was a hit among the affluent people and you'll see them being driven by diplomats in upscale residential areas. Sales stopped in the middle of 2008 to make way for the fifth generation model. Those who had the money can choose between the cheaper Touring or the upper end Limited.
Value and Costs
With the perception that American vehicles consume more fuel, you can acquire a Town and Country for between P500,000-P750,000. As the usual rule, high mileage units would be priced lower while those taken care of but having low clicks commands a higher price. It would be a wise decision to pick-up an example at the certified pre-owned section of CATS Motors since a limited warranty is available on their units.
It is nice to have electronic gadgets such as the power-adjustable front seats, any of the power sliding doors, and the power rear liftgate; but have them broken and expect a hefty bill for repairs since more electronics means more expenses and more worries. Before driving that van home, better check these electronic items if they perform well if not, have the previous owner fix it.
Exterior and Interior
At first glance, there is no mistaking that this minivan is American, since this type of vehicle originated in that country, particularly in Detroit. Let's not delve more about the exterior.
Honestly speaking, while the interior is functional (it does not defeat its primary purpose) it does look dated since it this generation was introduced way back in 2001, so 90's era bits are evident. While the leather seats , dashboard layout, and the transmission stick behind the steering wheel scream Clinton era; the Stow'n Go feature which allows the second and third rows be folded deeply with the result a wide, open, and flat area useful for placing anything on it. Santa's gifts for the children around the world would perfectly fit in there. If the jolly good old fellow isn't busy he can tag along six more people for a hop to the bar.
Engine
For the US Market, two engines can be configured to their Town and Country's, a 3.3 EGA and a 3.8 EGH. But for the Philippine domestic market, we get the latter engine that is a EGH 3,778cc V6 with 215hp at 5,000rpm and 332Nm at 4,000rpm. One fact, this engine had powered the previous generation minivans at produced in 1990 until it bowed out in 2011. The engine has a sufficient amount of power to move this vehicle around. You say it is not American if fuel economy is poor and that is true with the Chrysler, so drive prudently if possible to avoid your child's daily allowance to be spent for fuel.
Driving Impressions
The 3.8 engine sounds American and it encourages you to stomp on it that yields poor fuel figures, not good in the prices of unleaded gasoline that is equivalent to a bar of Magnum ice cream. But if there is one thing to praise this minivan is the comfort afforded by it, since you can sleep soundly on long trips. However, the suspension can get at its worst point when driven on bad objects that the road can offer. Except for the nibble, your spines would want to thank this van.
Verdict
12 million units sold worldwide since launch is not a huge joke, since Chrysler's Lee Iaccoca did his job well. Santa Claus granted the American family's wish of having a minivan on their homes but do you think it would do well as a temporary sleigh? Would it capture the hearts of second hand car buyers wallets? If you drive in the city most of the time, this is not for you. Having out-of-town excursions? Consider this one since it fuel economy won't suffer.
Santa Says
This vehicle is a dream! I might want to have one as my sleigh since the space is good, especially when I put down the seats. Whenever I want to go around, comfort is the word and it fits the description. But fuel consumption is a concern since I wouldn't want to spend more on gasoline. If this minivan has a diesel version, I could have bought one instantly but there's none, its time to reconsider.
2004-2008 Chrysler Town and Country
History
If there was to be the Santa Claus of the automobile industry in America, it would be Lee Iaccoca of Chrysler. Why do I say so? Chrysler had been in debt when asked for a bailout during the 80's, the company was able to pay their utang earlier due to the sales success of their minivans, named the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. So to conclude, these minivans are the gifts to the American and Canadian motorist since their Christmas wish is to have one parked at their garages.
Chrysler had the Town and Country in 1989, five years later than the Dodge and the Plymouth versions. It was positioned as the luxurious one among the three (with the Plymouth relegating at the budget conscious buyer while the Dodge fits smack in the middle). Three generations after, the Town and Country you see in this page is the fourth generation, introduced in 2001. Interestingly enough, the long wheel base version is named as such while the short wheel base variant is named Voyager (Plymouth was put to rest in 2000) but after 2003, it ditched the name in favor of its bigger brother. A refresh in 2004 had the addition of what could be an innovation, the Stow'n Go seat folding system. It was sold worldwide until 2008, with the fifth generation replacing it.
There are two distributors of the Town and Country in the Philippines, first it was Norkis Automotive (they used to distribute Chrysler vehicles before) for a brief period then in 2005, CATS Motors went in and provided better service. It was a hit among the affluent people and you'll see them being driven by diplomats in upscale residential areas. Sales stopped in the middle of 2008 to make way for the fifth generation model. Those who had the money can choose between the cheaper Touring or the upper end Limited.
Value and Costs
With the perception that American vehicles consume more fuel, you can acquire a Town and Country for between P500,000-P750,000. As the usual rule, high mileage units would be priced lower while those taken care of but having low clicks commands a higher price. It would be a wise decision to pick-up an example at the certified pre-owned section of CATS Motors since a limited warranty is available on their units.
It is nice to have electronic gadgets such as the power-adjustable front seats, any of the power sliding doors, and the power rear liftgate; but have them broken and expect a hefty bill for repairs since more electronics means more expenses and more worries. Before driving that van home, better check these electronic items if they perform well if not, have the previous owner fix it.
Exterior and Interior
At first glance, there is no mistaking that this minivan is American, since this type of vehicle originated in that country, particularly in Detroit. Let's not delve more about the exterior.
Honestly speaking, while the interior is functional (it does not defeat its primary purpose) it does look dated since it this generation was introduced way back in 2001, so 90's era bits are evident. While the leather seats , dashboard layout, and the transmission stick behind the steering wheel scream Clinton era; the Stow'n Go feature which allows the second and third rows be folded deeply with the result a wide, open, and flat area useful for placing anything on it. Santa's gifts for the children around the world would perfectly fit in there. If the jolly good old fellow isn't busy he can tag along six more people for a hop to the bar.
Engine
For the US Market, two engines can be configured to their Town and Country's, a 3.3 EGA and a 3.8 EGH. But for the Philippine domestic market, we get the latter engine that is a EGH 3,778cc V6 with 215hp at 5,000rpm and 332Nm at 4,000rpm. One fact, this engine had powered the previous generation minivans at produced in 1990 until it bowed out in 2011. The engine has a sufficient amount of power to move this vehicle around. You say it is not American if fuel economy is poor and that is true with the Chrysler, so drive prudently if possible to avoid your child's daily allowance to be spent for fuel.
Driving Impressions
The 3.8 engine sounds American and it encourages you to stomp on it that yields poor fuel figures, not good in the prices of unleaded gasoline that is equivalent to a bar of Magnum ice cream. But if there is one thing to praise this minivan is the comfort afforded by it, since you can sleep soundly on long trips. However, the suspension can get at its worst point when driven on bad objects that the road can offer. Except for the nibble, your spines would want to thank this van.
Verdict
12 million units sold worldwide since launch is not a huge joke, since Chrysler's Lee Iaccoca did his job well. Santa Claus granted the American family's wish of having a minivan on their homes but do you think it would do well as a temporary sleigh? Would it capture the hearts of second hand car buyers wallets? If you drive in the city most of the time, this is not for you. Having out-of-town excursions? Consider this one since it fuel economy won't suffer.
Santa Says
This vehicle is a dream! I might want to have one as my sleigh since the space is good, especially when I put down the seats. Whenever I want to go around, comfort is the word and it fits the description. But fuel consumption is a concern since I wouldn't want to spend more on gasoline. If this minivan has a diesel version, I could have bought one instantly but there's none, its time to reconsider.
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