Chrysler Town & Country: A Comprehensive Guide
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan produced by Chrysler from 1990 to 2016. It served as the upscale, premium version of the Chrysler minivan lineup, positioned above the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan and Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager (until the Plymouth brand was discontinued). Known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available luxury features, the Town & Country aimed to provide a more refined minivan experience for families seeking enhanced comfort and convenience.
Generations of the Chrysler Town & Country
First Generation (1990-1995)
The first generation Town & Country was based on the Chrysler AS platform and was essentially a rebadged Chrysler Grand Voyager. Key changes and features included:
- Long-wheelbase version only.
- Woodgrain exterior trim was a signature feature.
- Available with a 3.3L V6 engine.
- Luxury features like leather seats and premium sound systems.
Second Generation (1996-2000)
The second generation (NS platform) brought significant styling and engineering updates:
- More rounded exterior design.
- Dual sliding doors became standard.
- Introduction of a 3.8L V6 engine.
- Improved safety features, including dual airbags.
Third Generation (2001-2007)
The third generation (RS platform) focused on refining the driving experience and interior comfort:
- Updated interior and exterior styling.
- Available with Stow 'n Go seating in the second and third rows starting in 2005, a revolutionary feature.
- Power sliding doors and liftgate became more common.
- Continued use of the 3.3L, 3.8L V6 engines; a 3.5L was also available.
Fourth Generation (2008-2016)
The fourth and final generation (RT platform) represented a complete redesign and a focus on family-friendly technology:
- Modern, boxier exterior styling.
- Improved Stow 'n Go seating design.
- Available with dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system.
- Introduction of a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (2011 onwards), which vastly improved performance and fuel economy.
- Significant interior upgrades with higher-quality materials.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection became available.
Reliability & Common Issues
The Chrysler Town & Country, like many minivans, can be prone to certain reliability issues. Understanding these can help you make an informed buying decision.
Common Issues (All Generations):
- Transmission Problems: Early models (especially prior to 2008) are known for transmission issues. Slipping, rough shifting, and complete failure are possible. Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial for preventing these problems.
- Power Sliding Door Issues: The power sliding doors are prone to malfunctions. Common issues include doors not opening or closing properly, becoming stuck, or making loud noises. The door rollers, cables, and motor can fail.
- Electrical Problems: Various electrical issues can arise, including problems with the power windows, door locks, and entertainment systems.
- Suspension Issues: Worn struts and shocks can lead to a bouncy ride. Front suspension components, especially ball joints and control arm bushings, may need replacement over time.
Generation-Specific Issues:
- 2001-2007 Models: These models sometimes suffer from "tipm" (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues, which can cause various electrical malfunctions.
- 2008-2010 Models: Some owners have reported oil consumption issues with the 3.8L and 4.0L engines.
- 2011-2016 Models: While the 3.6L Pentastar engine is generally reliable, some early versions (2011-2013) have been known to have cylinder head issues that can lead to engine failure.
Important Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and timely replacement of wear items like brakes and tires, is critical to maintaining the reliability of a Town & Country. Always check the vehicle's maintenance history before buying.
Driving Experience
The Chrysler Town & Country offers a comfortable and practical driving experience. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride on most roads.
- Stow 'n Go Seating: The Stow 'n Go seating system (introduced in 2005) is a game-changer, allowing you to easily fold the second and third-row seats into the floor for maximum cargo space.
- Available Features: Many Town & Country models offer a wide range of features, including leather seats, navigation, rear-seat entertainment, and power sliding doors.
- 3.6L Pentastar Engine: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (2011-2016) provides ample power and relatively good fuel economy for a minivan.
Cons:
- Handling: The Town & Country is not designed for sporty handling. Expect noticeable body roll in corners.
- Reliability Concerns: As mentioned above, some models are prone to certain reliability issues.
- Fuel Economy: While the 3.6L engine is decent, fuel economy is still not great compared to smaller vehicles.
- Styling: The minivan design is inherently utilitarian, and some may find the styling to be bland.
Buying Advice
If you're considering buying a used Chrysler Town & Country, here's some advice to help you make the best choice:
Years to Look For:
- 2014-2016 Models: These models are generally considered the most reliable and feature the most up-to-date technology. They also have the benefit of being the newest, with fewer years of potential wear and tear.
- 2011-2013 Models (with caution): The 3.6L Pentastar engine is a big improvement over earlier engines. However, have a mechanic thoroughly inspect these models for potential cylinder head issues before buying.
Years to Avoid (or Approach with Caution):
- Early Models (1990-2000): While potentially inexpensive, these models are generally less reliable and lack many of the modern features found in later generations.
- 2001-2007 Models: These models are known for transmission and electrical issues.
- 2008-2010 Models: The older engines (3.8L, 4.0L) are less efficient and potentially prone to oil consumption problems.
Pre-Purchase Inspection:
Before buying any used Town & Country, it's crucial to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. Specifically, ask them to check the following:
- Transmission: Check for smooth shifting and any signs of slipping or hesitation.
- Engine: Listen for unusual noises and check for leaks. On 2011-2013 models, specifically ask the mechanic to check for cylinder head issues.
- Power Sliding Doors and Liftgate: Test all power features to ensure they are working properly.
- Electrical System: Check all lights, windows, door locks, and entertainment systems.
- Suspension: Look for worn struts, shocks, and other suspension components.
- Brakes: Check brake pad thickness and rotor condition.
Other Considerations:
- Maintenance Records: Review the vehicle's maintenance history to see if it has been well-maintained.
- Stow 'n Go Condition: If the vehicle has Stow 'n Go seating, make sure the mechanisms are working smoothly and that the seats lock securely in both the upright and stowed positions.
- Pricing: Research the market value of similar vehicles in your area to ensure you're getting a fair price.
By following this guide, you can increase your chances of finding a reliable and enjoyable Chrysler Town & Country that meets your needs and budget.
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