Chrysler Town & Country 2008
By Benjamin Cyr
Grand Caravan and Town & Country
At Dodge, we have the Grand Caravan which fancies itself the affordable people’s van. It retails between $29,495 and $34,645, depending on the version and options. Note the choice between two drive trains. Firstly, the anaemic the 175 hp V6 with an automatic transmission comes with only four speeds. We hardlily recommend the second engine: the 197 hp, 3.8 litre that sports a modern six speed transmission.
As to the Chrysler, their ‘’Town and Country’’ represents the high end version of the’ ‘Grand Caravan’’, which happens to be the one we’re reviewing. The ‘’Touring’’ comes with a 3.8 litre while the new ‘’Limited’’ is powered by 4.0 litre, 251 hp motor. Acceleration, whether in gear or not, seats fully occupied or not, seems flawless. The ‘’Town and Country, Touring ‘’costs $35,995 and the ‘’Limited’ ’, $42,895.
A surprising interior
Finding flaws in the T & C is no easy task. Storage space abounds in the front and back and let’s not forget the comfortable seating, even in the third row. What’s more, when carrying seven passengers ,the cargo bay can still handle a lot of baggage and duffels.
In the 2008, you can choose between two types of seating in the second row; the first option would be the ‘’Stow’n and Go’’, which, if need be, disappears completely into the floor. The second, new in 2008, called the ‘’Swivel’n Go’’ pivots 180 degrees, allowing you to face the third row. These captain chairs, however, cannot be stashed below. A compensating factor might be the table that can be fixed to the floor (see photo). On top of the truly multi-purpose interior, the ‘’T and C’’ offers a complete manufacturer installed option package which includes xenon headlights, leather upholstery, a satellite audio system, electrical sliding doors, heated front and back seats, traction control, an electronic stability system, an electric tailgate, a sensor array for parking and much more; our model even had third row seats that we’re electrically foldable. Practical and innovative, this feature costs only $650.
Quiet running but disappointing driving pleasure factor
When comparing handling of the van to a crossover, you rapidly become aware of the former’s catch-up challenge. Its quietness is a given but the roll in the turns dampens the driving experience. The vehicle’s weight means more fuel consumption.We averaged a poor 15/100km which puts it in the SUV and all-wheel drive cross-over leagues.
Ultimately, the consumer benefits from the plethora of vehicles on the market today, including the van which still finds many buyers. This new generation of the ‘’Grand Caravan ‘’and the ‘’Town and Country’’ offers interesting innovations sure to challenge the ‘’Honda’’, ‘’Toyota’’ and ‘’Hyundai’’counterparts.
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