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If anyone had set out to design the perfect vehicle that could carry tons of stuff, ferry a lot of passengers in comfort, ride close enough to the ground to avoid the dangers of wind gusts during long, open-road trips and get decent mileage—all without costing a small fortune—what would it be? If your answer was "minivan," we think you'd just won the jackpot.
Chrysler, whose Town & Country would have to be considered the ultimate minivan version, did exactly that. It is credited some two decades ago with the invention of the vehicle. For 2007, the T&C rides out the last of its current generation in preparation for all new digs next year. But the current model still has plenty to offer, including a pallet of new exterior colors: Cognac Crystal Clear Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat and Modern Blue Pearl Coat.
Think Town & Country and—like its Caravan cousin—there's " Stow 'n Go," the surprisingly roomy underseat storage area that knocked the competition off their design stools. Putting that kind of practicality into an elegantly appointed road traveler is what minivans are all about.
Want room for a huge amount of cargo? Both second (in the Stow 'n Go area) and third row seats fold flat to accommodate it.
Want amenities? The Town & Country serves up a wide range of standard and optional accessories. Nav system, heated power side view mirrors, SIRIUS satellite radio and Bluetooth communications capability, power adjustable pedals, removable front-seat console, handsome Sycamore wood and leather trim, low-speed traction control, tire pressure monitor and a minivan-first inflatable driver's knee bolster are a few.
Town & Country comes in four versions that all seat seven. The standard wheelbase has second row bucket seats and easy out roller third row seating. Three long wheelbase versions—LX, Touring and Limited—have standard Stow 'n Go.
Two V6 engines power the T&C, a 3.3L, 170-HP or 3.8L 200-HP, with best MPG at 19/26. Plan to plunk down about $30,000 for a base model, close to the $40,000 mark if you want yours loaded to the nines.
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