Marvelous minivan - The Town and Country performs like an SUV

srobertson

The Town and Country performs like an SUV yet gets excellent gas mileage

Ask a college freshman what famous product is made in St. Louis, and you'll probably hear, "Budweiser." Tell them that one of the most successful vehicles in automotive history comes from St. Louis, that his parents probably owned at least one, and you'll see him scratch his head in bewilderment. That's because the typical college freshman wasn't even alive when Chrysler introduced the world's first minivan in 1983.

Chrysler, which controls a whopping 40 percent of the minivan market, builds its luxurious Town and Country in St. Louis. Former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca is credited with inventing the minivan, but his trusted engineering sidekick Hal Sperlich gets some credit, as well. Both men worked at Ford Motor Co. and promoted the idea to chairman Henry Ford II, who rejected it. Later, while working together at Chrysler, the two men resurrected the idea, and the successful front-wheel-drive people-hauler started rolling off the assembly line just as the soccer craze took hold. I'll bet there's not a soccer mom alive who hasn't owned a Chrysler minivan or one of the millions of copy cats that seem to dominate the American highways.

The Town and Country Touring Edition I test-drove recently is the top of the line model. It has the Platinum Edition option, which includes even more features, such as a platinum leather interior, third row seating, low tire pressure warning system, traction control, ABS, garage door opener, auto headlamps, roof rack, and a trailer towing package with heavy duty radiator, transmission and engine coolers, and automatic ride height system. Of course, there's Chrysler's famous dual power sliding side doors and a power liftgate with obstacle detection -- an industry first. This minivan didn't have a third row seat that folds into the floor, but Chrysler says the room under the floor is required for the all-wheel-drive option, which accounts for about 5 percent of all Chrysler van sales.

Initial impression

The Town and Country is truly one of the better looking -- if not the best looking -- vans on the market. Its lines are about as aggressive looking as a van can be and still be a seven-passenger van. Add the all-wheel-drive option and you have a very interesting vehicle that can perform a lot of different missions, while still getting decent gas mileage of 18 city and 25 highway -- try that in your SUV! Entry and exit is a breeze, and a nice change from the climb required to get into some SUVs. Seating is comfortable and versatile. The front row buckets are nicely contoured, fully adjustable, and very supportive, thanks to the fold down armrests. The driver's pedals are power adjustable, and are tied into the memory system that remembers all the settings for the seat and outside mirrors. The second row bucket seats also slide, recline and fold out of the way for access to the rear seat and to increase cargo capacity. There are cup holders everywhere, and thanks to the triple climate control system everyone should be able to find their comfort level. Finally, there is a DVD player in the dash and a fold down viewing screen in the ceiling for the second and third row occupants. Wireless headphones complete the mini-theater arrangement.

Driving impressions

On my way to pick up my test crew for a drive up to Chester, Ill., I marveled at the quiet car-like ride and amenities. A GPS navigation system was ready to show me the way to my destination, while a top-notch sound system provided concert room quality entertainment. This van is equipped with a decent-size 3.8 liter V6 engine that provided adequate performance. I picked up my crew, moved to one of the middle row seats and entertained myself with "Lord of the Rings" on the DVD player. What a hoot. This is the way we were meant to travel!

Here are some comments my test drivers made:

"The instrument panel is nicely laid out, it's attractive, functional, the gauges are very legible, very classy. I like the turn signal tone. Great legroom in the third row seat É I've got a reading light back here, my own air vent, cup holders, storage compartment and a wireless remote for the DVD system. This thing really handles nicely, and it's quieter than some other minivans we've tested. Great gas mileage, plus a quiet, serene ride. I like the lockable tray under the passenger seat, and the grocery bag organizer in the rear is a nice touch. Love the power liftgate É I hate to touch those things when they are filthy. The motor has a nice snarl when you punch it."

Chrysler is asking a lofty $37,410 for this lavishly equipped van, but there are financial incentives galore at the present time which can save you thousands. The folks at Aufdenberg Chrysler can give you all the details. If you ask, they'll also give you a free DVD video that has a pleasant Christmas present inside -- a certificate for additional $500 savings.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian.