A Chrysler Town & Country mini-van has plenty of space and loads of great features, but there are some drawbacks to consider before you buy one. If you’re considering buying a used Chrysler Town & Country, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of this minivan model to help you make your decision.
Drive
The Chrysler Town and Country handles like a mini-van should, with understated power from its V6 engine and good handling characteristics. There’s some body roll in corners but it feels planted on straights. Wind noise is negligible for a vehicle with sliding doors and lift-up tailgate, which we expect will be more comfortable for passengers than one with a traditional trunk opening that would expose rear window to wind noise. There are two 12V charging outlets in back, although they’re mostly useful only if you have third-row seats.
And as cool as that big storage area is behind all those seating rows, access through them takes a little getting used to, especially if you need to get something on short notice while driving. Front seat comfort is very good; second row accommodations are less impressive but still sufficient. Controls work well and there’s no shortage of power-point jacks or USB ports throughout.
Interior
The Chrysler Town and Country has a comfortable interior that has plenty of room for five adults. The middle row features captain’s chairs, which slide forward to give easy access to a third-row seat that also folds flat into a large storage area. A flip-down armrest is available between both second-row seats, making it easier for passengers to get in and out. But unlike some minivans with split captains’ chairs, there’s no cup holder between them—the Chrysler does come standard with two cup holders between those front seats, though. All versions are stocked with power windows and locks, keyless entry and cruise control.
Technology and Options
Many model years of the Chrysler town and country come standard with several high-tech features. First, there’s SiriusXM satellite radio, a hands-free Bluetooth interface, and support for smartphones that have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. But as an added bonus, buyers can also opt for a rear entertainment system that includes two LCD screens with surround sound audio to help keep your kids entertained while you drive. The screen slides out from under one of the second-row seats so it’s easier to use than some other systems we’ve tested. In addition to having fun, it also helps keep them occupied so they aren’t annoying other passengers by fighting or whining in back; they can even play games on it!
Comfort
The Chrysler Town and Country’s standard seating is quite comfortable. The front seats are roomy, with lots of cushioning and support for long drives. Heated leather-trimmed seating is available on upper trims, and it looks great. In fact, it looks so good that you might be reluctant to take it out in public — a real problem if you’re trying to ferry around messy kids all day! Also available on select models is ventilated front seats; these certainly keep passengers cool, but some drivers find them uncomfortably cold when winter temperatures dip well below freezing.
But if there’s one aspect that sets Chrysler’s minivan apart from its rivals, it’s interior storage space. Nearly every inch of backseat space can be folded flat into a large cargo bay (although rear passenger legroom suffers), and there are clever underfloor compartments everywhere you look. That means even small families will have plenty of storage options without resorting to an SUV or crossover vehicle. You can also store objects in between sliding side doors rather than outfitting your van with an aftermarket rack or cumbersome roof box system.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated it five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash, and four out of five stars for side-impact, which means you’ll be well protected if you’re ever in an accident. This van more is also equipped with a safety system called Electronic Stability Control, which helps prevent oversteer and understeer situations from getting worse. It can even apply individual brakes to prevent skidding on icy roads. Finally, it comes standard with a rearview camera that includes a technology that lets you see what’s behind your car when backing up.
Conclusion
Come and visit the Binghamton Auto Exchange in Vestal, NY if you are looking to own a quality used Chrysler Town & Country under $15,000.
