The 2008 Town & Country is a 4-door, 7-passenger mini van, available in 3 trims, ranging from the LX to the Limited.
Upon introduction, the LX is equipped with a standard 3.3-liter, V6, NL-horsepower engine. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The Limited is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V6, NL-horsepower engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
Summary: I just have to say that this is the best van on the market. Bar none!!!
I've always been a Chrysler fan, but 1 1/2 years ago I traded in my Chrysler Pacifica (due to being tired of my careless children banging other cars with their doors) for a Buick Terrazza. Big mistake. At the time, I looked at the T&C's and since they hadn't changed in years, I didn't go with one. I didn't really like the jelly-bean look of the T&C at the time, either. The Terrazza seemed to have what I wanted (as for luxury) and slightly cooler styling.
Soon, however, I HATED the Buick Terrazza, because it just didn't seem to be of good quality. Lots of creaks, and the transmission felt weak. It didn't feel like it would hold up well. My husband was always making cracks about it. It was fine, the interior was comfy, but it was just plain boring.
Last week I went for a test drive in the NEW T&C, "just to see if I like it"...well, everything that the Buick Terrazza didn't have, the T&C did. I liked it, I liked it!!!!!
The T&C has crisp handling, the transmission is much better than the Buick's, the ride is very smooth, the van is spacious, plus there are so many bells and whistles I can't believe it.
The Limited that I drove initally was loaded with every possible option, but the payment was more than I was interested in. To my surprise, just by moving down one level to the next highest trim (the top of the line, highest equipped Touring model) and the price dropped dramatically. I guess for the Limited you are paying for the horsepower and V8 engine. I don't need a more powerful engine (gas mileage, you know...while the sticker claims they are similar, I don't believe the V8/higher horsepower could possibly do as well). The Touring I selected also included a safety package and the satellite radio/satellite TV/navigation system and the swivel seats. As far as I can tell, the ONLY features I gave up were the sunroof and the wood trim on the interior doors (it's still on the dash). My van also has a chrome package added by the dealer, so it looks just like the more expensive limited. It saved me about $100 a month, and I kid you not. If you are smart, you will go with the Touring over the Limited! Plus, the seats of the Limited had suede inserts on the seats, and little boys and suede don't sound like a match, no matter WHAT kind of warranty they claim to have on the seats. The Touring removes the suede, to my relief.
You may think that I don't have enough driving experience to rate this yet, but I just returned from a 300 mile round trip excursion with 3 other ladies. We were gone for 2 nights. We did not pack lightly, and everything fit into the van with no problem. We were comfortable, the ride was great, and everyone raved about the features and convenience of the van.
My children LOVE it, as well. The first couple of days, we swiveled the 2nd row and they played cards with the table set up. They also wanted to eat DINNER in the car! They're enjoying the satellite selections (Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, included for one year with purchase). Can you beat having 2 TVs? I just couldn't have imagined this a few years ago.
Here's the coolest feature of all...you put in your CDs and can SAVE them to the hard drive. Then you just use the touch screen to select from all of the music you loaded. It works like an I-pod with playlists, playing by artists, etc. I put them all in and promptly gave them to my sons (only the ones that were appropriate, of course!) You can also play your I-pod through the speakers with the right auxillary input cord. (But what else would you expect?)
The boys also love the 2nd row heated seats. They have coveted ours for years, and now they can heat up their tushes just like the adults.
The storage is phoenomenal. There's an umbrella well on the driver's side, 2 glove compartments, and lots of nooks and crannies to store things....not to mention the storage wells in the 2nd row floorboard. I can't believe how much storage that provides. I drove a 2000 T&C before they added that feature, and I love it.
I could go on, but I will stop here. It's a great van. I don't know why anyone would buy anything else. I've certainly learned my lesson...although it was worth the wait!
Weaknesses: Cupholders in the 2nd row are noticibly missing. All they have is 2nd row door bottleholders unless you slide the front console back, and I don't like that feature. But if the only problem is cupholders, I can deal with that!!! All the more reason to have the boys drink bottled water in the car...
Similar Products Used: 2000 Town and Country Van
2003 Chrysler Pacifica
2006 Buick Terrazza
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2001 Chrysler Town and Country Lmtd Awd
Summary: I never really liked minivans but I have to say that out of all the minivans that I have been in this is the best one. As far as comfort and ride is concerned anyway. Its a shame that I had to put so much work into this minivan. Within the first two years of ownership to this vehicle I became well accuanted with the staff at riverdale chrysler, seeing how I had to service my car there for a number of things. Althought the staff there has been excellent to me I was very greatful for purchasing the extended warranty otherwise I would've either sold it or went bankrupt. I went from suspension to electrical to gaskets to transfer cases. The transfer case which I must say seems to break so easily. I am currently going on my second one. In my case it broke due to the snow. Not from just driving in it but from trying to get out of a pile of snow. AWD is definately different than 4 wheel drive. Although the handling in the snow and rain and sun was fantastic. Even with all the problems that occured with this van, this van still made me a minivan lover and I have yet to drive one that feels the way this one does. I spent so much time at the dealer that I leased a Aspen which in itself is an awesome vehicle but thats another tread. That comes with flaws as well. Anyway if you have the money and/or the warranty I would advise this van without a thought.
Strengths: Awesome ride, especially with triple tread tires in the rain and snow. Very comfortable. A little thirsty on the gas compared to what Im used to.
Weaknesses: Transfer case is a big problem since once it breaks, awd becomes 2 wheel drive.It needs to many services. It needs a warenty or deep pockets.
Similar Products Used: nothing that I have driven has been similar
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring (Caravan)
Summary: I have been with Chrysler for over 20 years and this is the worst and most expensive product from them. I live in Canada and we have winters. You cannot defrost the windshield nor can you the side windows even if your face is burning from the heat form the heating system. This is the minute the temperature outside drops below 0 degree C, you should see at -15C… You lock the parental control for the windows and your front passenger cannot open his anymore but the kids can turn the heat on their seat in the back without control. You can swivel the rear seats but cannot get into them after. The opening of the sliding doors is at least 2 to 3 inches smaller than before (of course with no kids....). 9 cup holders as long as your cups don’t have handles (maybe they are sold as an option?). The spare tire is where you cannot access it, ever. 2 DVD players (not by choice) you cannot get only one. If you turn the rear seats, you cannot see the DVDs anymore. I know it is new but these things are not going to change. I want my 2004 SXT Grand Caravan back. It was much better. This is not a family car like the publicity says or maybe if your kids are dogs. I have the luxury floor consol, it is very difficult to attach and remove your seat belt. You can only use the tip of 2 fingers. In my 2004 there was a nice storage bin in the back for grocery, shopping, etc. In the 2008 you must pile up your grocery but again if you don’t have kids….
It is very hard, close to impossible, to be positive with such a vehicle. It is nice but not particle.
Strengths: Nice color
Weaknesses: Not enough space to write it down
Similar Products Used: Since 1992 it was all Grand Caravan from Dodge. It was a great adventure for the close to 750,000 Km that I drove.
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2001 Town & Country Limited
Summary: What a disappointment the van is. We have had the front end fixed several times with the sway bar and linkage problems. Alternator trouble replaced, weird sound coming form the front passenger side. The ignition replaced as it quit accepting the key. Air conditioners fixed under warranty. Sliding doors fixed under warranty. Mechanics KNOW these chrysler vans are a mess,the brakes are a joke even the AAA tow guys are shaking their heads and saying "yeah we get alot of these T&C vans..." Today our van is having its 3rd power transfer case replaced!!! With a 2,000. price tag. Why ? cant chrysler tell me WHY it breaks?? Chrysler is of no help with this. This time we are having someone other then the dealer fix it. I quit trusting the dealer the last time the transfer case busted. This van has 82,000 miles on it. I am the soccer Mom. We have never towed a thing,we are diligent with repair and maintenance. This would have been a financial nightmare if we didnt have the extended warranty but watch out when that warranty runs out chrysler treats you like dirt!! When this van is running it is a wonderful vehicle, looks good ,sounds good, rides good. BUT it has left me at the side of the road in the middle of the night AND in -20 below weather. I just wish it worked and when it doesnt that chrysler would stand behind their product. Even a compromise but they have no care for customer service or loyalty. We have the AWD and think this may be the root of our power train problems. I would stay away from the AWD!! This is our last chrysler product. Poor folks who didnt buy the warranty.
Strengths: comfortable, nice looking, good interior space EXTENDED WARRANTY is your only hope as is a good tow service.
Weaknesses: made by chrysler,
brakes,transmissions,power,sliding doors,air conditioner,back hatch,ignition,AWD(all wheel drive) poor dealer/chrysler corp. help
Similar Products Used: 1998 town and country
1986 SAAB (always runs)
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Summary: We bought our car a year ago with 62,000 mi and since then it has begun falling apart. First the A/C then the passenger window stopped working and now the transmission. New Transmission $2,200 dollars:(
Strengths: Comfortable seats
Weaknesses: It shouldn't be falling apart before it even reaches 100,000 mi.
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