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Review 3 of 195
Price Paid:
$28400.00
from CarMax, Norcross, GA Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Town & Country Limited Strengths:
- Standard equipment and optional equipment the most amazing collection we've ever seen in one vehicle
- Very classy looking interior; Swivel n' Go seats are definitely more comfortable than the standard Stow 'n Go, so recommend the swivel models. You still get the great storage bins in the floor and can remove the second row if necessary
- Looks: Classy as a minivan can be, the chrome treatment outside and great color (Inferno Red on ours) make a statement. Weaknesses:
- Fuel economy still should be better 8 model years after our 2000. It's only a couple MPG better than what our old van was rated. Hopefully highway mileage will be good
- Transmission shifter handle/knob not as quality-feeling as the rest of the vehicle, and seems like it needs lube at the actual physical linkage it is hooked to, which I think would help the feel a lot. Otherwise, everything else feels pretty dang solid... Summary:
We have been Chrysler product fans for over 12 years or so. Not because of the brand name or even the desire to "buy American" (whatever that means in today's globally-linked world where PT Cruisers are made in Mexico and Town and Country's in Canada). No, it has been a combination of styling, value for the price, and utility. As a result, our new 2008 Town and Country Limited is our 4th Chrysler product.
Bottom line right up front on this one: We love it. This most likely may be the most luxurious vehicle we'll ever own. Chrysler's financial troubles were our blessing, as we were looking to replace our 2000 Town and Country LXi within the next 6 months or so anyway, but as we entered the Christmas break we watched dealers offer some truly amazing incentives to go along with those of the factory. In the end, we got a loaded 2008 vehicle that listed at $40,075 (with 11 miles on the odometer), for just over $28K BEFORE we put any money down. Unbelieveable. That'll never happen again in our lifetime. Here are my opinions in key areas:
STYLING: When the new body style first came out I didn't know what to think about it--especially the back end. It's grown on me, and I like it more every day. The Limited trim definitely helps that, though.
Engine: The Limited comes with the 4.0L, 251hp engine standard. It's powerful and quick, but the van ain't no light thing to lug around with all the bells and whistles it has--we need it!
Gas Mileage: Haven't been on a truly long trip yet, so eager to see how we do highway only. Pure city is around the advertised 18. Could be better, but it's a little better than our 2000. I've heard of people getting 26 on the highway. We'll see...
RIDE/NOISE: Very comfortable, and soaks up the road very well. Noise is canceled out pretty well; better than our old van. The engine growls a little bit when under hard throttle, but not bad. My PT Cruiser is definitely louder.
INTERIOR/COMFORT: This is where the Town and Country blows all competition away. The level of content this vehicle has is absolutely unbelieveable. Check out these highlights:
- HID headlamps (best we've ever had)
- Back-up sensors
- Back-up camera
- Navigation/Satellite Radio/DVD/Satellite TV/Hard Disk multimedia system (amazing)
- Dual DVD screens in the 2d and 3rd rows with separate DVD player, remote, and wireless headphones
- Heated seats for first AND second rows
- Swivel 2nd row seats
- Massive under-floor storage bins
- Power THIRD ROW split seat that folds into the floor or goes into "tailgate" mode where you can sit on the back bumper. Also can adjust the seatbacks while sitting there to get more comfortable with power buttons on the sides--cool!
- Power sliding doors AND rear hatch
- Remote start (from key fob)
- Power windows for 2nd row
- Built-in sunshades for 2nd and third row windows
- Versitile center console between front row seats that slides back (complete with power jack
- Auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; a GREAT feature!
- Audio/Video jacks and 110v outlet behind 2nd row (amazing)
- Very cool white/blue LED lighting everywhere
- TWO glove compartments
- Chrome rims and faux wood/chrome treatment everywhere. Really makes a difference in appearance compared to the LX and Touring models.
and more...
The only options ours didn't have were the sunroof (test drove one with it--you lose headroom), tow package, and more powerful sound system, none of which we can't live without.
I'm a tech geek and love the bells and whistles. This thing delivers and is just a blast to play around with. As one owner wrote on another site, it really does look like a Lear Jet at night with the side doors open and interior lights on (the overhead console in the back with blue "halo" lighting looks like something out of a private jet...).
It's just the coolest thing since sliced bread and we love it so far. Similar Products Used:
2003 PT Cruiser GT (okay, not similar, but sometimes classified as a van!)
2000 Town and Country LXi 3.8L (we loved this van and put 109,000 miles on it in Alaska, Lower 48, and Europe)
1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (We loved our Jeep, and would have kept it longer if we hadn't had a second child and needed more room. Never gave us an ounce of problems--and we actually used it to ford streams in Alaska!)
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