2000 Chrysler Town & Country

2000 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY 4WD

The Town & Country is the upscale version of Chrysler’s very popular line of minivans. It is extensively and luxuriously equipped, and available only with a stretched wheelbase and dual sliding doors. Our test vehicle was also equipped with full-time all-wheel drive.

Inside

The Town & Country is higher than a car but no more difficult to enter and exit, with access to the rear facilitated on both sides by the sliding doors. The front seats are very comfortable, and drivers can easily obtain an excellent driving position. As long as they are not too long legged, that is, because the fender well takes up valuable legroom on the left. The seat does not slide far enough back and the cushion is too short for several body types.

The second-row buckets and rear bench get a «good» comfort rating. Legroom in the third row is contingent on how far forward or back the mid-row buckets are positioned. Headroom is generous throughout.

Cargo capacity depends on the whereabouts of the rear bench. Space is adequate when the bench is pushed back, and pushing it forward makes room for some pretty big objects. When the bench is lifted out and especially when the second-row buckets are pushed forward, the cargo area becomes absolutely cavernous.

Safety and convenience

The passenger cell is well soundproofed. The climate control system works well though it is a bit slow to deliver heat. It has separate driver and passenger-side temperature controls and can provide heat at floor level and fresh air at ceiling level for rear passengers.

There are plenty of storage spaces. The cupholder located under the heater should be relocated because it blocks the controls. If beverage containers are tall, they get in the way of the radio controls as well.

Instruments and controls are user-friendly but the cruise control buttons should be lighted at night, and the windshield wipers should have a MIST setting. Ideally, the driver should be able to use the wiper controls without having to take his or her left hand off the wheel.

The rear bucket-rear bench combo provides a versatile mix of passenger and cargo carrying arrangements. However, the bench is heavy to lift out and carry.

Dual air bags, antilock brakes, lockable head restraints, big outside mirrors and good headlights all make a positive contribution to safety. On sunny days, the top of the dashboard reflects annoyingly in the windshield. The headlights should be brighter, and the rear seat head restraints block the view to the rear. Engine and transmission

The V-6 develops good power and better torque, the latter responsible for the smooth acceleration and relative ease with which the minivan accepts some pretty heavy loads. However, passing with even a light load requires care and patience. The automatic transmission usually shifts smoothly but an occasional delay in downshifting, combined with a lack of gradation in the accelerator, can result in abrupt gear changes.

Roadability

With an automatic levelling suspension providing a car-like ride and grip, and all-wheel drive for stability, this is a vehicle with excellent road manners in practically all driving conditions.

The power steering is very well calibrated but the brakes are more notable for power than endurance.

Conclusion

The luxurious Town & Country can handle the same tasks with the same enthusiastic vigour as its Dodge Caravan sibling, the difference being in the level of refinement. Shortcomings in this generation will probably be corrected in the next edition, now on its way.

FOR AGAINST Roomy interior Heavy rear bench Comfort No MIST setting Roadholding Poorly-located cupholder Pleasant steering Reflections in the windshield Smooth ride Transmission hesitation Versatility Sluggish pickup

2000 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

Engine: 12-valve, 3.8-litre V-6 Horsepower: 180 h.p. @ 4300 rpm Torque: 240 lb.-ft. @ 3100 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/rigid rear Brakes: disc/drum (AWD: four-wheel disc) Length: 507,2 cm Width: 220 cm Height: 174 cm Wheelbase: 303 cm Weight: 1,916 kg Tires: 215/65R16 Towing capacity: 1,588 kg with towing Air bags: standard dual package

Fuel economy (with AWD): - Transport Canada rating: City: 14.5 L/100 km (19.5 mpg); highway: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg) - Test result: 15 L/100 km (19 mpg) Fuel capacity: 76 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 11.9 seconds; 60-100 km/h: 8 seconds

Competition: Chevrolet Venture, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Pontiac Montana

Maintenance (cost may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $694

Warranties: - Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km - Drive train: 3 years/60,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km - Perforation damage: 5 years/160,000 km - Emissions control system: entire system: 3 years/60,000 km; catalytic converter, electronic control module, on-board diagnostic device: 8 years/130,000 km

Factory parts: Rear bumper: $320 Muffler: $370 Front disc brake: $60 Front fender: $140 Brake pads: $87

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $731 to $1,046

Price according to trim line: LXi front-wheel drive: $41,815 LTD front-wheel drive: $44,115 LTD all-wheel drive: $47,360

Major options: Towing package: $295 Heated front seats (LXi): $340

Price as tested: $47,690

Delivery and preparation: $905

Dealers: Quebec: 159 Canada: 597