Her and His Reviews
June 2010
2010 Chrysler Town & Country Touring
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Chuck |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP: $37,300 as Tested | MSRP: $37,300 as Tested |
| Performance | |
| The 6 speed, 251 horsepower Town & Country minivan is a great vehicle in its class. Designed for heavy payload and lots of passengers, the 6 speed automatic transmission, 4.0 liter engine has some get up and go. The vehicle responds well and the ride is comfortable for all passengers - well, truth be told, I wasn't sitting in the back row for long. Armed with Electronic Stability Control and ABS brakes for maximum control of vehicle. | The Chrysler Town & Country is a peppy car with its 4.0 Liter V6 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission and 251 horsepower. When I say "peppy" I mean it has sufficient power to get you going. The throttle response is immediate, and considering the girth, and overall weight of the car, is impressive. This vehicle is designed for many passengers with added weight in the form of luggage, pets, passengers, etc, so don't expect responsive handling when taking the turns fast. I'm not saying the Chrysler isn't capable in the corners, just not at excessive speeds.
The ride in the Town & Country is steady and responsive. It's fun to be in the command seating position cruising down the highway. Small imperfections in the road don't translate to the interior discomfort of the front or rear passengers. ABS and the Electronic Stability Program come to the rescue when human error is detected. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 17 MPG City, 25 MPG Highway | 17 MPG City, 25 MPG Highway |
| The Car | |
| Did Chrysler employ the design team from NASA and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams when in the early throws of product development? No kidding, this vehicle, with its advanced technology and comfort, its nooks and crannies, make it a leader for the family on the go.
Seating layout is two in front, two in middle and three in the rear optional seat. The Swivel and Go heated captain's chairs for passengers in the second row allow for 180 degree turning to be fully engaged with third row passengers. The seating in the 2nd and third row can easily be removed, allowing for critical space required during a move or for business or delivery purposes. The vehicle has a stow-away table to place things on during transit. Each child can have their own or share the very convenient in-floor storage compartments to maximize roominess during trip. Watching the entertainment is not going to be an issue, as there are two DVD screens -- one for second row and the other for third row passengers. Power doors that can be opened/closed with the remote. And, when packing up or unloading, the rear hatch can be opened/closed with a touch of a button. Luggage racks for additional storage on roof. |
Admittedly, I haven't had too much experience with this type of vehicle. Here's what I really liked - the sheer roominess. If you have anything to transport, simply fold down, or remove the seats! Added conveniences: both sides of the vehicle have power doors that can be opened/closed with the remote. The rear hatch can also be opened/closed with a touch of a button. A very large and comfortable 8-way power driver's seat. The power adjustable pedals are awesome! There are cup holders everywhere. Swivel-n-Go Chairs in the rear are handy when stopped for a short snack, or playing cards with your friends. Enjoy the heated front and second row seats on those cold wintery days. |
| Safety | |
| The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path accident avoidance devices assist driver when changing lanes-side mirrors light up as well as an audible chime alerts the driver of approaching vehicle. Tire Pressure Monitoring System with warning indicator.
The ParkView™ rear park assist system helps you see what is immediately behind car when backing up. Be sure to use common sense and still look in all directions before backing up-do not solely rely on this device. Multi-air bags and drivers and front passenger active head restraints for maximum safety. Integrated child booster seat is a smart, innovative feature, especially moms picking up or dropping off their neighbor's children. |
Advanced Multi-Stage Front Airbags
Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags in ALL Rows Anti-Lock Braking System Electronic Stability Program Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Warning Indicator |
| Technology | |
| As mentioned, this minivan comes with two rear DVD displays, a media Center with CD MP-3 and an iPod Interface.
I loved the remote engine starter which is a perfect feature to have on the most chilly or warmer days. Remote keyless entry and security alarm are great to have. Rain sensing wipers amaze me -- how does it know those few drops of rain hit the windshield? And, the U Connect phone with voice command is a plus feature. |
Remote Keyless Entry with Engine Immobilizer
Remote Engine Start- good for getting the car heated up on cold days, or cooling it down in the Summer. Media Center with CD MP-3 and I-Pod Interface Park View Rear back-Up Camera Park Sense parking System with Audio Warning Indicator Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection U-Connect Phone with Voice Command Security Alarm Rain Sensing Wipers Two Rear Video Displays with DVD Player Smart Beam Headlamps |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| With the growth of the SUV/Crossover market and the dramatic decline of sales in the minivan category, having a state of the art minivan with great design language and appeal is most challenging. How do you make a minivan not look like a minivan-pretty difficult to achieve. Nonetheless, the car is not unattractive and does what is indented to do. Safely and functionally transport numerous people.
The interior is spacious, clean and functional with a neutral soft slate and charcoal palate. Buttons and dials are easy to see and reach for. Lots and lots of compartments. |
The design of the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country is average. I don't think that the design engineers were striving for anything extreme or modern here; they may have been more concerned with "design functionality." The exterior of the car looks clean, with defined edges and corners. The chrome exterior mirrors and signal indicators add a nice touch of elegance to the Town & Country.
The interior of the vehicle can best be described as clean. The lines are rigid, with meaning and purpose. For example, the center console is rectangular in design so that it can be easily located, and opened. The controls on the console aren't spread about- they're laid out in a very specific pattern so that the driver and passenger can reach, and use them with ease. |
| Warranty | |
| 5-Year, 100,000 Power train limited warranty | 5-Year, 100,000 Power train limited warranty |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| Vehicle is assembled in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Fuel economy can be improved upon. | This was an enjoyable car to drive. I had a few jobs to complete where I had to drop of loads of food, and the Chrysler Town & Country made it very easy with its two power sliding side doors, and the power rear hatch. I really enjoyed being able to start the car remotely on cold mornings! If you find yourself in the market for a family styled car, you'll be impressed with the roominess and extended list of options on this particular model. |
