Chrysler Town & Country

The First Luxury Minivan

At first, there was the wagon. The Town & Country has always been a preeminent family vehicle. Back when the wagon was the families' vehicle of choice, the Town & Country's appeal made it a top option.  It debuted as the first woodie wagon with authentic wood grain doors for the 1942 model year. This style predominated over its life, with a short period of absence during the ‘50s, before eventually turning into a synthetic outline on the exterior sides. Chrysler offered the Town & Country as a convertible and sedan at one point, but it is most notably remembered as a wagon. Since wagons' popular appeal faded at the turn of the ‘90s, the original Town & Country's production ended in favor of the budding minivan class.  

In 1989, following its success with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler released the new Town and Country, which some credit as the innovator of the modern minivan.  For its first couple years, the only available trim was a synthetic wood outline on the exterior in honor of theold Town & Country "woodie" station wagon. It was styled this way to proclaim that the minivan could be a sufficient replacement for the wagon as a family vehicle. Although Chrysler couldn't have predicted the success to come for the Town & Country, the minivan lived up to the legacy of its wagon predecessor. 

It came with two front doors and one side sliding door for access to the backseats. There were two bench seats in the back, and it came with a 3.0L V6 with 142 horsepower with the early models,  which was bumped up to a 3.3L with 150 horsepower. The Town & Country was seen as an upscale vehicle from the Dodge Caravan and was the first luxury minivan. It became the single best-selling vehicle for Chrysler with almost 400,000 in sales.

The Development of the Town & Country

The second generation began in 1991 and offered optional antilock brakes and all-wheel drive. The synthetic wood stayed, with a delete option appearing in 1992.  Iin 1994, a 3.8L V6 with 162 horsepower became the new standard engine. In 1996, the van saw a complete redesign that looks much like the modern versions. The boxier look had been ditched for a more rounded and aerodynamic form. It came with an enlarged windshield, four removable bucket seats, and a second sliding door on the LXi trim. The other trim offered was an LX trim, and the main difference between the two was the wheelbase. An SX version appeared in 1997 that became the new trim for the short wheelbase.

The headlights grew for the new generation in 2001, and a new grille was installed along with a power operated lift gate and side door. The 3.3L could now kick 180 horsepower and the 3.8L had 215 horsepower. As Chrysler began to lose its top spot for innovation with the minivan, it included new features such as retractable back seats that could fold into the floor, a digital screen up front, and an optional DVD system.   

In 2008, the Town & Country received another facelift, this time with a noticeable change. The van was much bulkier but also more stylish and looked like a cross between the first and third generation.  A 4.0L V6 with 251 horsepower was added as an engine option along with a six-speed automatic transmission. A stowable table and swivel seats were also offered as an option. The Town & Country is still seen as a top luxury van available with wood trim, leather seats, satellite radio, keyless entry, and 143 feet of cargo space.  Optional entertainment equipment for passengers is available making distance travel more comfortable. Available trim lines include the Base, Touring, and top of the line Limited. A reliable luxury minivan, the Chrysler Town & Country makes transporting the family a pleasure, and has been doing so for years.