Chrysler created not just a new nameplate, but an entirely new class of vehicle when it first launched the modern minivan in 1984. The idea of combining the people-hauling capacity of a van with the maneuverability of a sedan was proposed by Ford executives Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich. Henry Ford II rejected the idea, and the two colleagues later revived the concept at their new employer Chrysler. The resulting vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and its siblings, helped Chrysler swim its way out of a sea of red ink and back to profitability in the 1980s.
Since then, every full-range carmaker has tried its hand at making a better minivan, but as we found out on a weekend drive, the granddaddy of them all still has a few new tricks up its sleeve.
The requisites are in place: cavernous interior, twin sliding doors, individual air con vents, comfortable driving position, and sufficiently powerful engine. Then there are the premium features. The power-sliding doors and tailgate may seem frivolous, but when you try to load several bags and weekend gear while carrying a sleeping toddler, it all makes perfect sense. The power doors can be actuated by remote control, by switches above the driver’s seat, by switches beside the doors, and of course by the door handles themselves.
Seating is for seven: two front buckets, two middle buckets, and three on a rear bench. Here’s where the Chrysler pulls out an Ace: the Stow ‘n Go system. The middle buckets can individually fold flat into a compartment in the floor, as can the rear bench, in a 70/30 split. With the seats all tucked away, the T&C converts into a panel van with 4083 liters of space. With the seats up, the floor compartments can be used as storage for bags, drinks coolers, toys, iPod docking stations, and a dozen other necessary gadgets for a family trip.
Dad or mom will perch on a comfortable driver’s chair, with a good view of the surrounding road. The switchgear is cluttered and dated; the new style switchgear from the 300C and Commander is sorely needed.
Under the stubby hood is a 3.8 liter overhead-valve V6. The pushrod engine delivers 215 hp and 332 Nm to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The gearshift is mounted on the steering column to free up floor space. The engine may be gruff, but there’s ample torque for highway driving. Progress is subdued and sufficient in a straight line. The Town & Country’s double-wishbone front / solid-axle rear suspension is set for maximum comfort, absorbing bumps and ruts without disturbing the cabin. The flipside is that the minivan doesn’t enjoy a winding road or sudden steering inputs. Despite its onscreen role as Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s impromptu battle vehicle, the Town & Country is happiest when trundling along peacefully to the vacation house in Tagaytay.
New vehicles such as seven-seat SUVs, MPVs, and even compact vans are all vying for piece of the family-transport market. For ultimate comfort, though, the “traditional” minivan still has the edge. With that, the message of the Town & Country is two-fold: with an innovative update, the original minivan is still one of the best on the market. The second message is: don’t be in such a rush; the voyage can be just as enjoyable as the destination. The Town & Country makes sure that the miles roll by in business-class comfort.
By Jason K. Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang
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