Picture Gallery: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4| Discuss
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The Limited is not an inexpensive vehicle either, starting at $42,895 — although at the time of this writing Chrysler does have a promotion on, offering up to $3,350 delivery allowance, bringing the starting price to a more family-oriented $39,545.
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For those not up on the lingo — the Stow N Go folds the seats flat into the floor, an excellent way to quickly convert a van from passenger to cargo carrying machine. The Swivel N Go setup allows the second row to spin around 180 degrees to face the third row of seats — creating a living room type atmosphere. The Swivel N Go seats are still removable if required, but you’ll have to put them in your garage or basement.
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Also standard are power lift gate, power sliding doors and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with backup camera and MyGig entertainment system with 20gig hard drive for storing images and music.
My tester came optional with a power third row which is really kind of cool and certainly will save your back flipping and folding the seats if you do it often (see the embedded video for a demonstration).
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $45,620
For more information on Chrysler and the Town & Country visit Chrysler Canada
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The center console and dash are constructed of fairly hard plastics that don’t really appeal to me. The faux wood trim doesn’t help much in terms of visual appeal either. What does appeal to me is the incredibly versatile storage bin between the seats that slides, flip and moves.
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The Town & Country’s interior lighting is also something that is worth taking note of. With a dim-able overhead lighting system that extends the length of the van to provide ambient lighting, as well as extremely bright LED reading lamps throughout the cabin, seeing your way around the van in the evening is not an issue.
Of course, seating is not a problem either, with four captains chairs. In the third row bench, all passengers enjoy fairly equal comfort, which includes separate controls for the rear HVAC system and heated seats in the second row.
The Swivel N Go seats turn 180 degrees to face the rear and a table that stores under the floor between the first and second rows can be used while on the go. Honestly though, leg room is at an extreme premium in this configuration. One should be prepared to sit on their legs as there isn’t much other room in which to put them. If it were my dollar I would go with the Stow N Go seats that allow for easier trips to the home reno store.
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But it is not just the extremely potent acceleration that has impressed me — the Town & Country almost seems like the sports cars of minivans. Minivans typically have a floaty type of feel with soft suspension and soft steering, the Chrysler van seems to have a more direct and urgent feel to the steering and brakes, as well as the suspension having more a road sensing quality.
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The transmission is quick to down-shift when required but will keep the revs low to save fuel; the shifts are smooth and quiet but the engine really comes alive when prodded from the right pedal.
Typical minivan buyers, though, are probably more interesting in such things as a quiet highway ride, smooth acceleration and comfort. The Town & Country provide all of those as well without issue. And even though it may not be the most pretty minivan on the market, its boxy shape allows for a rather spacious interior; a trait typical minivan buyers are looking for.
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When babying the 4.0Litre V6 under the hood of the Town & Country, I achieved an average of 12.3L/100km according to the on-board computer. Just a few short bursts using the go-pedal and it quickly shot up to 13.3L/100km — it became obvious to me that the Town & Country was capable of great fuel economy but only if I was capable of overcoming the urge to feel myself being pushed into the seat back and get myself ahead of the slower drivers on the road.
I was able to achieve an average of around 12.5L/100km when being careful but as soon as I started to accelerate what I would call normally, instead of extermely gently, the fuel consumption quickly worsened to over 14 or 15L/100km. It would take a longer term tester to determine exact numbers — performing a similar test to what both Grant and Paul are attempting in the Fuel Economy Challenge.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $45,620
For more information on Chrysler and the Town & Country visit Chrysler Canada
to our site.
January 21, 2008, 10:21:09 am
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At the show, I discovered the stowable seats have tons of sharp bits underneath where you can hurt your fingers looking for the fore / aft lever.
I think GM will be cashing in with their inexpensive RWB/SWB vans for the next year while they have 'em. SWB are big sellers here, as are minivans in general. I'm surprised Kia doesn't offer the Sedona SWB van in Canada like they do in the US (the Rondo is doing well on both sides, so that shouldn't be a worry). Can't beat the value. That said, Chrysler is already discounting the new vans to the $20,000 level, so they won't give up sales easily.
First time I used the Stow 'n Go (2nd row) on the previous gen van I cut my hand on sharp metal. The next time I was more careful. Agree the seat isn't so comfy, but for kids the functionality is dynamite. If I were buying, doubt I'd ever need that much space and I'd want real seats.
January 21, 2008, 11:20:01 am Canadian were denied the SHORT BUS 'cos of tha Yanks!!! OxyMoron alert
January 22, 2008, 08:28:33 am Haven't seen those discounts, yet, but they might move at 20 k$. I've seen swb '07s rebated down to less than 17k$, ditto at GM stores.
BTW, the swb Uplander at the Show had the 3rd row headrests nearly rubbing the rear window...and these vans have next to no trunk with the 3rd row in. This shows what a great packaging job Mazda had done on the 2000-2006 MPV.
Wing, the Yanks get the option of the 4.0 in the GC. We canucks must get a T&C to get that engine.
January 22, 2008, 03:19:30 pm It all sounds rather positive. I really hope that they finally fixed the gearboxes. Those last gen vans seam to blow a gearbox every 60,000 clicks. I can't help thinking though at this price, a Honda odyssey is much better value. Not to mention that sweet sweet V6. Trouble with these minivans they loose about half of their value in just over a year. So IMO this is really a great used buy. Dodges lose way to much to even consider buying new.
I really like the styling. Dodge make some of the nicest looking vehicles IMO.
One last thing Just get rid of the wood on the Interior.
Is that a tribeca.
January 22, 2008, 10:45:14 pm
I was able to achieve an average of around 12.5L/100km when being careful but as soon as I started to accelerate what I would call normally, instead of extermely gently, the fuel consumption quickly worsened to over 14 or 15L/100km. It would take a longer term tester to determine exact numbers — performing a similar test to what both Grant and Paul are attempting in the Fuel Economy Challenge.
They offer these big vans with a Diesel in Euroland. This is what these big vans need. It seams silly to have a van this big with a gas engine IMO. It would even benefit from being a hybrid, that wouldn't hurt ether thats for sure...nods...yes indeedy, thats for sure.
January 23, 2008, 02:45:47 am
Thanks wing.
In the 4 years we have had the Sienna, I can not think of any time that we would have needed a power 3rd row seat. And usually there is enough junk (first aid kit, blankets, snow brush, etc) in the well the seats fold into that we have to move just to be able to fold them, so we would still have to put stuff down and get that area cleared out.
Now power doors, that is a different story
January 23, 2008, 08:12:01 am I have a 2004 short caravan that has been perfectly satisfactory for four years of ownership but only 60k or so km so far. Although this vehicle has been used moderately for tent trailer towing to this point; we want to upgrade to one with the larger 3.8 engine with the tow package for long distance travel with a slightly larger trailer. I would have liked to have this package in the short version van..but not made now. Hmmm.
Our third row seat has been in the basement for all of it's life, as have the the second row on and off. I'll bet that there is a good market for a short version with stow and go second row and 'no' rear seat. Vans are far more practical than SUVs and for the most part pick-ups. They can be the second vehicle with versatility. Looks like it will have to be the long version but I think the short one would be better at towing. It would be nice to have the option of the 4L engine in the Dodge like they do in the US. Come to think of it a short version 4L. T&C with no rear seat and stow and go bench might be great. I might even spring the extra $ for that.
January 24, 2008, 05:01:50 pm I just currently bought a brand new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, coming to a total of around $ 48,000. I have had it for about a month and a half, and could extremly positively say that its been a amazing purchase. First off all, the dealership experience is amazing, offering wide selections of models with many options to choose from. Secondly, the vehicle itself is made of pure quality. I don't understand James' not liking of the plastics used. The plastics are perfect, almost Mercedes quality. Even though some people cannot afford the MSRP of this fully optioned Limited Chrysler, there are options of choosing the Dodge Caravan. I personally am a Doctor, but couldn't afford a premium vehicles untill a few years back. All I can say about this premium, luvury is great!
March 26, 2008, 06:11:51 pm I bought the new 2008 town and country but it is beyond me why my 08 town and country limited does not have the two rear dvd players,why call it a limited if it does not have these features,sent note to Damiler and there reply was thanks for buying we will send you a gift certificate for mopar parts, they also stated that what I ordered but this being the first van bought in New Brunswick and the dealer not knowing a lot about the vehicle we thought they were in it until Ilooked the next day. After buying a 2007 Patriot and the 08 Town and country limited I am displeased that they wouldjust send a 50.00 dollar quift certificate....I did have a promblem with the heater control and went a couple of times with out my vehicle even though my dealership lent me one you think they would have given me a better deal on the dvd's....I cannot get after market one because of the air condition unit on the roof in the back and
$1545.00 plus tax is terrible after paying 47,595 for the van. limit should mean that there isn't anything else you should need to order.
I love the van but am upset over the dvd's...
March 26, 2008, 06:57:23 pm Why not get a couple $99 portable DVD player at Wally Mart
March 26, 2008, 08:35:53 pm But he paid for them and didn't get them? I'd be raising a rather large stink over that! They gave you the wrong car....
March 26, 2008, 09:22:37 pm
They didn’t give him the wrong car. The DVD players aren’t standard equipment on the Touring model, they’re optional equipment (Entertainment Group #2, to be precise). Basically, gintrepid bought a vehicle without ever reading what equipment was fitted on it and what wasn’t. He thinks Chrysler SHOULD have made the DVD players standard equipment on the Touring model, but that’s not his call. Unless he purchased a vehicle with Entertainment Group #2, I’m surprised Chrysler even gave him the time of day, not to mention a $50 gift certificate…
It's like complaining that your new BMW doesn't have (the optional) heated seats because you believe that a luxury car should have them, not because you were told it did...
If he was told by a salesman that all Touring models have DVD players, that's a different issue.
March 26, 2008, 10:01:23 pm I read limited and I thought the limited did have them but your right it's an option on the limited as well. I bet the salesman said it did though.
March 26, 2008, 10:32:58 pm
I dunno, some salesman use dishonest techniques, but a lot of consumers have inaccurate and uninformed expectations. Pull ten people off the street, and how many will know that the "leatherette" in a BMW is not made from animal hides?
March 27, 2008, 10:54:17 am
They aren't farmed from female cows??!
March 27, 2008, 10:59:59 am ..Next you'll tell me serviettes are'nt made from SERVERS.............
DINETTES from Diners.............BANQUETTES from BANKS...........
March 29, 2008, 10:19:22 pm Can anyone tell me where I can contact anyone from Chrysler in regards to my 2008 chrysler town and country limit.
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I paid a lot of money for this van and beleived that a limit came with everything and when I picked it up there was no dvd's in the back
and only had sirus radio with DVD in front. Can anyone explain why they call it a limited. I could have bought the Dodge Grand Caravan
and received the dvd's for a lower price.
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I did send a note to chrysler and they replied thank you for buying Chrysler Town and country and will be sending you a $50.00 gift certificate. I also mentioned to them that I spent $45,800 dollars for van and 19,500 for a 07 Patriot and all they want to give me is $50.00...anyone know who I can write as i feel they should have come with it.
March 29, 2008, 10:47:26 pm
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I paid a lot of money for this van and beleived that a limit came with everything and when I picked it up there was no dvd's in the back
and only had sirus radio with DVD in front. Can anyone explain why they call it a limited. I could have bought the Dodge Grand Caravan
and received the dvd's for a lower price.
.
I did send a note to chrysler and they replied thank you for buying Chrysler Town and country and will be sending you a $50.00 gift certificate. I also mentioned to them that I spent $45,800 dollars for van and 19,500 for a 07 Patriot and all they want to give me is $50.00...anyone know who I can write as i feel they should have come with it.
Did you ever look at a list of features before you bought it, or did you just assume that because it was called "Limited," it would have rear-seat DVDs?
March 29, 2008, 11:02:39 pm
I dunno, some salesman use dishonest techniques, but a lot of consumers have inaccurate and uninformed expectations. Pull ten people off the street, and how many will know that the "leatherette" in a BMW is not made from animal hides?
I understand what you are saying but this is not the touring model, in the states this would be the same as your signature series. I checked with the dealer and they thought they were in the model but after searching they say it was and option. I cannot beleive that the top of
the line model in Canada does not come with the DVD's when the top of the line 08 town and country signature in the states comes with it.
Don't take me wrong I love the vehicle and it has every option in it but between Chrysler and being the first one purchased in New Brunswick canada the salesman had no idea what was in it when i bought it until I called him. Thanks Mitlov
March 30, 2008, 12:12:17 am
the line model in Canada does not come with the DVD's when the top of the line 08 town and country signature in the states comes with it.
Don't take me wrong I love the vehicle and it has every option in it but between Chrysler and being the first one purchased in New Brunswick canada the salesman had no idea what was in it when i bought it until I called him. Thanks Mitlov
If no one actually TOLD you it had rear-seat DVDs as standard equipment, and you just ASSUMED that because it's the top-of-the-line model, than in my opinion the fault lies with you, not Chrysler or your dealer. Never make assumptions. Just as power seats and leather are options even on expensive BMWs, rear-seat DVDs may be options even on the highest trim level of a minivan.
March 30, 2008, 07:36:48 am Read you manual, all the numbers in there
March 30, 2008, 09:23:29 am
the line model in Canada does not come with the DVD's when the top of the line 08 town and country signature in the states comes with it.
I lol'd.
March 30, 2008, 12:50:52 pm
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I paid a lot of money for this van and beleived that a limit came with everything and when I picked it up there was no dvd's in the back
and only had sirus radio with DVD in front. Can anyone explain why they call it a limited. I could have bought the Dodge Grand Caravan
and received the dvd's for a lower price.
.
I did send a note to chrysler and they replied thank you for buying Chrysler Town and country and will be sending you a $50.00 gift certificate. I also mentioned to them that I spent $45,800 dollars for van and 19,500 for a 07 Patriot and all they want to give me is $50.00...anyone know who I can write as i feel they should have come with it.
pwned by Chrysler.
March 30, 2008, 03:18:42 pm
So you just bought the top if the line model, without checking what features it had?
March 30, 2008, 03:45:06 pm You know, Volkswagen sells a five-door R32 with a six-speed manual in Britain. Maybe I should special-order an R32, and then throw a fit to my local Volkswagen dealer when I discover that all American R32s are DSG-equipped three-doors?
Or maybe I should order a "top-of-the-line EVO" from my local Mitsubishi dealer, and then throw a fit when I find out that I got a top-of-the-line AMERICAN version of the EVO, with 300 horsepower, instead of the top-of-the-line EUROPEAN version, with roughly 400? I mean, if they sell something in another market, and I ask for a top-of-the-line one in my market, it should be the same, right?