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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Chrysler Town & Country

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chrysler Town & Country

Overview

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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Review

By KBB.com Editors

Although it's been overshadowed by the SUV as the symbol for family transport in third-millennium America, as recently as 2006 almost a million families opted for the arguably more functional minivan. Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan and will soon be the only domestic manufacturer left in the game, as GM and Ford effectively replace their slow-selling minivans with three-row crossover SUVs. For the 2008 model year, the all-new Chrysler Town & Country and its less chromed and woodgrained Dodge Grand Caravan sibling arrive with attractive seating and entertainment options to compete with the remaining minivans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.

You'll Like This Car If...

With features like an available Swivel 'n Go setup that configures into a table for four people and dual, independent video monitors that can display DVD movies, video games or satellite-based SIRIUS Backseat TV, Chrysler's fifth-generation minivan is the obvious choice for satisfying rear-seat riders.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the Town & Country's ride and handling are well-balanced, you may prefer the softer Toyota Sienna or the more eager Honda Odyssey. Also, while the Town & Country's interior has been greatly improved versus its predecessor and feels more sophisticated than the Grand Caravan's, we expected the category's newest entry to feel somewhat richer.

What's New for 2008

Beneath the surface of its boxier, more masculine styling, the fifth-generation Town & Country offers improved powertrains, more contemporary interior styling and class-exclusive options like satellite TV (offering three family channels) and clever second-row seating options. The shorter-wheelbase Town & Country model is no longer.

Driving the Town & Country

Driving Impressions If you've found the ride and handling of other minivans too soft or too firm, you might appreciate the Chrysler minivans' balance between highway comfort and around-town responsiveness. We also...

appreciated the new model's much-improved steering and braking response, and found the 4.0-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission combination that's exclusive to the Town & Country Limited model especially responsive and plenty powerful. The 3.8-liter V6 engine that we tested in the Grand Caravan is also satisfying, but the more powerful 4.0-liter version delivers identical EPA fuel economy. We'd look elsewhere in the segment before settling for the 175-horsepower base V6. The Chrysler minivans aren't as nimble in parking lots as the exceptionally tight-turning Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Overall, we've found Chrysler's newest minivans much more satisfying from behind the wheel than their predecessors and to be commendable people-movers and family-haulers.

Favorite Features

Audio/Video Options
In addition to the comprehensive MyGIG infotainment system up front, Chrysler's newest minivan offers dual, independent rear video screens that allow second- and third-row passengers to watch two different DVD movies, play video games or even watch the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network Mobile via SIRIUS Backseat TV.

Swivel 'n Go Seats
Although not without legroom challenges, the Swivel 'n Go seating option that comprises swiveling second-row captain's chairs and a hideaway, removable table takes the concept of the rolling family room to a new level. The fold-flat Stow 'N Go seating system introduced on the previous generation is also available.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Details

Interior

Sharing sheetmetal, powertrains and all but a few features, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are most differentiated by unique interior styling. Whereas the Grand Caravan's sportier gauge cluster and heavier use of black suggest a more athletic nature, the Town & Country combines wood-like and bright trim in conveying a more sophisticated persona. Available conveniences include Stow 'N Go and Swivel 'n Go second-row seating, integrated child booster seats and a class-exclusive power-folding third-row seat. Loading and unloading is predictably easy and the accommodations are comfortable.

Exterior

After more ovoid third- and fourth-generation models, the Chrysler Town & Country returns to the boxier roots of the first couple of iterations. The new sheetmetal and more available chrome give the new model a look that's bolder and more sophisticated at once. Black trim and steel wheel covers on the LX are substituted with body-color trim and aluminum wheels on the Touring, which give way to chrome wheels and chrome trim on the range-topping Limited.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, stain-resistant YES Essentials cloth seating, woodgrain trim, second-row bench seat, 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat and 16-inch covered steel wheels. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability and traction controls plus front-impact and three-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

The Town & Country's most sophisticated option is a hard-drive-based MyGIG system that offers navigation with real-time traffic information and features MP3/WMA music and JPEG image uploading, auxiliary audio input, voice-recognition, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and more. Other notable options include back-up sensors and a rear-view camera, power liftgate, power sliding doors, power-folding third-row seat and high-intensity-discharge headlamps. Second-row seating options include fold-flat Stow 'N Go or rearward-pivoting Swivel 'n Go seats, integrated child booster seats, power windows and manual sunshades. A comprehensive entertainment system offers two independent video displays.

Under the Hood

The all-new Chrysler minivans lose the previously-available four-cylinder engine and gain the category's first six-speed transmission. We wouldn't want to regularly haul around full loads with the base powertrain, comprised of a 3.3-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission, especially for very little improvement in fuel economy.

3.3-liter V6
175 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
205 lb.-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24

3.8-liter V6
197 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
230 lb.-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

4.0-liter V6
253 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
262 lb.-ft of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chrysler Town & Country vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Chrysler Town & Country Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.1

Out of 10

Based on 295 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.5/10

Quality

7.2/10
Reliability

7.4/10

Performance

7.6/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.0/10

Glad To Escape

By PressW (VA) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Poor Vehicle - My approximate mileage is 34,700

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Lots of features for the price"

Cons: "Poor mechanical reliability, poor gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Bought this van new at end of 2010. Attracted to it because of dvd screens, power 3rd row seats and 4.0 Liter V6. The love affair ended quickly. Got 2 brake jobs inside of 31000 miles and gas mileage sank to around 15 mpg. Was absolutely terrified to drive the van beyond the 36000 mile warranty period for fear that I would be trapped. At time of trade-in at 33700 miles, my van was really clean but it had lost over 50% of the original purchase value. Brakes were starting to go out again and transmission would occasionally shudder at take-off. No more Chrysler minivans for me."

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My 2nd Town&Country, won't be my last...

By jennaandboys (VA) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "*VERSATILITY*, comfort, mpg, roomy, can't beat it!"

Cons: "Make sure you go w/big engine or deal w/sluggish"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Only gave slightly lower marks for driving dynamics due to my van having the smaller engine (wish I would have gone with the larger one, as this is a little slow to pickup on interstate). Other than that, I love it! The rear power windows are awesome. Has every option I need, and it's a base model! I know you get the "but it's a minivan" judgement... until people ride in it and realize just how versatile and comfortable it is. The stow n go in 2nd and 3rd rows is a LIFESAVER (I can't stress this enough)! I can put the rear seats up or down in about 10 seconds flat, and have storage under the 2nd row floor for umbrellas, backpacks, basketballs, or whatever. My 10yr old loves that his seat reclines (something our old T&C didn't offer). I don't have the power doors or liftgate on this one like I did on my 1st, but I still love my van anyway. Plus, there's plenty of room for the kids AND the lab! :) And the best thing about a minivan.... young kids can open their own doors and you NEVER have to worry about them accidentally hitting the car next to you! Can park in tight spots and still get out because the doors slide back. Gotta love the mom-mobile! :) I recommend this vehicle so highly, I recently helped my sister-in-law buy her Town&Country, exact same color as mine! ~ 32yo mom of 3 sons and 2 step-sons"

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Among the best cars I've owned over the last 45 yr

By Paul (VA) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Form, function, reliability EXCELLENT"

Cons: "Boxy appearance."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Appearance is a bit boxy, but in terms of function, reliability, and comfort, it's a TEN! I've owned Fords (which I love), Chevys, Chryslers, a Plymouth, Pontiacs, a BMW, a Volvos, and a Fiat. This car competes with all of them. Problem free, except the direction light on the right mirror keeps falling off. Could be poor design, or parking lot damage. Either way, annoying as can be. Buy the maintenance package...worth every nickel."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I always swore that I would never drive a van.....

By Van Mama (MO) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great features, automatic sliding doors and hatch"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This vehicle is everything I could have hoped for. I have 2 small kiddos and the sliding doors are a dream come true. With the remote, I can slide open doors or the back hatch. The seats fold down easily for extra space as well. If and when this van quits me, I will purchase another one just like it! I have had no issues with the motor and it is a smooth ride."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Love It and GREAT GAS Mileage

By Cool Mom (MS) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my Chrysler Town and Country for 4+years and absolutely love it and so do my kids. All their friends can pile in from baseball and football games and etc.. and go get pizza without any problems. It is great on gas mileage and doesn't take as much to fill it up as the SUVs. It is such a win win situation with this van. I can't say enough about it, and no Im not a granmother I am 28yo and I am considered the cool mom! Thanks."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great Minivan

By Brad (CA) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Price, performance, styling."

Cons: "Lesser resale value."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Our family purchased a 2006 T&C (new), liked it and decided to purchase a 2012 model because of overall value. The Chrysler T&C L model has been completely upgraded: powertrain, transmission, amenities and performance. It seems that Daimler-Benz (who owned Chrysler for several years) did a thorough re-make of this category standard mechanically and aesthetically. Our 2006 drives and rides like a truck (which it is, essentially). But, the 2012 drives and rides like a large sedan. And, despite the larger motor in the 2012, it gets substantially better MPG's; especially on the highway (2006 gets ~22 mpg, 2012 gets ~27 mpg). Note: we use cruise control frequently. We have two young sons and the "creature features" in our 2012 meet all their "needs". And, gone are the removable seats (2006 model) and "in" are the "stow-n-go" fold-down seats (2012 model). Huge improvement! Lastly, pricing for what you get is extremely competitive (2012) versus Honda and Toyota. Although, the latter makers still command slightly higher resale values down the road. So, you just have to weigh that trade off out. Great ride! Great value!"

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 295 reviews