2009 Chrysler Town & Country Review

Whoever said that minivans cannot be stylish, obviously never saw the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. With three luxurious trims, this seven-passenger model is both customizable and fuel-friendly. Several engine options and a wealth of standard features give the Town and Country a widespread appeal that is lacking in many minivans, the Subaru B9 Tribeca being one of those. While keeping the kids entertained and safe is a cinch in this year's model, adults will find that the price and high-end additions are a welcome treat as well. The only thing standing in the way of this 2009 Chrysler is its less than stellar warranty program.

Inside, buyers will be impressed with the base LX trim's standard features like second and third row Stow n' Go seating, a CD player with MP3 compatibility, and remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer. The engine immobilizer will automatically disengage the engine in the event that the Town and Country experiences a break-in. Of course, power windows and locks are also included on the base trim. For a few thousand more, buyers can upgrade to the Touring trim which features amenities like an eight-way power driver's seat, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and three-zone automatic climate control. The high-end trim, the Limited, adds leather-trimmed seating, a 506-watt amplifier, and nine Infinity speakers. A DVD player, remote control, and wireless headphones are featured on the Town and Country Touring with the L Package.

Under the hood, the Chrysler Town and Country can be fitted with a 3.3L V6 with 175 horsepower, a 3.8L V6 with 197 horsepower, or a 251 horsepower 4.0L V6. Those looking for superior fuel economy will be pleased with the flex-fuel capable Town and Country's 17 city MPG and 24 highway MPG. Buyers can expect a slight decrease in the fuel economy for the more powerful engine selections. The base trim comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the others get a six-speed automatic. All season tires are featured on all three trims as well.

The Town and Country is stocked with safety features like a tire pressure monitoring system, Electronic Stability Control, and multi-stage front airbags. These innovative airbags will only deploy with the amount of force necessary in a collision, which can reduce the risk for additional injuries sustained in the event of an accident. Side-curtain airbags are also included for both the second and third rows of seating.

Overall, the 2009 Chrysler Town and Country is a good pick for those parents that still want a touch of luxury in their family vehicle. Priced at around $25,730, the Town and Country is also affordable for most buyers. Those that are looking for bonus features like an entertainment system will need to upgrade to a higher trim which will certainly add to the cost of the model.