Since their introduction, Chrysler minivans have set the pace in carlike ride and driveability, and ride quality is a strong trait of the Grand editions.Although we can't call it agile, our Town & Country was smooth over rough surfaces, and smoother still on good ones. The Windstar may be even smoother, but the distinction is almost academic.
Chrysler added a 3.8-liter V6 to its broad minivan power-train inventory last year, and it's standard equipment in the Town & Country, along with a flexible 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that is refined for '95.
More power is always helpful for two-lane passing and freeway merges, and the Chrysler V6 does a good job in these areas. Its low-rpm power is helpful when you've got a van full of kids and camping gear, and it's quiet at most speeds.
We thought the Town & Country's power steering was over-assisted just a bit, which made it feel numb, although it took all the work out of maneuvers in confined areas. When we pushed hard on the throttle, there was a hint of torque steer - a tendency in some front-drive vehicles to pull the steering wheel to right or left under hard acceleration.
But in most driving situations, the Town & Country was quiet, mannerly and as easy to drive as a station wagon. That's the standard that Chrysler minivans established in 1984, and even though some competitors have caught up, Chrysler is still the overall leader.
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