The 2005 Town & Country Limited model we drove delivered enough performance to exercise domination on busy freeways in Los Angeles. Response from its 3.8-liter V6 allowed us to work through high-speed traffic with five adults aboard, while its handling permitted easy passing on the winding sections in the hilly country outside Pasadena. Yet the ride was smooth and comfortable, even on rough city streets and bumpy big-city freeways. Drinking a hot cappuccino while driving can be done without fear.All in all, driving the Chrysler Town & Country is pleasant and enjoyable. It rides smoothly and feels very stable at highway speeds. It handles competently and is surprisingly nimble for its size. Its power-assisted steering is light, making it easy to maneuver and park in crowded lots, and the front air dam isn't so low to the ground that it scrapes on curbs. Careful suspension tuning, a recently redesigned steering system and a rigid structure have raised the Town & Country's handling prowess to that of the leading minivans.
We found our Limited model quiet at high speeds. Chrysler says the 2005 model is more than 16 percent quieter than previous models. Wind noise has been reduced on 2005 models by incorporating triple door seals, molded gaskets, a more aerodynamic roof rack, and a spiraled antenna. Carrying on a conversation inside the Town & Country is easy and pleasant.
Four-wheel disc brakes stop the Town & Country quickly and without drama. Heavy-duty brake rotors and calipers ensure strong braking performance, durability. We like the pedal feel and found the brakes easy to modulate in stop-and-go traffic. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help the driver maintain steering control in an emergency or panic stop. Traction control reduces front wheelspin on slippery surfaces.
The 3.8-liter V6 that comes on Touring and Limited models is rated at 215 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. It's considerably more powerful than the 3.3-liter V6 that comes on base and LX models, which is rated at 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both are overhead-valve, push-rod V6s with two valves per cylinder rather than newer, overhead-cam, multi-valve designs. The 3.8-liter engine is rated 18/25 mpg City/Highway by the EPA, while the 3.3-liter is rated 19/26. Both are rated as low-emissions vehicles in all 50 states. The 3.3-liter V6 is a flexible-fuel engine, so it can use E85 ethanol.
The 3.3-liter V6 that comes on base and LX models delivers lively acceleration; we felt like we had plenty of motor to jackrabbit away from standstills or pull off that big pass. The engine is smooth and quiet when cruising, although it makes itself known under full-throttle acceleration.
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