Although it was discontinued several years ago, Chrysler Town and Country is still one of the most memorable nameplates in Chrysler's history, and why not?
It was used for decades since the early 1940s. Most of the generations were designed in the form of a 4-door wagon, but in this article, we will focus on latter generations, including those that were sold in Australia with the Voyager badge.
So, let's take a look at some of the most exciting design solutions and features of the three generations of Chrysler Town and Country that were sold in this part of the world.
The Third Generation of Chrysler Town and Country (1996-2004)
After nine generations and almost five decades of production, the original form of the Town and Country ended its life in 1988.
A few years later, the company revived the nameplate, but this time, it used it for a more modern and practical variant of people mover. Instead of an old-school wagon body style, we saw a more practical MPV layout with additional passenger and cargo space, among other benefits.
Interestingly, the first generation was produced for only a year, followed by the second generation in 1991, which remained in production until 1995
Chrysler realized that they needed a better vehicle, more modern and more versatile, to compete not just in North America but also in other parts of the world. So, the third generation arrived in 1996, and it was also sold in Australia under the Voyager nameplate.
The new model brought significant improvements in many aspects. It featured a more refined suspension and chassis setup, with the McPherson strut at the front and a solid axle at the rear end. The front wheels featured ventilated disc brakes, while the rear wheels relied on drum brakes.
As a result, the ride quality was way better, while the third generation also brought some industry-first design solutions, starting from the sliding rear doors. We also liked the so-called Easy Out Roller Seats, which allowed easy and convenient seating reconfiguration.
For the Australian market, the Voyager was offered in just one trim level, called SE. The list of standard equipment included air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, central locking remote control, cloth seats, power mirrors, power windows, a four-speaker audio system etc.
Regarding safety, the model features ABS, dual front airbags, and an engine immobiliser.
Dimensions
The wheelbase for this generation is 2,878 millimetres, with 4,733mm overall length and 1,705kg kerb weight. Despite its large dimensions, the vehicle was manoeuvrable, with a turning circle of 11.5 metres.
Chrysler Town and Country Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2878mm
- Overall height: 1740mm
- Overall length: 4733mm
- Overall width: 1950mm
- Ground clearance: 135mm
- Kerb weight: 1705kg
- Turning circle: 11.50m
- Gross trailer weight braked: 1600kg
Powertrain
This generation was offered with a couple of V6 engines. The Australian model came with a smaller 3.3-litre V6 (max output: 116kW, torque: 275Nm) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which was quite capable of moving this large vehicle with ease. However, the fuel economy averaged 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
In North America, this people mover was also offered with a bigger 3.8-litre V6 engine (max output: 124kW, torque: 308Nm), which was upgraded in 1998 to 130kW and 330Nm.
Chrysler Town and Country Engine Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 3301cc
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel type: Unleaded Petrol
- Forced induction: No
- Maximum torque: 275Nm
- Maximum power: 116kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Fuel consumption: 14.5L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 76L
The Fourth Generation of Chrysler Town and Country (2004-2008)
Although the fourth generation was introduced in 2001, we didn't see it before 2004 Down Under, when it was named Voyager once again. This redesign brought notable changes, starting with a new, way more attractive styling.
Chrysler introduced significant changes under the skin, including disc brakes (replacing the rear drum brakes) and an updated suspension (the base setup remained the same, with the McPherson strut at the front and a solid axle with leaf spring on the rear end).
Of course, we also saw much more standard equipment. The new model was equipped with goodies like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, 6-CD charger, 6-speakers, central locking remote control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, power steering, power sliding doors, power windows, trip computer and more.
Latter model years brought new trim levels, including the 2006 Chrysler Town and Country Touring, which became the new range-topping model on offer.
This generation also brought a notable size increase, including a longer wheelbase with 3,030mm and an overall length of 5,096mm. Also, the new model became notably heavier, with a kerb weight of 1,862 kg.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3030mm
- Overall length: 5096mm
- Overall height: 1804mm
- Overall width: 1997mm
- Ground clearance: 141mm
- Kerb weight: 1862mm
- Turning circle: 12m
- Gross trailer weight braked: 1600kg
Engines
This redesign didn't bring bigger changes under the hood, so there was the familiar 3.3-litre V6, though with a slightly increased max output, to 128kW and 278 Nm of torque. It even carried over the 4-speed automatic transmission, but this time, all-wheel drive variants were also available apart from the standard FWD models. Besides slightly better performance, the new model also improved fuel economy.
- Engine Capacity: 3301cc
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel type: Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: No
- Maximum torque: 278Nm
- Maximum power: 128kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Fuel consumption: 13.5L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
The Fifth Generation of Chrysler Town and Country (2009-2016)
The 2009 Chrysler Town and Country came completely redesigned, and it was offered in Australia only in a long-wheelbase version, as the Grand Voyager. This time, we saw more substantial changes, including a completely new chassis.
Of course, there was also a new suspension setup, and for the first time, the rear suspension was based on coil springs. It was self-levelling and included Hydraulic Double Acting Shock Absorbers. The front end was equipped with a McPherson strut, coil springs and double-acting shock absorbers.
Once again, the redesign brought bigger dimensions. This model was bigger in every measurement, including the wheelbase and overall length, which were increased to 3,078mm and 5,143mm, respectively. Bigger dimensions also added more kilograms, so the kerb weight went up to 2,100kg.
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 3078mm
- Overall length: 5143mm
- Overall height: 1750mm
- Overall width: 1954mm
- Ground clearance: 144mm
- Kerb weight: 2100mm
- Turning circle: 11.90m
- Gross trailer weight braked: 1600mm
Engines
The new generation also brought new engines, including a diesel powertrain for the first time. That model featured a 2.8-litre turbodiesel (120kW; 360Nm). Of course, there was also a gasoline version, equipped with the new 3.8-litre V6 (147kW; 312Nm). Both engines were paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission.
Chrysler Town and Country Reliability
These days, this is quite a popular model on the used car market and often comes with an attractive price tag. For example, a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country Touring in good condition can be found for a bit over $18,000.
Does this attractive price mean that this people mover is unreliable and has some issues? Although Chrysler has never been famous for reliability, this model is quite dependable.
Yes, there are some things to keep in mind, but these are only minor issues, such as head gaskets, oil leaks, and occasional electricals that need fixing. Also, brakes tend to wear out quicker than you would expect, but major issues like suspension troubles are rare.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa