2009 Chrysler Town & Country By:  ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net             Did you know that this is 25th Anniversary of the MiniVan?  Chrysler introduced the modern minivan and ushered in the era of a generation of youngster and young families that found an alternative to the basic car or station wagon.

   Chrysler has continued the development and safety features, and generally kept doing what it was doing so well back in the mid-80’s.  They managed an award-winning formula that was copied by other manufacturers, but the Town & Country stayed way out in front year after year.

            Now, for 2009, the Town & Country continues their tradition of providing a terrific vehicle to transport people and their stuff.  There are three models – the base LX, the Touring, and the Limited.  Some of the younger generation shuns the label of driving a minivan, but the usefulness and practicality sometimes overrides “being cool.”

            My wife Judy thinks the Chrysler Town & Country is aptly named.  Our life includes a little bit of both.  We have a small farm that includes some horses, a few head of cattle, ducks, dogs, and cats.  We have even had chickens and goats at one time or the other.  The Town & Country has served our needs, whether it is animal feed from the tractor supply store or bags of merchandise from a shopping spree in a metroplex mall.

            The 2009 Town & Country has the option of three different powertrains.  The best is the 4.0 liter V-6 that has great fuel economy.  It is matched to a six speed transmission, which is a first for a minivan.  The 4.0 V-6 produces 251 horsepower and is rated at 25 mpg highway.  Another option is the 3.3 liter Flex Fuel V-6, matched with a four speed transmission.  This Flex Fuel engine uses either regular gasoline of the E85 mixture.  There is also a 3.8 liter V-6 engine that produces 197 horsepower.

            Safety features include the Blind Spot Monitoring System and the Park Sense Rear Park Assist, both standard on the Limited and available on the LX and Touring. The Blind Spot Monitoring System utilizes sensors near the rear corners of the vehicle, which activate warning indicators on the exterior mirrors, showing that a vehicle has entered the blind spot. When I learned to drive, we were taught to glance over our shoulder to check the blind spot as well as using our mirrors, but I don’t see drivers doing that today. Park Sense Rear Park Assist has a rear camera, which transmits to a dashboard screen a clear view of what is behind the vehicle.

            In addition to all the safety features and fuel-efficient powertrains, there are two distinct seating systems.  The Stow ‘N Go utilizes in-floor storage compartments and the Swivel ‘N Go system offers storage with an available one-touch power folding third row seating area.  Like other manufacturers, Chrysler offers a wide array of entertainment options that includes music, audio, movies, u-connect, and an audio jack for an MP3 player.  There is a dual DVD system for the rear passengers.

      The Town and Country is comfortable and has seating for seven people. In addition to the generous standard equipment, there are many available features, which allow you to personalize your vehicle. Some of these are: power sliding doors, power lift gate, rain sensing wipers, observation mirror (gives view of rear seat occupants and activities!), remote start system and even a portable rechargeable trouble light.

            Base MSRP for the LX is $27,500, but there are a lot of discounts and program offers.  Visit a Chrysler dealership and test-drive an new Town & Country.  It may have been a long time since you had the opportunity to look one over.  Maybe practicality and economy will appeal to you.