09 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY -- RENEWED POPULARITY FOR THE MINIVAN By Judy Gell Automotive Journalist      The minivan lost popularity for a while, supposed to be driven by “soccer moms” and other “un-cool” types. My thought was always “who cares!” Shouldn’t we drive what best fits our life-style, and appreciate the usefulness of our vehicle? Practical may not seem exciting until the convenience makes your days easier and saves time and money. That’s thrilling, if not exciting.

   Chrysler’s Town and County minivan is well named. I live a life that includes both areas. My home is a small farm. We have a couple of horses and a few head of cattle. We have had chickens and goats. Add in a pair of dogs and a cat, and we haul a lot of animal feed. The Town and Country can do the job, even to the point of carrying several bales of hay. And it is easy to clean up afterward! The other aspect of my life is my job as a product merchandiser. That fits the Town part of the vehicle name; I travel to area malls representing and displaying my product to encourage and enhance sales. The Town and Country is ideal for carrying samples and is a pleasure to drive.

     The Town and Country is available in three models: the LX, the Touring and the Limited. Each has earned a five-star front and side crash test rating, the highest safety rating available. Also standard on all Town and Country minivans is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). ESP helps maintain directional control in the case of over- or under-steering by activating brakes and traction control and regulating throttle.

     Other 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. I learned to drive when we were still 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.

      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.