2009 Chrysler Town & Country Performance Review

Minivans aren't exactly known for being road rockets, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com list potent acceleration right alongside the comfortable ride when it comes to the Chrysler Town & Country's performance attributes.

The 2009 Chrysler Town & Country is available with three different engine types, which Edmunds lists as "a 3.3-liter V6 good for 175 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque," while more powerful options include "a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque" and "a more modern 4.0-liter V6 making 251 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque." None of the engines is blistering, but Edmunds says that the 4.0-liter can propel the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country "from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, which is rather quick for a minivan." Motor Trend adds that the biggest V-6 moves the Town & Country "with relative authority when the gas pedal is buried on the floor." ConsumerGuide reports that the 3.8-liter engine boasts "sufficient power for around-town driving," although the 3.3-liter is "overwhelmed by the Town & Country's approximately 4300-pound curb weight." Kelley Blue Book agrees, commenting that they would "look elsewhere in the segment before settling for the 175-horsepower base V6."

The transmission offerings on the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country are pretty straightforward—all Town & Country vans come exclusively in front-wheel drive, with transmissions specific to each engine. Cars.com reports that "both uplevel engines have six-speed automatics," while the base V-6 is stuck "with a four-speed automatic—a weak combination for a two-ton minivan." ConsumerGuide is suitably impressed with the six-speed, finding it "quick to shift as needed but can change gears harshly at low speed." Car and Driver simply calls the four-speed "regrettable."

For a heavy minivan, the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country offers respectable fuel economy. Official EPA estimates for the Town & Country are that the 3.3-liter V-6 will get 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the 3.8-liter offering returns 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and the 4.0-liter gets an impressive 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. Overall, Motor Trend reports an "8 percent increase in fuel economy" for the Chrysler Town & Country lineup.

Out on the open road, reviewers are impressed with the composure and handling of the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. Kelley Blue Book says that "you might appreciate the Chrysler minivans' balance between highway comfort and around-town responsiveness." The suspension is a superstar as well, according to ConsumerGuide, which remarks that the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country has "impressive road isolation, with even large bumps taken with poise." Cars.com reviewers praise the steering, noting that it "delivers a natural, well-weighted feel at higher speeds." Stopping power is equally impressive, with Kelley Blue Book observing "much-improved...braking response" for the Chrysler Town & Country.