2003 Chrysler Town & Country Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 2003, Chrysler has once again adjusted the trim levels for the Town & Country. A new STD model debuts, and is now slated as the base...
For 2003, Chrysler has once again adjusted the trim levels for the Town & Country. A new STD model debuts, and is now slated as the base model. The "high value" EX and eL models return. Both are comparatively low priced (the eL costs less than the base model). The eL offers a better selection of features, but uses the 3.3 liter engine. The EX upgrades to the larger V-6 and adds self-leveling suspension, but is similarly equipped to the LX rim level. The LX, LXi and Limited styles are still available, but the all-wheel drive LX has been dropped. Buyers in need of AWD will now have to opt for the more expensive LXi.
Both the eL and LXi were discontinued after 2003, and Chrysler introduced a new Touring model for 2004.
New options this year include a one-touch power moon roof and a factory installed DVD entertainment system with wireless headsets. The optional four-disc CD changer has also been upgraded to a six-disc.
There are no notable power plant changes this year. The STD, LX, and eL will use the 3.3 liter OHV V-6. This Flex Fuel engine generates 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can anticipate acceptable fuel efficiency, at 18/25 miles per gallon. The two all-wheel drive models, the EX, LXi FWD, and Limited FWD will be powered by the larger 3.8 liter OHV V-6. This engine provides a considerable power boost: horsepower jumps to 215 and torque to 245 pound-feet. Fuel economy is the same, and all models use a four-speed automatic transmission.
It should be noted that these older Town & Country models predate the availability of the "Stow N Go" seating, which was added in 2005. Thus, the interior is a bit less flexible for cargo carrying needs. Interior comfort is often listed as one of the popular minivan's best attributes, and owners have been very satisfied with the luxury and convenience items found on the upper level (LXi and Limited) trims. These features include the three-zone climate control, premium audio system, the optional DVD entertainment setup, second row captain chairs and the dual power sliding doors. Added safety features like traction control and AWD are also greatly appreciated.
Gas mileage is a common issue, and opting for the smaller engine does not improve efficiency. Several other owners conveyed the idea that Chrysler is very adept at presentation (layout and gadgets) but that is not a substitute for reliability, build quality and service. And those happen to be the three most common consumer issues.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Chrysler Town & Country appreciate its spacious interior, reliability, and good fuel efficiency. Many drivers love how well it handles, especially during family trips. However, some have reported problems with electrical issues and high maintenance costs, particularly related to its automated features. While the van is praised for comfort and practicality, concerns about storage space and parts replacement linger."
My family loved this car. Plenty of space, great on gas and handles very well. Very comfortable for our family getaways. The children never noticed how long the drive would be because of the rear entertainment. While they listened to the movie, my husband and I enjoyed the radio or CD player. Excellent family car!
April 22, 2014It looks good and performs well. Very little maintenance and regular oil changes have helped this car to keep its value even with the mileage. DVD works and that makes a nice family traveling tool. Seats can be folded over or completely removed for extra storage
May 13, 2013One of the Best MPVs driven and sat in. Luxury, luxury, luxury. Looks are appealing, and rather well-proportioned for an MPV. Interior is luxurious and spacious, and unlike other MPVs, this has lots of boot space. Comfort is the only item served on the menu with this car. Rides like a dream. Passengers are treated like royalty. It's not a sports car, so don't expect kart-like handling and fantastic braking performance, remember this thing weighs in excess of two thousand five hundred kilograms. Power is abundant, although engine produces rather low output power for its capacity, it is more than adequate to haul this 2.5tonne around anywhere with ease. Handling is much more car-like; even though it is huge it, does not handle like a van or lorry. Driving around town can be tricky, especially during parking, and it becomes extremely thirsty too. This vehicle was designed and built mainly for driving long trips and cruising on the expressway, getting much better fuel economy on highway driving, it also has cruise control too. Parts don't come cheap and can be quite high-maintenance with all the electrical sliding doors and power-everything, just pray that the electronics and automated parts don't fail, as replacement does not come cheap, as well as heading back to the agent to fix it (regular mechanics may not have the adequate knowledge and tools for such a job). Which all adds up to $$$. Nice to drive or be a passenger of this King of MPV, but not too gentle on the wallet. Buying this car is just like buying an elephant as a pet; if you buy the elephant, you have to feed the elephant....
October 29, 2011What owners say
My family loved this car. Plenty of space, great on gas and handles very well. Very comfortable for our family getaways. The children never noticed how long the drive would be because of the rear entertainment. While they listened to the movie, my husband and I enjoyed the radio or CD player. Excellent family car!
April 22, 2014It looks good and performs well. Very little maintenance and regular oil changes have helped this car to keep its value even with the mileage. DVD works and that makes a nice family traveling tool. Seats can be folded over or completely removed for extra storage
May 13, 2013One of the Best MPVs driven and sat in. Luxury, luxury, luxury. Looks are appealing, and rather well-proportioned for an MPV. Interior is luxurious and spacious, and unlike other MPVs, this has lots of boot space. Comfort is the only item served on the menu with this car. Rides like a dream. Passengers are treated like royalty. It's not a sports car, so don't expect kart-like handling and fantastic braking performance, remember this thing weighs in excess of two thousand five hundred kilograms. Power is abundant, although engine produces rather low output power for its capacity, it is more than adequate to haul this 2.5tonne around anywhere with ease. Handling is much more car-like; even though it is huge it, does not handle like a van or lorry. Driving around town can be tricky, especially during parking, and it becomes extremely thirsty too. This vehicle was designed and built mainly for driving long trips and cruising on the expressway, getting much better fuel economy on highway driving, it also has cruise control too. Parts don't come cheap and can be quite high-maintenance with all the electrical sliding doors and power-everything, just pray that the electronics and automated parts don't fail, as replacement does not come cheap, as well as heading back to the agent to fix it (regular mechanics may not have the adequate knowledge and tools for such a job). Which all adds up to $$$. Nice to drive or be a passenger of this King of MPV, but not too gentle on the wallet. Buying this car is just like buying an elephant as a pet; if you buy the elephant, you have to feed the elephant....
October 29, 2011Other than an electrical problem, the van has done great. We have had no major problems and we are at 70,000.
November 10, 2007It's great on gas. Enough room for self and family. only thing. My tire bust and it ripped my whole main body wire harness out of the car. Very hard to get someone to repair. Overall great car, won't drive anything else.
August 9, 2014We haven't had any trouble up to this point with the van, except a couple of recalls that were fixed in a timely manner. It is very spacious and comfortable for 6 people. The stereo system is great.
August 19, 2007plenty of room inside, handles nice going at highway speed and city speed, plenty power from the 3.8 litre we had hauled a love seat, a bumper pool table. I would get another with no problem 3 more words today
March 14, 2012This is one of the most reliable vehicle I've owned. After owning GM my entire life. The interior has room for improvement regarding storage especially in the rear compartment, otherwise wish I had tried Chrysler products sooner. Excellent vehicle for family and style, with performance
February 28, 2014handles like a dream accelerator works perfectly good gas mileage
April 5, 2008I can get to eau claire and back on a tank of gas which is great for me, the engine is done very well. other than that the only problem i have had with it was the water filter went out last month
July 1, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,015 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $37,675 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,125 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $37,730 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,355 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $40,055 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,700 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,915 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,915 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.8L 215 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain FWD |
