2008 Chrysler Town & Country Trims and Specs

Despite the fact that it's the entry-level trim, the Chrysler Town & Country LX comes well-equipped for 2008. Standard safety features for the Town & Country LX include antilock brakes, an Electronic Stability Program, and Brake Assist, which applies maximum braking in emergency situations. Inside, advanced multistage airbags, three-zone air conditioning, power door locks and windows, power-adjustable pedals, and a luxury steering wheel are among the many features.

Families who desire improved interior versatility can opt for Swivel 'n' Go seating, a new feature for 2008. The seating enables passengers in the second row to swivel their captain's chairs 180 degrees to face the third-row seat. The Swivel 'n' Go seating package includes a removable table located between the second and third rows. Other seating options include the Town and Country's popular Stow 'n' Go seating and a third-row power-folding seat.

The Town and Country comes standard with a 175-horsepower, 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine with FlexFuel capability, so it can accept E85 gasoline, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Drivers can also choose from a 197-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 or a 240-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6. The 3.3-liter engine links to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines link to a six-speed automatic.

In keeping with its status as a family-friendly vehicle, the Town & Country LX can be equipped with a number of "infotainment" options, including a rear dual-DVD entertainment system, Sirius Backseat TV with family programming, Sirius satellite radio, or a nine-speaker Infinity audio system.

Drivers like the Town & Country's many standard features and kid-friendly options, as well as its versatile interior. However, some feel the vehicle lacks when it comes to handling and acceleration. The standard Electronic Stability Program helps improve the vehicle's overall stability.

A step up from the entry-level LX, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring trim offers a more powerful engine, in the form of a 197-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission (in place of a four-speed transmission for the LX) and a more extensive list of standard features. Power sliding side doors, a power rear liftgate, second-row Stow 'n' Go bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated vanity mirrors, heated exterior mirrors, and power-adjustable pedals are among the standard features added to the Touring trim.

Drivers can choose from a number of optional features for the Town & Country Touring, including new Swivel 'n' Go seating, which enables passengers to swivel the second-row captain's chairs 180 degrees to face the third-row seat. The Swivel 'n' Go seating package also includes a removable table, which installs between the second and third rows of seats. Other options include leather-trimmed bucket seats for the first and second row, heated seats for the first and second row, a dual-screen DVD system, and a rear backup camera.

Features like four-wheel antilock brakes, emergency Brake Assist, and an Electronic Stability Program help improve the Town & Country Touring's traction, stability, and handling. Overall, drivers note that the Town & Country Touring handles better than many SUVs, though braking and acceleration could be improved. Some drivers have also noted that the Town & Country has suffered from reliability issues in the past, although the vehicle's reliability has improved in recent years.

As the high-end Town & Country trim available for 2008, the Town & Country Limited comes equipped with a 240-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6, which links to a six-speed automatic transmission. Luxury leather-trimmed bucket seats for the first and second rows, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with nine Infinity speakers, the MyGIG Multimedia Entertainment System, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, three-zone air conditioning with automatic climate control, a remote start system, a ParkSense rear park assist system, power-adjustable pedals with memory, and high-intensity discharge headlights all help set the Limited apart from the other trims in the Town & Country lineup.

The Town & Country Limited also comes standard with second-row Stow 'n' Go bucket seats. The seats can be folded flat, as can the third-row bench seat, to provide additional cargo space. New Swivel 'n' Go seating, which enables passengers to swivel the second-row captain's chairs 180 degrees to face the third-row seat, can be added as an option. Other options for the Town & Country Limited include a dual-screen DVD entertainment system with Sirius satellite TV, a power sunroof, and a power folding third-row seat with one-touch operation.

Thanks to such features as four-wheel antilock brakes, emergency Brake Assist, and an Electronic Stability Program, the Town & Country Limited handles well, especially in emergency situations. Steering, braking, and ride quality are also said to be good, though reviewers note that, being a minivan, the Town & Country tends to lean a bit during hard cornering. As far as safety is concerned, the 2008 Town & Country earned the highest ratings possible during government front- and side-impact crash tests.