Chrysler proclaims its Town & Country to be the first luxury minivan designed, according to the head of the Chrysler Brand, “for those who’ve worked hard to provide the best for their families, and who understand that settling down has nothing to do with settling for a minivan.” Last year, Chrysler tried to make families feel that they hadn’t settled by introducing the Pentastar V6 engine across all trims (Touring, Touring-L and high-end Limited), as well as improving the steering, suspension and noise insulation. This year, Chrysler has continued to make buyers feel better about owning a minivan by adding standard leather seating and a rear-seat DVD for all three trims. A new Sapphire Blue interior lighting scheme and combination leather/wood steering wheel for the Limited, as well as three new exterior color schemes, are also standard.
Chrysler also boasts that its 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine not only makes best-in-class horsepower (283 hp), but that the fuel economizer mode can help to improve fuel efficiency in a segment not known for its green factor (EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city/25 highway). The FlexFuel engine can run on 87 octane regular gasoline and/or E85, producing 260 lb-ft of torque, and is matched with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.
Outside, the 2012 Town & Country features standard fog lamps, power sliding driver and passenger side doors and, for the high-end Limited trim, dual HID headlights. The Touring-L and Limited also provide standard chrome, power heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals with auto-dimming on the driver’s side. The Limited also includes a memory feature for the side-view mirror settings. Each trim offers the standard Stow ‘n Place roof rack system, designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. The system allows the roof crossbars to fold into the side rails when not in use. 17-inch wheels are standard for the three trims, as are front rain-sensitive windshield wipers, while a power sunroof is optional for the higher two trims. A trailer towing prep package is also available, allowing the Town & Country to tow a maximum of 3,600 pounds.
Storage abounds inside, with an overhead console with storage bins (which disappears if the sunroof is optioned). All of the family’s gear should easily fit in the rear, which offers 33 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 83.3 behind the second and a cavernous maximum storage space of 143.8 cubic feet. The seats fold into the floor with the Stow ‘n Go system, allowing the second-row bucket seats and third-row bench seat to fold into the floor (the Touring-L and Limited also offer a bucket seat option, as well as power folding and recline availability for the third row). Seats are adjustable 8 ways for the front driver and passenger, with heated front- and second-row seats available for the Touring and Touring-L (standard for the Limited).
Other notable features in the 2012 Town & Country include 3-zone automatic temperature control and a programmable remote control (for garage door opener, home lighting or security systems). Power adjustable pedals and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel help with driver comfort. The steering wheel integrates audio controls and offers standard heat in the Limited (optional for the Touring and Touring-L). In addition, the auto-dimming rear-view mirror includes a microphone for the Uconnect phone system’s voice commands.
Media capabilities in the Touring and Touring-L include a CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, audio jack and hard drive storage for about 6,700 songs played on 6 speakers. The Limited upgrades the system to include a GPS navigation system, Sirius Traffic and TravelLink, iPod control, Bluetooth Streaming audio, handsfree phone and voice command for the entire system. Additional audio upgrades include 9 speakers with a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier. All trims provide a 1-year trial subscription to Sirius satellite radio. The Touring and Touring-L trims provide a standard second-row overhead 9-inch video screen and DVD player with wireless headphones and video remote control, while the Limited adds a 9-inch screen for the third row as well (an option for the Touring-L).
Safety features in the Town & Country this year include standard antilock brakes with electronic stability control and traction control, advanced multistage driver and front-passenger airbag protection, side curtain airbags for all three rows and front seat-mounted side airbags. While rain-sensitive windshield wipers, Smartbeam headlights, tire pressure monitoring, Parksense rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring and the ParkView rear backup camera are all standard in the Touring-L and Limited, these additional safety items can be added to the Touring trim as an available options package. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated last year’s Town & Country Good (its highest level) for front and side impact crashes. The minivan has maintained that rating since 2008, so it is reasonable to expect 2012’s edition to perform similarly. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has tested the 2011 and 2012 Town & Country only for rollover safety, awarding it 4 (out of 5) stars.
Early reviews of the 2012 Town & Country suggest that it will continue to be a strong performer in the minivan world. The Stow ‘n Go seating makes it a versatile contender, and the interior materials are noted for their padding and high-quality look and feel. The instruments and gauges are easy to use and read, and the quiet and smooth ride is disturbed only by body lean in the corners. With upgrades, both last year and this year, to interior and exterior style and quality as well as the improved power and ride quality from the Pentastar V6 and suspension, the Chrysler Town & Country is clearly working hard to take on its Odyssey, Sienna and Quest competitors.
I have the red lightening bolt--2012 TC turns over, plenty of start power, then chug-chug-chug until it stalls out. I disconnected power a couple of times (hoping to reboot it electronic) but no luck. Tried starting a few more times (start, chugs a few seconds then stop.) When I was giving it one last try, it started, dash warning lights turned off and it kept running all the way home. Any ideas?
A small number 1 appeared on the top display on the dash.
I have a 2012 T&C looking for hood, radiator support bar, grill, wondering what years are interchangeable.
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.9 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Overhead console: rear overhead console · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 730 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: remote
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Audio/Video Remote Control: audio and video · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.9 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: front and rear · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Overhead console: rear overhead console · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: 730 CCA
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: third row · Video monitor size: 9
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: power folding · Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Video System
Video player: DVD player
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Wireless headphones · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote control: video · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 506 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.9 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Memorized settings: adjustable pedals · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Overhead console: rear overhead console · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.16
Engine
Alternator: 160 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: dual power sliding
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: third row · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack color: chrome · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: fold flat into floor · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: power folding · Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear quarter windows: power · Rear wiper: with washer