Author Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (Read 12744 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** March 28, 2012, 07:24:04 am »

Designed for families with a taste for luxury, the Town & Country minivan is loaded with kid-friendly features.

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Whofan · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2012, 09:09:39 am »

had a rental for a week. I liked it.

didn't like the chrome decor on the vents, it reflected on the driver side mirror, but for us, 2 adults, 2 kids, one still in diapers plus a dog, I loved it.

I have an Escape, and it's tight when we travel, but this minivan make sense.

Fuel economy for the one I was driving and I can't stand the eco button, I was getting the same mileage as the Escape with combined driving.

opg210 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2012, 10:16:45 am »

Wow, that seems like a crazy marketing move. A lot of familiies find they need a minivan, and if Chrysler vacates the lower end it will be an empty niche. And if Chrysler prices these things directly against the Honda and Toyota offerings, it's hard to imagine someone opting for the Chrysler at the same cost.

But as pointed out, Chrysler is most worried about the US market, and as seen with the Ford Ranger kill-off Canada is not a priority for US auto makers.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2012, 10:28:13 am »

wow...anyone thinking of spending $52k on this needs to have their head examined...the $20-$30k trims are acceptable for their price, but in this price range, get the Odyssey, Sienna or even the Quest.

Fobroader · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2012, 10:40:27 am »

The Caravan is supposed to be the high volume, low buck model, but this, come on, whos going to even consider a Chrysler when you can get a Sienna or a Oddysey for $50k+. I dont think Chry. Co. is going to be rolling these off the showroom at supersonic speeds.

dkaz · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2012, 10:45:07 am »

Yup, the only reason I would consider a Grand Caravan is because you can get the CVP for $20k. Anything more than that and I would rather pay $36k for the Sienna SE or $33k for the Odyssey EX.

Thinking Out Loud · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:15:30 am »

Chrysler MSRP is still pricing with a pre-load for 'Cash Back' deals I think, whereas Honda Toyota Nissan stick to close to the MSRPs. Apples to Bananas in terms of MSRP comparison.

The base $33k T&C MSRP isn't far from being a $29,998 special to keep it under the $30,000 psych barrier. If it is 'loaded with features' at that price it should do OK.

Anyway at $21,000 new, the CVP Caravan has no direct competition any more and the Journey seems to be racking up sales as a viable option. Likely those straining for a large van at $20,000 will migrate to the used lot and get the heavily depreciated Caravans for years to come.

dkaz · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:37:10 am »

The 2011+ GC CVP would be an excellent used buy, but it seems every current gen GC is optioned with Stow & Go, unfortunately.

Fobroader · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:39:27 am »

But still, for $33K, the base T&C is still priced perilously close to the Japanese, and theres no way anyone is cross shopping them.

nsmyhte · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:48:30 am »

"I quickly learned to baby the throttle and crawl up to speed in order to avoid the unpleasant note of the engine under duress. Once adapted to the reality of minivan driving, I learned to appreciate life in the slow lane, allowing the six-speed automatic to work through the gears in its own sweet time, and shifts were unobtrusive enough to never occasion complaint."

Wow, now I understand how minivans (at least domestic vans) suck the pleasure of driving right out of people and turn them into driving zombies.
If I was forced to buy a minivan, an Odessey or Sienna SE would be my top picks.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #10 on:** March 28, 2012, 11:54:02 am »

Quote from: nsmyhte on March 28, 2012, 11:48:30 am

If I was forced to buy a minivan, an Odessey or Sienna SE would be my top picks.

3 of my friends have minivans...2 of them have Siennas, one has the GC...the two that have the Siennas love them...my friend with the GC says "it's a Chrysler"...he said it already feels like it is 5 years old (he bought it about 1 year ago).

chrischasescars · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2012, 12:46:01 pm »

A couple of years ago, I tested a T&C and a Routan in consecutive weeks. It's easy to question how much different the two could be, but the VW drives like a different animal. Firmer ride, far nicer handling and a better interior. Only non-VW thing about the Routan was how much the Chrysler six vibrated at idle. That was with the old 4.0-litre; I'm testing a 2012 Journey now, and it does the same thing on occasion.

Blueprint · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2012, 12:59:34 pm »

Chrysler-Fiat Canada confirmed that the "Grand Caravan" name will live in Canada, and that the "Town and Country" name will be shelved instead, to reflect our market. T&C sales are next to nil up here, while in the US they are at par with the GC (they have a more basic T&C that was badge-engineered to replace the Voyager).

Blueprint · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2012, 01:03:00 pm »

Quote from: DKaz on March 28, 2012, 11:37:10 am

The 2011+ GC CVP would be an excellent used buy, but it seems every current gen GC is optioned with Stow & Go, unfortunately.

A buddy of mine bought a new 2011 GC Stow & Go with only the rear HVAC on the options list. After all the rebates, he paid 22k$ + tx, and, domestic-style, the dealer threw in a 32" Panasonic ACL flat screen. At the time, Honda had 2000$ off on the Odyssey, and Toyota 1500$ on the V-6 Sienna.

Threader · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2012, 01:16:37 pm »

I just recently purchased a brand new 2012 Dodge Caravan CVP SE for $20400 final on the road price. I paid cash no trade in. For a no frills van I am very satisfied thus far. My decision was purely based on price of entry. No way I would pay $35,000 On the road price for a Chrysler but for what I paid no matter how inferior this van might be to a Japanese/Korean base model van they are not worth $12,000 to $15,000 more than this. My Caravan idles very smoothly at 500rpm in Eco Mode. Not sure what the suspension set up is like in the Town and Country but I can assure you that it is firm and well controlled in the Grand Caravan and not bouncing, rolling or pitching.

jyarkony · « **Reply #15 on:** March 28, 2012, 02:38:38 pm »

Quote from: Blueprint on March 28, 2012, 12:59:34 pm

Chrysler-Fiat Canada confirmed that the "Grand Caravan" name will live in Canada, and that the "Town and Country" name will be shelved instead, to reflect our market. T&C sales are next to nil up here, while in the US they are at par with the GC (they have a more basic T&C that was badge-engineered to replace the Voyager).

Can you post that link? I can't find that announcement anywhere on Chrysler's media site and am awaiting our Chrysler Rep's response.

Interestingly, Dodge Grand Caravan Sales are back on top over those of the Town & Country in the US—T&C only outsold the GC for one year.

The CVP pricing is amazing, and it even features the 3rd row Stow n' Go, which would seem to be the place I would most want that quick-folding option.

Thinking Out Loud · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2012, 02:54:33 pm »

Quote from: Blueprint on March 28, 2012, 01:03:00 pm

Quote from: DKaz on March 28, 2012, 11:37:10 am
The 2011+ GC CVP would be an excellent used buy, but it seems every current gen GC is optioned with Stow & Go, unfortunately.

A buddy of mine bought a new 2011 GC Stow & Go with only the rear HVAC on the options list. After all the rebates, he paid 22k$ + tx, and, domestic-style, the dealer threw in a 32" Panasonic ACL flat screen. At the time, Honda had 2000$ off on the Odyssey, and Toyota 1500$ on the V-6 Sienna.

My point exactly. Chrysler's MSRP is a starting point against which the 'cash on the dash' is applied. People paying $22gs and expecting a Oddy Touring are few and far between I think. The T&C base WILL be priced just under $30,000...can almost guarantee it.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #17 on:** March 28, 2012, 03:03:33 pm »

Quote from: Threader on March 28, 2012, 01:16:37 pm

I just recently purchased a brand new 2012 Dodge Caravan CVP SE for $20400 final on the road price. I paid cash no trade in. For a no frills van I am very satisfied thus far. My decision was purely based on price of entry. No way I would pay $35,000 On the road price for a Chrysler but for what I paid no matter how inferior this van might be to a Japanese/Korean base model van they are not worth $12,000 to $15,000 more than this. My Caravan idles very smoothly at 500rpm in Eco Mode. Not sure what the suspension set up is like in the Town and Country but I can assure you that it is firm and well controlled in the Grand Caravan and not bouncing, rolling or pitching.

bingo...the lower cost models are the ones to get...sure, they won't give you the resale and possible quality the Toyota and Honda will, but at that price, i am sure it isn't an issue...but the top trim at $51,500!?!?...forget that.

Fobroader · « **Reply #18 on:** March 28, 2012, 03:07:37 pm »

For $15K below a Sienna or Odyssey, a lot of faults can be forgive, if I had to (shudder) get a minivan, hello red Grand Caravan.....Sport.....with a spoiler

dkaz · « **Reply #19 on:** March 28, 2012, 04:09:26 pm »

T&C base is a tad over $40k MSRP. $7k discount brings it down to $33k, in line with the Odyssey EX. I'm sure you can negotiate the price down even more especially at high volume dealers.