  2010 Chrysler Town & Country Limited. Click image to enlarge |
The centre control panel is topped with a navigation screen that also doubles as a display for the audio system. Below that is the signature Chrysler analog clock flanked by two large vents. The amount of space that these two items take up unfortunately pushes the heating and air conditioning controls closer to the floor where they are difficult to reach and observe, particularly the rear seat controls. Below that is the DVD player, which is best left to the passenger to operate. Below that and almost out of reach completely are two cupholders that slide out from the panel and a storage bin on the floor. Two 12-volt power outlets are also located there.
The leather wrapped steering wheel has button controls for the driver information system. At first I thought steering wheel-mounted audio controls seemed lacking, but discovered that they are mounted on the back side of the wheel – an odd location in my opinion.
The gauges are the classic Chrysler look with antique style lettering and blue back-lighting. A few years ago, I thought this was very classy, but in 2010 it is beginning to look a bit dated. The navigation system is one of the easiest to operate, particularly as often used controls are always available as touch-screen buttons. But the size of the screen and the display graphics are again dated and trail the crisp, bright looks offered by competitors.
It was very easy to set up my phone with the optional uConnect phone system. Once connected, you can use voice commands to make calls. However, with incoming calls you must press the connect button which is located on the right side of the display – a long reach for a smallish button. The uConnect button should be mounted on the steering wheel mounted control or at least placed closer to the driver.
    2010 Chrysler Town & Country Limited. Click image to enlarge |
The cabin décor is pleasing to the eye. Our Bright Silver Metallic minivan had a light grey interior and light grey carpeting and floor mats and was trimmed with wood-like panels on the dash and doors, while the centre stack had a brushed aluminum look. The only disappointment, to my mind, was the quality of the plastics used on the dash and centre stack. They are hard to touch and feel flimsy and easily breakable.
Between the front seats is a removable console that contains storage bins and cupholders. This can be moved to the second row if you desire. Speaking of storage, the Town & Country has more cubbies and bins than the locker room at the gym. There are nine cupholders and four bottle holders, two glove-boxes, bins in the console and centre stack, two large in-floor storage areas where the second row seats also store and a large luggage area behind the third row seats with grocery bag hangers. Mounted in the side wall of the luggage compartment is a rechargeable flashlight! Overhead storage depends on options selected and can include as many as four storage bins above. Our Town & Country had two storage bins as well as two entertainment display screens.
On the driver’s side of the second row there are two sets of input jacks for game systems as well as a 115-volt outlet perfect for plugging in a laptop or camera. The audio system will also accommodate an iPod and display its contents on the front display screen. There is no need for anyone to get bored on a long road trip in the Town & Country or even share their entertainment with the choices available.
Our Town & Country tester was equipped with a power folding, third row, 60/40 split bench seat. The controls are located just inside the liftgate and allow either side or both to be lowered automatically into the rear storage area. The second row Stow ‘n Go seats fold manually, but very easily into the floor area. After wrestling with second row seats in other minivans, I can appreciate the Stow ‘n Go seating. The only drawback is the size of the captain’s chairs. They are small and less comfortable than the seats found in most competitive vans, but children probably won’t complain, especially since the Town & Country seats are heated!
