2001 Chrysler Town and Country

The Chrysler minivan stands as a shining example of an automotive original that refuses to rest on its laurels. Having created the minivan segment back in 1983, Chrysler has continued to update and improve, not allowing the competition it inspired to run off with the prize. Now, DaimlerChrysler continues that tradition with its new 2001 lineup of minivans: More innovations, more firsts, more convenience, more of everything that people want in this type vehicle.
I just spent a week with a Town & Country LXI, the more upscale (but not the most upscale) of this minivan lineup. To say I am impressed is an understatement.

THE GOOD NEWS
This new Town & Country is prettier, safer, more luxurious, more responsive and more comfortable than ever before. Most notably, an increase in horsepower in the 3.8-liter engine from 180 to 215 moves this minivan along better than some qualified sedans. No more heavy breathing on the hills.

Although I could expound at length on these assets, let me instead concentrate on the one thing that tops most minivan-buyers' lists: convenience. In a word: "wow."

Sliding doors on both sides have become the norm, but both being power operated is still a luxury. It is standard on this Town & Country. What's more, they can also be operated manually without upsetting the system, something other automatic doors resist. The system that detects something in the way of the power sliding door and causes it to back off responds when the door is closing and opening, instead of just when closing. This dual detection system is an industry first.

Also under the category of "firsts" is the power rear liftgate. Not since Mercedes Benz introduced the fully automatic convertible top have I been so excited about an automated feature.

Push a button on the key fob and you hear two seconds of beeps, like a garbage truck backing up. Then the liftgate rises on its own. Look Ma, no hands! The liftgate also closes automatically, a godsend to those height-challenged who have spent their minivan years leaping to grasp a lofty hatch handle. The same safety system on the power-operated side doors also deactivates the liftgate.

Also on the innovations list here is the first removable, powered center console; the first pop-up rear organizer; the first three-zone automatic temperature control system; and the first rear seats that are truly easy to remove. I know other manufacturers claim "pop out seats," but these seats earn the title by splitting 50/50 then rolling out effortlessly. Only Honda's system of dropping the back seat into the cargo floor works more quickly.

Grocery bag holders everywhere, cupholders, storage, even wireless headphones: When it comes to family convenience, the list is only short a bathroom.

THE BAD NEWS
The only bad news is that more people don't forsake the sport utility craze and embrace what I feel is optimum family transportation. This minivan is a marvel of convenience, comfort, economy and now, even performance.

Besides, my Sterling Blue Satin Glow Town & Country with navy leather (heated) seats is even lovely to look at.

GAS MILEAGE
EPA rated at 17 mpg city/24 highway.

PRICE
Manufacturer's base, $29,175;
As tested, $34,165.

IS IT WORTH IT?
To give you some idea of the options costs on this vehicle, the power liftgate runs $250, side supplemental air bags $350, the 3.8L V6 $335, the leather seats/aluminum wheels/etc. package $2,060. The list of standards is lengthy.

Is this Town & Country LXI worth its price? Absolutely. That DaimlerChrysler has nearly 40 percent of the North American minivan market is no surprise. Although there are many other worthy minivans on the market today, these continue to reassert their dominance with every update. This 2001 redesign once again establishes the benchmark.

By Beth Stein

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