The 2006 Chrysler Town & Country comes in four trim levels: base, LX, Touring, and Limited. Like all modern minivans, the Town & Country is built on a long wheelbase (119.3 inches, to be exact). The exception to this is the base model, a value-oriented variant built on a shorter wheelbase (113.3 inches).
Base and LX models are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, while a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 comes standard on Touring and Limited models that develops 205 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. All models come with a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available.
The base model ($20,925) was designed to fill a void in dealership parking lots left by the now long-gone Plymouth Voyager, but it comes equipped with air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, tire pressure monitor, 15-inch steel wheels and dual manual sliding doors. Upholstery is cloth. The clever Stow 'n Go seats are not included, however, and the second-row seat is a bench. Anti-lock brakes cost extra; rear drum brakes are standard.
The LX ($25,275) is built on the same wheelbase as the upmarket Touring and Limited, but is equipped similarly to the base model. Think of it as the long-wheelbase Voyager. The LX does, however, come with Stow 'n Go seating, heated power mirrors, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, and upgraded interior and exterior trim.
The Touring model ($27,755) is a Town & Country done proper, with dual power sliding doors, a power liftgate, three-zone manual temperature control, six-speaker AM/FM/CD cassette audio, upgraded interior trim, eight-way power driver's seat, improved interior lighting, overhead console with trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, universal garage door opener, roof rack, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and traction control.
The Limited model ($35,630) is the flagship, with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated seats, GPS navigation, automatic climate control with air filtering, 6CD/DVD changer with MP3 playback, a removable center console, fog lights, automatic headlamps, Park Assist, power adjustable pedals, and a memory function for the radio, driver's seat and mirrors.
Lots of options and packages should ensure buyers will be able to come up with the combination of features they want. For example, leather upholstery is available for the Touring model and comes packaged with three-zone automatic temperature control, heated seats with power for driver and passenger, and the deluxe overhead console ($2,100).
Side-curtain airbags are optional on all models, but we strongly recommend them as they are designed to provide head protection in a side impact or rollover; head injuries are the leading cause of death in side-impact collisions.