4
0
Minivan; Built in USA, Canada
  • 4-door van
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,200 – $12,200*


2005 Chrysler Town & Country


2005 Chrysler Town & Country


2005 Chrysler Town & Country

Pros:
  • Entry/exit
  • Interior storage space
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy

Outstanding seating versatility and such safety features as curtain side airbags help Town & Country maintain its place among our Best Buy minivans. Comfort and luxury touches add to its appeal. The main differences between Town & Country and its Dodge Caravan sibling are the grille appearance and what prestige may be associated with the Chrysler badge. Both are fine performers, with Caravan’s lower sticker prices balanced by Town & Country’s slightly higher resale value.

Overview

Chrysler updated its minivans for 2005, adding available curtain side airbags and fold-away 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, but dropping all-wheel drive. Town & Country was an upscale version of the Dodge Caravan. It came in regular- and extended-length models, both with 7-passenger seating.

Base regular-length and LX extended-length models had a 3.3-liter V6. Touring and Limited extended models had a 3.8 V6. All had automatic transmission. Traction control was available on extendeds. ABS was standard on extendeds, optional on regulars. Newly standard on all was a driver knee airbag. Newly available were curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows; they replaced front side airbags and were standard on the top-line Limited model, optional on other Town & Countrys. A tire-pressure monitor was a new standard feature on Touring and Limited.

Exclusive to extendeds was Chrysler’s “Stow ‘n Go” 2nd- and 3rd-row seats that fold into floorwells. When the seats are raised, the wells become covered storage bins. Other available features included power sliding side doors, power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, DVD entertainment, and navigation system. Newly available were rear obstacle detection; Chrysler’s UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free wireless link to cell phones; and ceiling tracks that allow moving and removing such items as storage bins, a CD holder, and a first-aid kit.

Yearly Updates

2006 Town & Country
No significant changes were made for 2006.
2007 Town & Country
Town & Country is unchanged for 2007.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Base regular-length and LX extended-length models have a 3.3-liter V6 came with a 3.3-liter V6 that made 180 horsepower. Touring and Limited extended models had a 207 horsepower 3.8 V6. For 2006, horsepower on the 3.8 was reduced by 2 to 205 and torque increased by 2 to 240. All have automatic transmission.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.3/202
Engine HP 180
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 210
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 19/26
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 206
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 239
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 18/25

 18.5

Road Test

The 3.3 V6 is adequate in the regular-length model, but feels overmatched in extendeds for anything but light-duty work. Smooth, strong 3.8 V6 provides plenty of muscle for most any need. Transmission works well with both engines. Test Touring model averaged 18.5 mpg. Overburdened 3.3 should average 15-17 mpg in extendeds, only slightly better in the base model. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.

Extended-length models absorb bumps better than most minivans and ride about as comfortably as a large car. Base model’s shorter wheelbase makes it jumpier, less forgiving on bad pavement. Near-carlike stability in turns, fine around-town maneuverability. Good steering feel, good braking power and pedal modulation, though noticeable nosedive in sudden stops. Among the quieter minivans. Minimal wind, road, engine noise.

Gauges and interior controls are generally clear, handy. Available “3-zone” climate system allows independent control of driver, front-passenger, rear-seat settings. Solid-feeling interior materials; decor ranges from plain cloth to supple leather. Front seats are roomy, comfortable. Fine driver positioning. Adjustable pedals allow shorter drivers to sit farther from steering-wheel airbag. Stow ‘n Go seats reduce 2nd- and 3rd-row leg and toe room vs. standard seats in Grand Caravan, though still spacious enough for adequate adult comfort. Regular-length Town & Country tighter still in 2nd and 3rd rows. Step-in easy through wide sliding doors. Regular-length model has tight cargo space with all seats in place. Stow ‘n Go seats fold easily into front and rear floorwells to lay flush with floor, though front seats must first be moved forward to fold 2nd row. With seats in place, 2nd-row floorwells provide about 12 cu ft of handy, covered storage. Rear well a boon to cargo space with 3rd row raised. Available power liftgate useful, reverses direction at slightest obstacle.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Chrysler 300C Town & Country Touring

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 67

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
113.3 189.3 78.6 68.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
146.7 20.0 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 39.7 40.8 36.5
4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
119.3 200.5 78.6 68.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
160.7 20.0 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 39.6 40.6 37.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Town & Country 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: Rocks, etc. from the road can hit and damage the A/C condenser causing a leak on early production vehicles. A deflector has been made available. (2005)
Coolant leak
Description: On vehicles equipped with rear HVAC, the A/C and heater tubes bracket under the vehicle can corrode and damaged tubes can leak coolant or refrigerant. Chrysler launched a campaign in salt belt states to replace the bracket, but used cars may have been relocated with owners into or out of the area and it may be important to check that the correction has been made. (2005)
Starter
Description: The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2004-05)
Steering noise
Description: The steering may make a moaning or honking noise at slow speeds, which may require installing a fluid cooler and possibly a steering gear. (2005)
Steering problems
Description: The steering wheel (column) has in/out play, which is corrected by installation of a hardware kit. (2005)
Steering problems
Description: Shudder at low speeds may require a fluid cooler and possibly a longer power steering hose. (2001-05)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering additives containing Teflon that can plug up the filter in the fluid reservoir. (2004-05)
Suspension noise
Description: Knocking from the front suspension is often caused by bad sway bar bushings, but may also include the sway bar links. (2005)
Water leak
Description: Water may leak onto the passenger side floor from the A/C condensate drain hose unless an O-ring is installed at the drain outlet. (2001-06)

Recall History

2005 Town & Country
Description: Certain aftermarket brake master cylinders can leak in cold temperatures leading to a loss in braking performance. The brake master cylinder will be replaced free of charge from point of purchase.
2005 Town & Country
Description: Right-front seatbelt retractor assembly may not have been properly assembled causing the seatbelt to improperly restrain front passenger in the event of an accident. Dealers will replace defective retractor assemblies.
2005 Town & Country sold in states that use large amount of salt for road deicing
Description: The up-front (UF) air bag sensors that contain brass bushings installed in these vehicles may corrode and crack allowing water to enter the sensor and render it inoperable. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts
2005-06 Town & Country
Description: Front wiper-motor armature shaft may break leading to inoperative wipers. Dealers will replace defective wiper motors.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 26, 2014.
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