The Minivan

If the phrase "luxury minivan" strikes you as an oxymoron, allow us to suggest you have a look at the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country. Though minivans have long been among the most utilitarian vehicles out there, the folks at Chrysler decided there's room at the top of this segment for a decidedly more upscale version that combines luxury car amenities with the minivan's many practical benefits.

Moving up to the Touring-L model gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming side mirrors, remote ignition, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and second- and third-row window shades. The top-of-the-line Limited model adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment center with twin display screens, Sirius Backseat TV and a nine-speaker premium audio system.
    3.6L V6 flex-fuel engine
    Automatic transmission
    Up to 17 cty/25 hwy mpg
    MP3 Player
    Satellite radio
    Side/Curtain Airbags
    Stability Control
    Third row seats
    Traction Control
    Navigation System (Optional)
    Bluetooth (Optional)
    DVD player (Optional)

Video of Chrysler Town and Country Minivan Touring-L

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 283 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, the Town & Country accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, about a half-second slower than the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Safety

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and a driver knee airbag. A blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-path detection system are also standard.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Town & Country came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, an average distance for a minivan.

Interior Design and Special Features

For 2011, the Chrysler Town & Country's interior gets a major makeover. While the dimensions remain largely unchanged, virtually everything else is new and improved, resulting in a passenger cabin that seems downright posh on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level.