The1996 Chrysler Town & Country sees a whole new redesign for its third generation with a new exterior, performance updates, and new amenities.
The Range
Body Styles: minivan
Engines: 3.3-liter V-6, 3.8-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic
Models: Town & Country, Town & Country LX, Town & Country LXi
What's New
The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country sees a major sheet metal redesign for the new generation as well as a slew of new innovations. These innovations include a driver-side passenger door and dual-zone temperature controls. For convenience, there is now a one-hand operated latch system on the integrated child seats.
Exterior
The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country gets a noticeable exterior upgrade. It's larger overall, rounded in the back, and sloping in the front. All of the boxiness of the former models is gone. The LX is also shorter than the others as Chrysler introduces a new short-wheelbase version. This is merely a rebadging of the short-wheelbase versions made for Plymouth and Dodge.
Interior
The 1996Chrysler Town & Country has many more conveniences than its competition. Dual-zone climate control, complex driver and passenger seats with eight-way adjustability, and plenty of leg, head, and cargo room make it a very livable vehicle. It’s easy to get in and out and even easier with the additional drivers-side sliding door. The ride is very smooth although sometimes a bit mushy, and there's plenty of visibility thanks to lots of glass and thin pillars.
Performance & Handling
The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a large 3.8-liter V-6 that's a great engine for highway cruising and superior to the 3.3-liter when it comes to hauling full loads. The 3.3-liter is still a capable engine and better suited for city driving and moving groups of children, although the fuel economy is no different. It's fairly nimble for a minivan, more than the previous era. Good suspension and braking creates a safe, comfortable ride.
Safety
The 1996 Chrysler Town & Country comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes and driver and passenger front airbags as standard equipment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave three out of four stars for driver front crash protection and four out of five for the passenger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave a rating of “marginal? overall with a ?good? head, neck, and chest protection and ?acceptable? structure. However, it did get a ?poor? rating for leg and foot protection.
EPA Fuel Economy
Chrysler Town & Country, two-wheel drive: 15/22 mpg city/highway
Chrysler Town & Country, four-wheel drive: 14/20 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Driver’s side sliding door
- Plenty of amenities come standard
You Won't Like
- Priced above almost all of its competition
- New design may be difficult for Chrysler traditionalists
Sum Up
A dominant force in the minivan segment.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Toyota Previa
- Dodge Caravan
- Oldsmobile Silhouette