The Chrysler Town & Country III, specifically the variant equipped with the 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 180 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a mainstay of the American minivan market from 1996 to 2000. This generation (often referred to as the NS platform) represented a significant evolution for the Town & Country, moving towards a more refined and feature-rich family vehicle. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Town & Country lineup, it provided a balance between affordability and desirable features, appealing to families seeking a practical and comfortable mode of transportation. It was part of the broader Chrysler/Dodge minivan collaboration, sharing many components with the Dodge Caravan and Voyager.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chrysler |
| Model | Town & Country |
| Generation | Town & Country III |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 194.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 325 Nm @ 3150 rpm (239.71 lb.-ft. @ 3150 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EGH |
| Engine displacement | 3778 cm3 (230.55 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1669 kg (3679.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 671 l (23.7 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1764 l (62.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 5070 mm (199.61 in.) |
| Width | 1920 mm (75.59 in.) |
| Height | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3030 mm (119.29 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1626 mm (64.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Town & Country variant is the 3.8-liter (3778 cc) EGH V6 engine. This engine, a member of Chrysler’s robust LA engine family, featured a 90-degree V-angle and a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. The EGH version utilized multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly to each intake port for improved efficiency and power delivery. The engine’s 2 valves per cylinder configuration, while not the most modern, contributed to its reliability and ease of maintenance. The four-speed automatic transmission (typically the 42RE) was chosen for its smooth operation and suitability for family hauling. This transmission, while not known for its sportiness, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and comfortable cruising, rather than rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 180 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque offered by this combination provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was typically in the 9-10 second range. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat sluggish, especially when attempting to pass on the highway. Compared to the higher-output 3.8L engines available in other Town & Country trims, or the more nimble manual transmission options, this variant prioritized comfort and ease of use over outright performance. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, but lacked the sporty feel of all-wheel-drive systems found on some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 180 hp/automatic Town & Country typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, an AM/FM stereo, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, often denoted by names like “LX” or “LXi”, added features such as alloy wheels, upgraded sound systems, and power-adjustable seats. Optional extras included a rear entertainment system (a popular choice for minivans), leather upholstery, and a sunroof. The interior design was functional and family-oriented, with ample storage compartments and comfortable seating for seven passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Town & Country III utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent wishbone suspension in the front and a solid axle suspension in the rear. The rear drum brakes were a cost-saving measure, and while adequate for normal driving, they lacked the stopping power of disc brakes. Front brakes were ventilated discs. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety in emergency braking situations. The suspension was tuned for a comfortable ride, prioritizing smoothness over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally viewed the 180 hp/automatic Town & Country as a solid, reliable, and practical minivan. However, some reviewers noted the engine’s lack of power, particularly when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Compared to the more powerful 3.8L V6 variants, fuel economy was similar, but the performance difference was noticeable. The 1.8L automatic was often seen as a good value proposition, offering a reasonable level of features and comfort at a competitive price point. Compared to the Dodge Caravan/Voyager counterparts, the Town & Country often carried a slightly higher price tag, reflecting its more upscale positioning.
Legacy
The 3.8L V6 engine paired with the 42RE automatic transmission proved to be a durable and reliable combination. While not without its quirks (such as potential for oil leaks and transmission issues with age), these powertrains generally held up well over time. Today, these Town & Country models are often found in the used car market at affordable prices. Their reputation for practicality and reliability makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious and versatile family vehicle. Parts availability remains good, and the relatively simple mechanical design makes them relatively easy to maintain and repair.
