First Test: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring

Fitted with tires of identical size as that 2010 Grand Caravan SXT I mentioned (but of lower rolling-resistance construction), the 2011 edition's lateral grip is up 0.06 g's (to 0.73 g's) and it's definitely noticeable. Both around our figure-eight course and in everyday driving, the new Chrysler has a nimble turn-in that's superior to some of Chrysler's new sedans. Credit retuned shocks, an improved twist beam rear axle, and quicker-ratio steering. Our braking distances proved to be 2 feet longer, at 130 feet (despite this Touring L example being 45 lbs lighter). That's not a big deal; variations in the coefficient of friction you're stopping on are way more important.

But it's inside the new Town & Country where the van's once luxury-evoking name finds relevance again. Like the rest of the new Chrysler lineup, the T & C's interior is terrifically improved in appearance and material quality. It can finally hold its head up again its Japanese competitors, but with a style that's delightfully "American," as opposed to the more international designs of the Sienna and Odyssey, which would look as comfortable in Tokyo or Munich as Los Angeles or Chicago. Unlike its Japanese competitors, the Town & Country isn't bashful about glamming it up a bit with some chrome trim here and some sparkle there. Some will like it; some won't. All this, plus a redesigned Stow 'n Go with more comfortable seating that's simpler to operate, makes the Town & Country a player again - and just in time.