1999 Chrysler Town & Country

Most minivan makers worry how they can distinguish themselves from the pack. But the Chrysler Town & Country solved that problem by inventing a category all its own: the luxury minivan. It's no stretch to say that the Town & Country leads the pack when it comes to styling, comfort, spaciousness and quality. Indeed, the Town & Country offers so many refinements, and coddles the driver with so many amenities, that it can go toe to toe with many luxury sedans. It even rides like a car. This year, Chrysler has raised the bar again by adding the high-end Limited to a Town & Country stable that already included the SX and the plush LX and LXi. One of the ways Chrysler stays a step ahead of the competition is by offering varying configurations to suit different types of buyers. The company gives buyers a choice among three nameplates -- Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan. Each comes in short- and long-wheelbase versions, and in several different trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Town & Country, but it can be ordered with all-wheel drive, a definite plus in the snow belt. By offering a long list of luxury-line features, the Chrysler Town & Country is the only true luxury minivan. And the new Limited offers, as standard equipment, further luxury-line comforts, like leather seats with suede accents, a rear bench seat with center armrests and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A cargo net was added between the front seats of the LX and LXi this year that's handy for keeping purses, a small bag of groceries or other odds and ends from sliding around.