1998 Chrysler Town and Country LXi review from North America

When I bought this Van I thought it was the quietest and best van I owned. I had a 1992 Chrysler Voyager and this 1998 Van was quieter and rode better. Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles I had to put new front brakes on it, which I expected from experience with my older van. I live in Pittsburgh and this is the capital of brake jobs due to the hills. At 60,000 miles the ignition key column locked up and had to be replaced and was not covered by warranty. Cost $350 and now I have two keys one to get in the car the other to start the car. At 75,000 miles the air conditioner evaporator under the dash leaked freon and cost $700 to replace. The 1992 also had this defect. At 92,000 miles the transmission completely broke down and had to be replaced at a cost of $2,500. The gears locked up and at the time broke the axle costing another $500. While replacing the transmission the transmission shop noted that rear heater lines were rotten leaking antifreeze and had to be replaced costing an additional $200. After leaving $3,500 at the transmission dealer, 2,000 miles later the computer shorted out costing $1,500 to replace because it also caused the spark plugs to burn up. The dealer said battery acid ate the wiring away causing the computer to short out. The battery shows no leakage of acid so how did the computer's wires get so rotten they shorted out? So in one year, 2003, I put over $6,500 in this Van. My 1992 Van transmission had to be replaced at 69,984 miles and was covered by the warranty. At exactly 140,000 miles it had to be replaced again. The transmission repair shop said up to 1997 all Chrysler Vans had to have a new transmission at 70,000 miles and recommended buying a 1998 since they were better. Yes, 22,000 miles better. Knowing the history of my 1992 van I bought extended warranty insurance up to 70,000 miles only to have everything fail at 92,000 miles I have had it with Chrysler Vans.

I do like the comfort, quietness and versatility of my van. I can take 7 people on long trips in comfort. I only wish the transmissions and computers would last longer.