2006 Chrysler Town & Country Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

I'd say that the strong point of the T&C's handling is that it contributes to the smooth ride. It floats over bumps and body roll is less pronounced than what it used to be in previous Chrysler minivans. It is a great highway cruiser, because it's quiet and relaxed, and I don't have the impression that I'm driving a big and heavy vehicle. Also, the turning circle is narrower that I expected.

This T&C comes with power sliding doors and a power liftgate that can all be opened with the keyfob. It's very handy when you're approaching with your hands full of grocery bags or kids, or both. It also impresses your friends and family when you tell them to look out the window and see your minivan opening by itself. Hey, for this price, you gotta have something to brag about, right? These power doors are convenient, but they quickly make you lazy. You're going to be one foot away from the side door and open it with the keyfob, I guarantee you. Too bad they sound like giant can openers.

Get inside, sit down, and you'll notice how the low beltline provides great visibility outside. Get comfortable in the power and heated leather seats

2006 Chrysler Town & Country Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123,com)

with suede seatback inserts. Every button is easily within reach, including power rear side windows as well as buttons for opening those power doors.

The dashboard pretty much resembles a Caravan's but has its own unique touches, such as convincing fake wood and silver accents. You've got a tri-zone climate control system to keep everyone happy. The 6-disc changer can read just about anything: Audio CDs, MP3 CDs, DVD movies and audio DVDs. There are controls mounted on the back of the steering wheel spokes and help you keep your eyes on the road. My tester was equipped with an optional $450 glass sunroof, which eliminates an overhead storage system on rails that's otherwise standard equipment. Hey--there's no backup camera, a feature that's found in the Odyssey Touring and Quest 3.5 SE. There is a backup sensor, though, so I guess that's enough.

2006 Chrysler Town & Country Limited (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123,com)

A few words about the optional navigation system. It costs $1,885, the screen is small, and it doesn't work with a touch-screen interface. So, you're stuck with a rotary knob and two buttons, and it takes forever to punch in a destination or a point of interest. Plus, it isn't always accurate. Something funny showed up while driving on the highway; according to the navigation system, I was driving in the field, some 30 feet away from the highway. That was a good laugh.

There's space galore, but the center console that sprouts out of the floor between the front seats prevents you from easily getting in back. You shouldn't be standing up while a vehicle is in motion anyway. Besides, you'll whack your head on the DVD entertainment system. This is a must-have when you're frequently tripping with young children, and don't want to hear them complaining. Just plug in their favourite movie and you won't hear a peep. A remote control is also provided. Those rear quarters also include their own heating and ventilation controls.