Normally, writing a review is a challenge as we sit behind the wheel, cramped at an awkward angle, and type. But today, the laptop is up on a table, next to a cup of coffee, and we're enjoying BTO in surround-sound, with white spotlights aimed at the computer, looking out a big rear window, because we're in a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country with Swivel-n-Go seats.

Gadgetry is where this van excels, though, with the 4.0 V6, it's far more responsive than any prior generation. It seems less nimble than the 2007 models, which stuck to the road with surprising grip; our Town & Country Limited, hobbled by the weight of its many powered speakers, DVD system, and power seats and doors, could handle normal turns, but pushing it in “spirited driving” led to squeals of protest. One owner told us that this is probably because the wheels aren't aligned properly, but we also noticed that the Bridgestone Turanza 225/65R17 tires were classified as "B" for traction, which we'd say isn't the best choice to go with that big engine and low first gear. (You can hear us squeal the tires in the video, below). Since the mini stayed well composed around sharp turns, even as the tires screamed, we think that a quick if expensive tire change would solve that problem, and cut the stopping distance as well.

The ride is better than in the past, handling serious potholes and rough roads with less fuss and without much noise; the interior isn't floaty, but it's certainly comfortable. Poor road surfaces are nicely damped, with potholes and deep cracks making less of an impression than in the past. The interior is far quieter, to the point where a blindfolded journalist would start yammering about being in a Lexus, thanks to many hours in the wind tunnel. This refinement also increased gas mileage on the highway, despite lots of added weight.

Acceleration in our test car was excellent for a minivan, and pretty good for a car; the 240 horsepower, four-liter V6 was smooth and quiet, and the transmission shifted unobtrusively even under hard throttle. Shifts took an instant, though the V6 has nice low-end torque anyway.

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