The minivan is the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive world. Respect? Nope.

Sure, you may own one, but you probably take the other car out on Saturday night.

Even automakers no longer seem to care. For instance, GM and Ford no longer offer minivans, having ceded the field to Asian automakers and Chrysler LLC.

Maybe it’s because minivans aren’t about driving. They’re family rooms without the wraparound couch. Consider Chrysler’s newest minivan offering, the Chrysler Town and Country. It also has a twin as the Dodge Caravan:

• Chrysler offers what it calls the “Swivel ’n’ Go” seating system. The second-row bucket seats swivel 180 degrees to face the third row. A removable table can be installed between the two rows so siblings can play games, eat and fight.

• Also available are “Stow ’n’ Go” seats, where both the second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor. But that option is not available with “Swivel ’n’ Go.” A power folding third-row seat is optional, as is a seat heater for the second row.

• An entertainment system that plays CDs, DVDs, HDDs, MP3s or satellite radio. It’s activated via a touch screen or voice command (”Sex Pistols, full volume!”)

• To help avoid arguing offspring, second- and third-row occupants can watch two different movies.

• There’s storage throughout the rear for numerous items, even Game Boys or iPods. An overhead console has room to hold headphones.

• Front-seat occupants have a mirror that pops down to keep track of rear-seat activity.

• The front-row center console is large enough to hold a purse.

• There are enough cup holders to quench the thirst of Napoleon’s army or Mrs. Smith’s sixth-grade class.

Notice I haven’t mentioned anything about how this minivan drives.

Well, it’s a family room. But it drives better than your average house and a bit better than the Chrysler moppet-mobiles. But before I get to that, let’s do some housekeeping.

Chrysler Town and Country models come in base LX, mid-level Touring and top-of-the-line Limited trim.

There are three drivetrain choices: a 170-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic, a 240-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic, and a new four-liter V6 with the six-speed.

I didn’t have a family to fill it with, but the van was comfortable enough. The new four-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic was refined and quiet, making itself noticed only when pushed. The cabin was fairly quiet as well.

Handling is typical of the breed: biased toward ride comfort. Still, it was easy to park and navigate through the maze of big-box store parking lots.

Its styling has exchanged a blobby look for one with more structure and strength of form. It’s handsome, for a minivan. Exciting? About as exciting as a trip to the supermarket.

And it’s perfect as an ultra-utilitarian hauler; its ability to transport people and stuff painlessly is why we hold the minivan in such low esteem. But we shouldn’t.

The new Chrysler minivans excel as family haulers. They safely tote around our children and our stuff. They bring families together, creating lasting memories. That should be enough to give minivans our respect.

No?Chrysler Town and Country

What we say: Deserving of respect, but receiving none

Pro: Lots of nifty features

Con: Unremarkable to drive

Specs:

Engine: 4-liter SOHC V-6

Wheelbase: 121.2 inches

Length: 202.5 inches

Weight: 4,514 pounds

Cargo space: 32.3-140.6 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 16/23 mpg

Fuel economy: 17.5 mpg

Fuel type: Regular unleaded

Base price: $26,805

As tested: $38,705