2003 Chrysler Voyager Review

Can more than 10 million minivan owners be wrong? The Chrysler Voyager minivan is among those 10 million minivans built by Chrysler and DaimlerChrysler Corp. since Chrysler introduced modern minivans in late 1983.

The minivan largely kept Chrysler out of a financial ditch until Daimler-Benz bought the automaker in November 1998. That vehicle still heavily contributes to profits of DaimlerChrysler's American unit. That's because this unit's Chrysler and Dodge minivans capture about 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market, which still accounts for more than one million sales per year.

The Plymouth Voyager became the Chrysler Voyager in 2000, when the Plymouth nameplate was dropped. Meanwhile, the Dodge Caravan--always nearly identical to the Plymouth Voyager--continued as the entry level DaimlerChrysler minivan.

Introduced in early 1989, the Chrysler Town & Country arrived as the first luxury minivan and remains DaimlerChrysler's top-line minivan.

The last major redesign of DaimlerChrysler's minivans came for 2001, when they got a sleeker, longer, wider body. They also received more horsepower, stronger construction, revised suspensions and improved steering and brakes--besides greater refinement and better construction.

The new-generation minivans also had the same carlike personalities as the previous models. Each brand has its own grille, equipment levels and minor styling changes.

Last year's Voyager got minor changes, but the 2003 version gets $185 power adjustable pedals with 2.75 inches of travel to make driving more comfortable for those with shorter legs.

The Voyager remains essentially identical to the Caravan. But it's for those who want the more upscale Chrysler nameplate, which DaimlerChrysler is making even more upscale with the new Crossfire sports coupe, which has major Mercedes parts, and the Pacifica "crossover'' family vehicle.

The Voyager comes as a base model for $20,750 and as the better-equipped LX, which has a $23,790 base price.

The Voyager comes only as a standard wheelbase (113.3-inch) model, whereas the Town & Country and Caravan can be had with extended (119.3-inch) wheelbases to allow more cargo room with all seats in place.

The shorter-wheelbase model allows for more nimble handling and is easier to maneuver in parking lots.

Nicely shaped outside door handles and a low floor make it a snap to get in and out.

The Voyager has two sliding side doors and three rows of seats. There's decent room for at least six adults in the nicely designed interior, although tall occupants will want more leg room. There are plenty of cupholders and storage areas.

The third seat is removable, instead of conveniently folding flat into the floor--an arrangement Chrysler engineers thought would cause too much cabin noise.

There isn't much cargo room with the rear seat in place, but at least there's space for about a week's worth of groceries or some soft luggage.

The base Voyager is fairly well equipped, with such items as front air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette and rear wiper-washer. The LX adds cruise control, tilt wheel, tachometer and power windows, mirrors and door locks, with remote keyless entry.

The Voyager has a minivan "first:'' radio frequency controlled wireless headphones for the rear seat video entertainment system.

The base version comes with a 2.4-liter, 140-horsepower four-cylinder. It's fine in town, but overworked on highways with a load of people and cargo.

The LX gets a 3.3-liter V-6 with 180 horsepower. It provides considerably stronger performance than the base engine, but falls short of the 3.8-liter, 215-horsepower V-6 in the costlier Town & Country.

Both Voyager engines come with a generally responsive four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is in the high teens in the city and low- to mid-20s on highways.

The user-friendly Voyager generally steers, handles, rides and brakes like a sedan. In fact, it's a good alternative to comparably priced family sedans.


CHRYSLER VOYAGER
Prices:
$20,750-$23,790

Likes:
Roomy. Carlike ride and handing. Sleek. New optional adjustable pedals.

Dislikes:
Overworked base engine. Small cargo area behind optional, removable third seat.