By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Minivans have become a way of life for many people and I can see why. They carry a lot people and their stuff and have a commanding ride height. Prices on minivans today range from the basic $21,000 minivan like the one we reviewed here to well over $35,000. I've read wonderful things about the Chrysler minivans. Unfortunately, the example we tested did not live up to those standards.
The Voyager has sure-footed front wheel drive and power assisted steering. Those front wheels were propelled by the mid-level engine; a 3.0L V6 mated to a very basic 3 speed transmission. The engine and transmission didn't like the high rpm's on the highway and made a excessive noise during our driving experience. The Voyager is very easy to drive and handles much like any other car would. Yet, being the driver of the Voyager is only half the story, riding in the rear of the minivan is completely different. The noise level from the engine and road is excessive to say the least, the ride is also harsh and bouncy. Legroom with all seats installed is minimal in our non-extended wheelbase Voyager. One other quality defect in the minivan we drove was a loose instrument panel that created an annoying rattle while driving.
While Chrysler claims seven passenger seating, reality holds that it is tight for six adults. Television commercials show the seats being easy to push around. While that is true, I can tell you getting one out isn't an easy task. During the week we had the Voyager I removed the middle seat for part of the time. It was heavy and awkward to lift. It didn't help matters that the seat did not fold flat to make it easier to lift.
The Voyager is equipped with many convenient items. There are a plethora of cupholders, storage bins and cubby holes throughout the van. The front cupholders are adjustable for size and the middle seat has two cupholders on a built-in slide-out tray right under the front edge. Under the front passenger seat is a large lockable storage bin, it would be easy to fit a purse, cellular phone or even compact discs in this bin. While our minivan had few options, it did have probably the most important feature in minivans today: a second sliding door. The second sliding door is an excellent idea and makes it so much easier for passengers to access the rear seat areas.
The Voyager also had cruise control, air conditioning, tilt steering, power mirrors, power locks and a rear window defroster. One of the best features is the windshield wiper de-icer. It works just like the rear window defroster but keeps the wipers from freezing during snow or ice storms. Safety features on this bargain minivan included the rudimentary dual front airbags, side-impact beams and optional anti-lock brakes.
The base price was $17,235. With options, destination of $580 and discounts the total came to $21,000. Mileage ratings for the Voyager were 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. During the week I had the vehicle, it averaged 23 mpg mostly highway driving to Chicago and back.
The Plymouth Voyager is the most basic of the Chrysler corporations minivans with none of the bells and whistles the Chrysler Town and Country possesses. If your the driver all the time you probably won't notice the shortcomings of the Voyager, though the rest of the office car pool might not be happy.