Introduction

The Chrysler Voyager gets the cachet of a premium brand name, but offers a strong value. The Voyager delivers all the minivan essentials at prices that are hard to beat. The Voyager is comfortable and easy to drive, with excellent visibility. It seats seven. The seats are easily removable, so it can be quickly set up to haul a load of lumber. Its shorter length makes it more maneuverable than the long-wheelbase minivans. For 2003, the exterior and interior appearance of the four-cylinder model has been upgraded so it looks more like a V6 model.

Walkaround

The Chrysler Voyager remains one of the most handsome minivans extant, regardless of trim level. For 2003, there is little to distinguish four-cylinder models from V6 models as they all wear color-keyed trim all around. The only remaining visual distinction is the four-cylinder Value Equipment van's black, rather than body-color, license-plate brow; and tinted rather than sunscreen windows (which are a $645 option on the four-cylinder van). The standard wheel covers are attractive, and difficult to discern from alloy wheels at a distance of more than a few feet. Both models feature sliding rear doors on both sides, and they open with minimal effort. The rear gate lifts just as easily, and features standard lamps that flood light on the pavement below. Voyager received its last engineering overhaul in 2001, when the body shell was strengthened and tightened, and noise, vibration and harshness were significantly reduced. Nearly every interior dimension increased at least slightly, and the wheels were moved further toward the corners of the vehicle. That increased space inside, and improved balance and stability when the Voyager is on a voyage.

Interior Features

The Voyager driver sits in front of a simple gauge cluster with a big speedometer in the center, fuel and water temperature gauges on either side, and warning lights lurking behind. Large, dark graphics on a white background make the instruments exceptionally easy to read. Radio and climate control buttons are concentrated in a center pod between the front seats. The switches feel reasonably sturdy and can be reached with minimal distraction from the task of driving. Large dash vents move lots of air. The finish inside this minivan is not bad at all. The door panels are unadorned hard plastic, perfect for easy clean-up when smudged with mud or chocolate. The vinyl headrests look substandard, and the material around the backs and sides of the seats is only a small step up. Yet the seating surfaces are soft and plush. All panels and trim match nicely, and the cabin is lined throughout with decent grade of carpet. The Value Equipment Voyager has only two adjustments on the front seats: fore-and-aft and recline. And its steering column is fixed. Nonetheless, even this most basic Voyager allows an excellent driving position for a wide range of body types, and the seats themselves are very good. They're wide enough to accommodate large folk, and cushy enough to be comfortable without feeling too soft. Voyager has a shorter wheelbase than many minivans, but the third bench in back still seats average-size adults in reasonable comfort. While the two-place middle bench seat may not be as fashionable as second-row buckets, it offers definite advantages. All things being equal, we prefer it. No, the middle bench won't keep squabbling siblings separated. On the other hand, it allows easier access to the third seat and more cargo options without removal. Speaking of removal, Voyager's seats come out easily, latching and unlatching from the floor mounts with a couple of levers. It's easier if a friend or spouse helps heft them out, but a reasonably robust individual can manage in a pinch. Once the seats are on the ground they roll easily on their wheels. Such conveniences are a critical component of a minivan's appeal, and when it comes to conveniences the Voyager's value equation gets a little tricky. The crank windows on the Value Equipment model are no problem at all. Indeed, if you've repeatedly flicked the power switch on an electric window up and down, trying to get it open just the right amount, you might actually prefer the cranks. The biggest downside is the inability to roll down a passenger window while driving. The side mirrors are another story. They're big enough for a good range of vision, and they fold inward to fit tight spaces or prevent damage at the bank machine. Yet they must be adjusted manually, and that can be a cumbersome process, particularly when a driver is alone. (Power locks, windows, and heated mirrors can be ordered on the Value Equipment model for $755.) There is, on the other hand, a standard rear wiper. There are no pockets or bins on Voyager's doors or seatbacks, just a cargo net between the front seats and an open space in the center portion of the dashboard. There are four hooks for clothes hangers in the headliner, and four hooks on the front seats to secure the handles of plastic grocery bags. The glove box is small, but that's balanced by a locking drawer under the front passenger seat. There are decent cup holders at every seating position; two power points in the dash (one switched with ignition) and a third near the hatch; map lights in front, a dome light for both the second and third seats, and those handy floodlights in the rear hatch. In overall cargo capacity, the Voyager doesn't give up much to long-wheelbase vans such as the Town & Country. With the seats removed, the Voyager will handle most jobs the typical household demands, be it hauling sheets of building material or a 35-inch TV still in the carton, all fully protected from the elements. It's when all se