Overview:
This week’s review is one of the popular mini-vans. The Plymouth Voyager is basic and well priced, but sometime it’s the simple things that impress us. This was the case for simple me regarding the simple addition of a cargo net between the front seats. Does anyone else have a problem with lose stuff flying around at every turn or stop? Well you’d expect the inventor of the Mini-van, Chrysler, to be a step ahead of the followers, and although that isn’t always the case, this Voyager enjoys the prestige of being first with lots of firsts like all-wheel drive, extended-length, an optional driver’s-side sliding door and seats with rollers for easier removal. The operative word there is “easier”. Let’s face it, removing seats is never easy. In fact, where do you put them after removal and you get out of hernia surgery? The garage won’t hold another straw and … well, you know what I mean.
The 1999 Plymouth Voyager is available in six trims: Voyager (base), SE, and Expresso, all with either a short (Voyager) or long wheelbase (Grand Voyager). Engines range from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder to a 180-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. The only engine I recommend is the V6 for all that we demand of our cars and if nothing else, our road system requires that you can scoot along with an all too fast flow of traffic.
There is a good selection to chose from in this segment of the market and if you follow my column, you’ll remember my favorite in this class leans a bit to the Honda Odyssey. That is partly due to the fact that I love the dual automatic sliding side doors that are standard. They are so practical for today’s lifestyle and demands. The other thing that impressed me and will also impress you is the third seat that uniquely folds completely into the floor. So much for the “easier” seat removal in this Voyager, as noted above.
I also liked the Sienna from Toyota and I’m yet to test the Montana and Ford Windstar. You’ll want to test drive all noted here because they are all so very close in performance, features and styling. Good luck, and let me know which you preferred via my web page at www.atthewheel.com or simply e-mail me.
The competition:
Chevrolet Venture $20,795 – $23,095, Dodge Caravan $18,005 – $31,510, Ford Windstar $18,375 – $30,415, Honda Odyssey $23,000 – $25,800, Mercury Villager $22,415 – $25,015, Nissan Quest $22,159 – $26,299, Oldsmobile Silhouette $24,510 – $31,100, Pontiac Trans Sport $20,840 – $23,190, Pontiac Montana $21,325 – $23,930, Toyota Sienna $21,428 – $26,494.
Good News:
Car-like ride and handling, well priced for the rest of us, easy entry / exit.
Bad News:
Unusual placement of turn indicators and nearly silent warning, rear hatch difficult to close.
Standard Equipment:
3.3 liter V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans., front wheel drive, air bags, 7-passenger seating, air, cruise control, tilt wheel, power mirrors, easy roll out seats, anti-lock brakes, dual sliding doors.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 24 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $22,775
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
