Chrysler Grand Voyager Review (1997 to 2001)

Quick Summary

The Grand Voyager does a very good job of shifting people in a modicum of style. Where this vehicle fails to cut the mustard is in terms of what we expect from a contemporary car in terms of safety provision. My tip would be to keep saving and go for a post 2001 model.

Overall:

Models Covered: Chrysler Voyager - 1997-2001: (Five-door, 7-seat People Carrier: 3.3 petrol, 2.5 turbodiesel [LE, LX, SE])

CHAIRS AND GRACES

Chrysler must get a little upset at Renault's blatantly revisionist history when it comes to MPVs. Most people would identify the Espace as the car that pioneered the MPV boom but Chrysler had been turning out Voyagers for years before that. Likewise, Toyota were rather less than gruntled when Renault again claimed credit for the mini-MPV from their pioneering Picnic but that's a different story. The French company even cribbed the idea of a long wheelbase version (shamelessly prefixed 'Grand') from Chrysler. The Grand Voyager arrived in 1997, the Grand Espace in 1998. If you want the original, here it is.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale

History of the Grand Voyager

Chrysler rather dipped its toe in the water with the Grand Voyager, initially only offering one trim level and one engine. Back in March 1997, the only variant sold was the 3.3-litre LE petrol version. Well equipped with cruise control, power-adjusted driver's seat, adjustable steering column, alloy wheels, a roof rack and front fog lights, this model soon found favour with UK customers and demand was such that in September 1998, Chrysler added the plusher leather-trimmed LX version. More importantly for buyers with fuel economy in mind, a 2.5-litre turbodiesel variants was also slotted in, with a choice of SE or LE trim. A thoroughly revised Voyager was announced for the 2001 model year.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale

Chrysler Grand Voyager Road Test

The VM turbodiesel is not the best of its type in terms of refinement but nevertheless pulls lustily through the gears and returns far better economy than the V6 – around 33mpg compared with 23. If you can afford the heftier fuel bills, the 3.3-litre V6 is much quieter and smoother helped in no small part by the four-speed automatic with its shift lever mounted on the right of the steering column, saving costs on the right-hand-drive conversion, you might suspect.The Voyager's handling isn't quite on a par with the Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra products – but then this is a bigger car. Nevertheless, it's surprisingly good for a model developed primarily for American tastes.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale

Buying a Chrysler Grand Voyager

The Italian-made VM turbo diesels need their oil changed more regularly than the petrol models so check the vehicle's service records to make sure the former owners have done so. US engines are renowned for going long distances without trouble and the petrol-powered cars have no known problem areas but, as with the diesels, a service history is always desirable and may help when selling on.The interiors are well enough assembled though the plastics used aren't up to the best European standards. Check that all the 'convenience' features like the central locking, electric windows and mirrors plus the air conditioning are working properly as they're expensive to fix. Also look for worn interior trim as a result of hard family use and check the body extremities for parking scrapes – these cars are often driven by people unused to their sheer bulk.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale

Chrysler Grand Voyager Typical Pricing

The first of the 1997P Grand Voyager 3.3-litre LE models should cost around £5,100. The Grand Voyager LX version starts on 98S plates at about £6,500. The Grand Voyager with the 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine starts at £6,400 and reaches £9,000 for 2001 X-reg models, while the Voyager diesels retail from about £8,100 in SE trim on the same plate.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale

Chrysler Grand Voyager Parts

(Based on a 1999 3.3-litre SE – approx excl VAT) A replacement clutch assembly will be about £375. A new starter motor is close to £295, a radiator is around £500 and a replacement headlamp will cost you around £170.
Used Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale