The minivan helped to rescue Chrysler in the '80s, and "the blessed box" has been a
coporate mainstay ever since. Consequently, the best and the brightest work on it, and
the attention shows. The new interior is a miracle of intelligence. Each piece
performs its function perfectly and is rendered nicely, with excellent fit and finish.
By angling the center console, all but the radio and climate controls (which
passengers want to access, too) are within easy reach of the driver. A thin eyebrow
display runs across the top of the dashboard, providing immediate visibility for
emergency warnings, such as temperature problems or antilock brake malfunction. The
other gauges for speed, fuel, etc. are in the usual location on the instrument panel.
Dropping the hoodline 4 in. improves visibility for the driver. An optional warming
grid on the windshield de-ices the wipers, a clever idea unique to Chrysler.
Safety is a top priority among minivan buyers and the new minivan delivers. Chrysler
did more than any other carmaker to bring height-adjustable seatbelts into the
mainstream, and now they've been installed on the middle bench, too, where the young
children who most need them are likely to be seated. Seatbelt buckles are flush with
the cushion instead of mounted on a stalk, which holds child seats more tightly. The
integrated child seats have been redesigned for more comfort and have new seatbelts
that can be fastened with one hand. The belts have a tighter fit than before, which is
safer but our 3-year-old assistant did grouse about the snugness.
Small touches throughout the minivan increase comfort. The pull-out cupholders have
ratcheting sides that accommodate a wide range of cups and mugs. The cupholder shelf
includes a coinholder and small storage bin, handy items that are often obscured on
other vehicles when the cupholders are in use. Storage bins are lined with ribbed
rubber to lessen rattles, and the vanity mirrors even have dimmers. Locks hold the
sliding doors open more securely.
The Voyager comes in two trim levels, the "Family Value" base model and our SE tester,
with base prices about $2700 apart. Powered by the same engine, the two models differ
primarily in standard and optional features. The higher level of standard features on
the SE includes 7-passenger seating instead of five, a cassette player, a tilt
steering wheel and an underseat storage drawer. Certain options are only available on
the SE: the 3.3-liter V6, the premium Infinity radio, keyless remote entry, and bucket seats.
For those who need a minivan but wish they had a sports car, the Voyager Rallye or Dodge Caravan Sport models might provide a little solace. (Base price for the Rallye is $22,060.) Available only on short-wheelbase models, these packages consist of a firmer, sportier suspension, darker windows, a different grille, and some fancy graphics on the exterior.
The 1996 Chrysler minivan has achieved new standards in ride and handling. It is still
a box--it's tall and it leans--but it is a darned refined box.
For openers, it is far more maneuverable. By increasing the front track, the turning
circle on the short-wheelbase vans has been reduced 3 ft., making them more nimble in
parking lots.
The overall sense of stability is much improved. Torsional rigidity of the new 4-door
model is 50% better than the old 3-door models. Add that to reduced steering column
shake, more precise steering, less body roll, and less interior noise, and you have a
solid-feeling vehicle that has far more in common with a good sedan than a truck.
Powertrain choices for the Voyager and Caravan are better this year, too. The base
engine is an all-new 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve 4-cylinder model that produces 150 hp at
5200 rpm. It is a substantial improvement over last year's 100-hp 2.5-liter four,
which was barely adequate. People who don't live in hilly areas or haul whole soccer
teams regularly will probably find the 4-cylinder quite satisfactory.
Up from there are two V6s: a 150-hp 3.0-liter from Mitsubishi and a Chrysler-built
158-hp 3.3-liter engine. We tested the 3.3 and found it well-suited to the van. If you
want to step up to a V6, the 3.3-liter is the better choice for performance,
smoothness and durability. (It is available as an option only on the SE.) All the
engines have been refined to reduce noise, and provide a more refined experience.
Base Voyagers (and Caravans) are fitted with 3-speed hydraulically-operated automatic
transmissions. The SE has a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic. The 3-speed
is not a bad transmission, particularly since the 4-speed is not a model of
smoothness. The biggest drawback to the 3-speed is the lack of an overdrive gear,
which means a little less fuel economy and more engine noise on the highway.