Chrysler Voyager
Sourcing new and used parts.
Despite being on its fourth generation, the 2001-2008 Voyager and the foot-longer Grand Voyager was only the second version made available in Europe. The first was built in Austria and arrived in 1997, but while big on space, it fell short in terms of refinement and power. Moreover, it scored just two stars in NCAP crash tests, instantly losing it favour with families. Four years later, a much-revised model came along. While this looked broadly similar and still came with seven full-sized seats, it was 20% stiffer, featured more kit and better brakes, and boasted a range of more powerful and efficient engines.
Initially, there were two petrol units: a 2.4-litre 145bhp four-cylinder and a 173bhp 3.3-litre V6, the Grand only being offered with the latter. The diesel option to begin with was an 140bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged version of the VM Motori.
The first revision came in 2004, when a far more refined 150bhp 2.8 commonrail diesel (CRD) replaced the earlier 2.5. For this model, projector headlamps, curtain airbags, better sound insulation and, for the Grand, optional power sliding doors and a power opening tailgate were added to the spec list. Best of all, Chrysler introduced its clever Stow ’n’ Go seating, allowing the rear seats to be folded flat into the floor. Prior to that, if you wanted more space, the seats had to be lifted out – not easy, given their weight.
The V6 petrol was discontinued at the end of 2005, so despite the 2.4 remaining available, most are diesel.
All were fitted with ABS, an aircon and remote central locking, with the LX being a popular choice with its poweradjustable leather seats and alloy wheels, while the range-topping Limited went one step further in terms of luxury.
With prices starting at around £1000 for the petrol models and £1500 for the diesels, it’s certainly an attractive proposition for larger families, as well as being a real alternative to the Ford Galaxy and VW’S Sharan. The only real question mark concerns maintenance. The Voyager was rated one of the most expensive MPVS to run in a 2003 Which? survey and came second from bottom in the 2007 UK JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey with a 73.5% score. We compared parts prices for a 2.8 CRD to help you reach your own conclusion.