El Van-o

The new van... The Plymouth Voyager and Plymouth Grand Voyager were minivans marketed by DaimlerChrysler (they were sold by the Chrysler Corporation More

The new van... The Plymouth Voyager and Plymouth Grand Voyager were minivans marketed by DaimlerChrysler (they were sold by the Chrysler Corporation until 1998). The Voyager was originally a full-size van from 1974 to 1983, but the name was used again for a minivan in 1984. Originally introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year, the second generation Plymouth Voyager was based on the Chrysler S platform, an extended derivative of the Chrysler K platform. Under development, these models were referred to as the T-115, and were initially referred to in advertising as the "Magicwagon". For the 1987 model year, a longer wheelbase was introduced, which was called the Grand Voyager. It was still based on the Chrysler S platform. Since the beginning of production in the fall of 1983, over 11 million Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold as of mid-2005. The Plymouth Voyager was on Ten Best list for 1985, 1996, and 1997. The first Voyager was introduced in 1974, and was essentially a rebadged Dodge Sportsman. It could hold as many as 12 passengers (15 in the stretched version) and was Plymouth's first truck-bodied vehicle in many decades. The first generation Voyager was produced until 1983. The first generation Voyager minivan was offered in three trim levels, base, mainstream SE, and upscale LE, the LE getting fake vinyl wood on the sides, what would later become a trademark for these minivans. For 1991, the Voyager was redesigned, making it more aerodynamic. The trim levels for this generation Voyager were, Voyager: base, SE, and LE and Grand Voyager: SE and LE. The 1991 through 1995 Voyagers used the Chrysler AS platform. These were the last Voyagers that were derived from the Chrysler K platform. Year-to-year changes 1992: A driver's side airbag was made standard for this year. Integrated child safety seats in the second row bench were optional on 1992 Voyagers. The Grand Voyager was available with a lower-cost powertrain. A 142 hp 3.0 L V6 and a 3-speed automatic could be substituted for the standard 150 hp 3.3 L V6 with its 4-speed automatic. The 5-speed manual transmission could once again be paired with the 2.5 L base engine. 1993: On 7-passenger models, the optional "Quad Command" bucket seats replaced the middle bench seat. The right bucket tilted forward to ease entry and exit to the rearmost bench. The front shoulder belts became height-adjustable and rear shoulder belts had lower anchor points. 1994: New bumpers and body moldings, and a redesigned dashboard appeared on all 1994 Voyagers. New safety features which included a passenger-side airbag and side door-guard beams enabled the Voyager to meet all passenger car safety requirements through 1998. Under the hood, a 162 hp 3.8 L V6 was a new option for top-of-the-line Grand Voyager LE models. The 3.3 L V6 had been upgraded to produce 162 hp as well. For solely 1994 the "10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION" was offered on Voyager SE models. It had came special two-tone paint and "10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION" badges. 1995: No major changes were made for 1995, partly because it was the last year for the second generation Voyager minivan and also because the redesigned 1996 Voyager debuted early. The 1996 redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a driver's-side sliding door, a first. The fake vinyl wood was no longer available on the Voyager and for that fact none of the Chrysler minivans. For this generation the Voyager was available in only base and SE models. Four-wheel drive was reintroduced in 1997. The Voyager was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. Year-to-year changes 1997: Only minimal changes. 1998: Grocery bag hooks were added to the rearmost bench and the Expresso Decor package was now available in addition to the Rallye Decor package. 1999: A 3.8 L V6 was added to 1999 Voyagers; it was already available on the Caravan and Town & Country. A small cargo net between the front seats, additional standard equipment, and child-safety seats in the second-row buckets were added to the Voyager this year. 2000: Now standard was air conditioning and 7-passenger seating. A rear-seat video entertainment system was newly available, dealer-installed on all models. In 1999, Plymouth's demise was announced, resulting in the 2000 models in the US of the Voyager/Grand Voyager doing double duty as both Plymouths and Chryslers. Minivan production Chrysler's plant in St. Louis, Missouri was responsible for building the Voyager from 1990 to 2000.
Hide