2002 Chrysler Voyager

To overcome the "are we there yet?" phenomenon, a Rear Seat Video Entertainment System is an option.

Compared to a long-wheelbase minivan like the Chrysler Town & Country, the Voyager is almost a foot shorter overall. You also benefit from a slightly tighter turning circle, which can be handy when maneuvering into "compact" parking spaces or jockeying for position at the gas pumps. All the DaimlerChrysler minivans are pleasant-handling machines with good ride quality; the Voyager is no different. It does in fact feel smaller (mainly when parking and maneuvering), which is sure to be a significant issue to some drivers who are put off by the bulk of typical minivans.


A minivan's reason for being is interior space. In that regard, the Voyager offers a useful combination of interior room and utility. Overall, it has 14.0 fewer cubic feet of internal passenger volume than the long-wheelbase Town & Country. Voyager's cargo space behind the third row of seats is only slightly reduced: 15.1 cubic feet compared to T&C's 17.8. Not a big deal, really.

Available keyless entry even has a power liftgate-opening feature.

Most of the reduction in length and wheelbase materializes in the seating. Voyager's middle row has 2.4 inches less legroom, and the third row makes due with a significant 5.3-inches less legroom than the longer DaimlerChrysler minivans. The downsized internal real estate makes the middle row of seating snug but still spacious enough for adults. However, the third row is a kids-only section for long drives (compared to the adult-friendly rear row in the long-wheelbase models). Still, it's hard to complain much about the Voyager's aft-row seating. As compact as the compartment is, it still has more head and legroom than a Toyota Sienna's far-rear quarters.


From a functionality standpoint, the Voyager's got all of the thoughtful touches that have made DaimlerChrysler minivans so popular with American families. Cupholders and cubbies abound, and you're never at a loss for places to stow the odd pacifier, Gameboy or juice box. The second- and third-row bench seats can be removed with relative ease thanks to simple-to-use latches and built-in rollers. The Voyager LX comes decently equipped, but stops short of the equipment lists of some popular minivans. Notably missing in action are ABS, CD player, rear air, alloy wheels and keyless remote entry. Luckily, all of these features can be had by drawing from the extensive (and relatively affordable) options list.


Bigger vans offer more utility than the modestly proportioned Chrysler Voyager, but those machines can't equal its feeling of easy in-town maneuverability. As a result, a significant number of the buying public is sure to consider the Voyager's size "just right." In a marketplace that seems to get sliced finer and finer every day, the Voyager has unique—and uniquely appealing—attributes. (www.chrysler.com)