Plymouth Voyager

Further information: Dodge Caravan and Dodge Ram Van
Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager
Overview
Manufacturer Plymouth (Chrysler, later DaimlerChrysler (1998–2000))
Also called Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager (Mexico; USA for 2000 only)
Production 1974–2000
Body and chassis
Class Minivan (1984–2000)
Full-size van (1974–1983)
Chronology
Successor Chrysler/Lancia Voyager (USA, 2001–2003, Mexico SWB until 2007)

Plymouth Voyager is a nameplate used on two vans manufactured by Plymouth.

From 1974–1983 Plymouth marketed a full size van as the Voyager, a badged variant of the Dodge Sportsman.

From 1984-2000, Plymouth marketed a minivan as the Voyager, simultaneously introduced with the Dodge Caravan and marketed over four generations in short-wheelbase (SWB) (1984-2000) and long-wheelbase (LWB)(1987-2000) variants — the latter as the Plymouth Grand Voyager. After model year 2000, Chrysler (at the time DaimlerChrysler AG) discontinued its Plymouth division, and the Voyager and Grand Voyager were marketed as the Chrysler Voyager (2001–2003). The Plymouth Voyager was marketed as Chryslers in Mexico prior to that.

Combined with its rebadged variants, the Chrysler minivans rank as the 13th best-selling automotive nameplate worldwide.[1]

1974–1983

Full-size Voyager
Overview
Also called Dodge Sportsman
Dodge Ram Wagon
Production 1974–1983
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door van
6-door van
Layout FR layout
Platform Chrysler AB platform
Powertrain
Engine 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8
360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8
Transmission 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic

The Plymouth Voyager manufactured and marketed from 1974-1983 was a rebadged Dodge Sportsman with 12–15-passenger capacity.[2][3] The Voyager was Plymouth's first truck-bodied vehicle since 1942. The second one was the Plymouth Trail Duster, which came out a year later.

Early Plymouth Voyagers were distinguished from their Dodge counterparts by the large "PLYMOUTH" logo across the center of the grille surrounded by two horizontal grille pieces that also enclosed the parking and directional signals. In 1978, the lettering was reduced in sized, and moved to the hood on the driver's side. By 1979, it was almost indistinguishable from high end Dodge Royal Sportsman, and would remain so until 1983.

Minivan background

Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich had conceived their idea for a modern minivan during their earlier tenure at Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford II had rejected Iaccoca's and Sperlich's idea (and a prototype) of a minivan in 1974, then rumored to carry the name "Maxivan". Iaccoca followed Sperlich to Chrysler Corporation, and together they created the T115 minivan — a prototype that was to become the Caravan and Voyager, known colloquially as the "Magic-wagons" (a term used in advertising).

The Chrysler minivans launched a few months ahead of the Renault Espace (the first MPV/minivan in Europe, initially presented to executives as a Talbot (which was made up of Chrysler Europe's disposed assets) in 1979,[4] but not launched until 1984), making them the first of their kind — effectively creating the modern minivan segment in the US.

Generation I (1984–1990)

Generation I - minivan
Overview
Production 1984–1990
Assembly Windsor Assembly, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler S platform
Related Dodge Caravan
Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler Voyager
Powertrain
Engine 2.2 L K I4
2.5 L K I4
2.5 L Turbo I4
2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4
3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
3.3 L EGA V6
Transmission 4-speed A460 manual
5-speed manual
3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
3-speed A670 automatic
4-speed A604 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase Grand: 119.1 in (3,025 mm)
SWB: 112 in (2,845 mm)
Length Grand: 190.5 in (4,839 mm)
SWB: 175.9 in (4,468 mm)
SWB LE: 177.3 in (4,503 mm)
1989-1990 Grand LE: 191.9 in (4,874 mm)
Width 1984-88: 72.2 in (1,834 mm)
1989-1990: 72 in (1,829 mm)
Height 1984-88 SWB: 64.4 in (1,636 mm)
1984-88 Grand: 64.7 in (1,643 mm)
1989-1990: 64.8 in (1,646 mm)
1987-1990 Plymouth Voyager SE

In 1984, Chrysler marketed the rebadged Plymouth variant of its new minivan as the Voyager, using the Chrysler's S platform, derived from the K-platform (Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries). The Voyager shared components with the K-cars including portions of the interior, e.g., the Reliant's instrument cluster and dashboard controls, along with the K-platform front-wheel drive layout and low floor, giving the Voyager a car-like ease of entry. The Voyager was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985.[5]

For 1987 the Voyager received minor cosmetic updates as well as the introduction of the Grand Voyager, which was built on a longer wheelbase adding more cargo room. It was available only with SE or LE trim.

First-generation Voyager minivans were offered in three trim levels: an unnamed base model, mid-grade SE, and high-end LE, the latter bearing simulated woodgrain paneling. A sportier LX model was added in 1989, sharing much of its components with the Caravan ES.

Safety features included 3-point seat belts for the front two passengers and lap belts for rear passengers. Standard on all Voyagers were legally mandated side-impact reinforcements for all seating front and rear outboard positions. Safety features such as airbags or ABS were not available.[6]

Original commercials for the 1984 Voyager featured magician Doug Henning[7] as a spokesperson to promote the Voyager "Magic Wagon's" versatility, cargo space, low step-in height, passenger volume, and maneuverability. Later commercials in 1989 featured rock singer Tina Turner.[8] Canadian commercials in 1990 featured pop singer Celine Dion.[9]

Seating

1984-1986 Voyagers could be equipped for five, six, seven passengers, with an eight-passenger variant available only in 1985.[10] Five-passenger seating, standard on all trim levels, consisted of two front bucket seats and an intermediate three-passenger bench seat. In 1985, on base and SE models, the front buckets could be replaced by a 40/60 split three-passenger bench seat, bringing the total number of occupants to six. Seven-passenger seating was an option on SEs and LEs, with dual front buckets, an intermediate two-passenger bench, and a rear three-passenger bench. Eight-passenger seating was available on SE models only, with both the additional middle two-passenger bench and three-passenger front bench. Depending on configuration, the base model could seat up to six, the SE could seat up to eight, and the LE could seat up to seven.

The two bench seats in the rear were independently removable, and the large three-seat bench could also be installed in the 2nd row location via a second set of attachment points on the van's floor, ordinarily hidden with snap-in plastic covers. This configuration allowed for conventional five-passenger seating with a sizable cargo area in the rear. The latching mechanisms for the benches were very intuitive and easy to operate.

On base models, the front buckets were low-back items, upholstered with plain cloth or vinyl. On SEs, the buyer could choose between low-back buckets with deluxe cloth or high-back buckets in upgraded vinyl. LEs came standard with high-back front buckets, upholstered in either luxury cloth or luxury vinyl.

In 1985 and 1986, there was also a five-passenger version with a back seat that could be folded flat with the pull of a handle into a bed that filled the rear compartment from the back of the front seats to the rear. This option was known as the Magic Camper. The Magic Camper back seat had an extra rear-facing cushion that formed the back-most section of the bed when folded flat and the seat, though very heavy, was removable. The Magic Camper option included a tent that attached magnetically to the side of the vehicle allowing access in and out of the sliding side door.

For 1987 the six- and eight-passenger options were withdrawn, leaving seating for five standard and for seven optional on the base and SE, and seating for seven with high-back front buckets standard on the LE, Grand SE, and Grand LE. Deluxe cloth upholstery was now standard on base and all SE models, with the luxury vinyl optional on SEs. On LEs, luxury cloth came standard and for the first time, leather seats were available on the LE models.

Engines

1987-1990 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE

For the first 3 years of production, two inline-4 engines with 2 barrel carburetors were offered. The base 2.2L was borrowed from the Chrysler K-cars, and produced 96 hp (72 kW) horsepower. The higher performance fuel injected version of the 2.2L engine later offered in the Chrysler K-cars was only offered in the Voyager for the 1987 model year, and would remain the base powerplant until mid-1987. Alongside the 2.2L, an optional Mitsubishi 2.6L engine was available producing 104 hp (78 kW) horsepower.

At launch, the Voyager's low horsepower to weight ratio had not been much of a concern. Its main competitors were the Toyota Van and the Volkswagen Vanagon, both of which offered similar performance. In mid-1987, the base 2.2L I4 was replaced with a fuel-injected 2.5L I4, which produced 100 hp (75 kW), while the Mitsubishi G54B I4 was replaced with the new fuel-injected 3.0L Mitsubishi V-6 producing 136 hp (101 kW), which was a popular upgrade.

A turbocharged version of the base 2.5L producing 150 hp (112 kW) was available in 1989 and 1990. Also in 1989, revisions to the Mitsubishi V-6 upped its output to 142 hp (106 kW). In 1990, a new 150 hp (110 kW) 3.3L V-6 was added to the option list. Sales of the 2.5 turbo dwindled and it was dropped at the end of the year.

Transmissions

Both a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a five-speed manual were available with all inline-4 engines, including the turbocharged 2.5 L (this was a rare combination). V-6 engines were only offered with the venerable fully hydraulically operated TorqueFlite, until the computer controlled Ultradrive 4-speed automatic became available in 1989. The Ultradrive offered much better fuel economy and responsiveness, particularly when paired with the inline-4 engine.

Generation II (1991–1995)

Generation II
Overview
Also called Chrysler Voyager (Mexico)
Production August 14, 1990–August 1995
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler AS platform
Related Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Caravan
Powertrain
Engine 2.5 L K I4
3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
4-speed Ultradrive automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 112.3 in (2,852 mm)
Grand: 119.3 in (3,030 mm)
Length SWB: 178.1 in (4,524 mm)
Grand: 192.8 in (4,897 mm)
Width 72 in (1,829 mm)
Height SWB: 64.2 in (1,631 mm)
Grand: 64.8 in (1,646 mm)
1991-93 AWD: 65.9 in (1,674 mm)
1994-95 AWD: 65.8 in (1,671 mm)
1994-95 LE SWB: 64.3 in (1,633 mm)
Curb weight 3,305 lb (1,499 kg)
3,531 lb (1,602 kg) (Grand Voyager)
1992-1993 Plymouth Voyager

The Plymouth Voyager was modified for 1991 with new sheet metal. The S platform was still used, though renamed the "AS platform". These were the last Voyagers that were derived from the Chrysler K platform.

Trim levels were carried over from the previous generation. 1991 Voyagers were available in base, mid-grade SE, high-end LE, and high-end sporty LX. The LX which was available only on short-wheelbase Voyagers, was marketed as a sport-luxury minivan and came with the most standard equipment including alloy wheels, fog lamps, and wide array of power-operated features.[11]

In later years various trim packages were offered on SE models. The "Sport Wagon" package available from 1993–1995 featured accent color (gray) bumpers and molding, fog lamps, and special aluminum wheels.[12] The "Rallye" package offered in 1995, took the place of the departed LX model. It was more luxury-oriented, with lower body two-tone paint — regardless of upper body color, the lower body was painted "Driftwood Beige" — silver aluminum wheels, and special badging.[12] The font first used for the Rallye's badging was adopted for all of Plymouth's badging from 1996 onward.[13]

Interiors were more differentiated in this generation than on the first with a redesigned dashboard for 1994 featured a passenger-side front airbag.[13] and a seating package, marketed as "Quad Command" seating package, available on SE, LE, and LX models. Quad command replaced the 2nd row bench with two individual bucket seats with a center aisle to the 3rd row bench. Interior options varied with trim levels and packages. Cloth seating was standard on all models; leather seating was a standalone extra-cost option on LE and LX models.[11]

Only badging and minor cosmetics differentiated the Voyager from its Dodge Caravan rebadged variant.[13] The Chrysler Town & Country shared the Voyager's headlamps and taillights along with its own chrome waterfall grille.

Innovations

This generation of vans brought additional innovations, including:

The turbocharged engine and Convert-A-Bed feature were dropped.[5]

Engines

Year-to-year changes

Generation III (1996–2000)

Generation III
Overview
Also called Chrysler Voyager (Mexico; USA for 2000 only)
Production 1996–2000
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style 3-door minivan
4-door minivan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler NS platform
Related Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Caravan
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
4-speed 41TE automatic
4-speed 41AE automatic (Grand Voyager Rallye/Expresso/LE AWD)
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 113.3 in (2,878 mm)
Grand: 119.3 in (3,030 mm)
Length SWB: 186.3 in (4,732 mm)
Grand: 199.6 in (5,070 mm)
Width 76.8 in (1,951 mm)
Height 68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Curb weight 3,528 lb (1,600 kg)
3,680 lb (1,669 kg) (Grand Voyager)
1996-2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE (Canada)

The 1996 Plymouth Voyager was completely redesigned from the ground up. Gone were its K-car underpinnings and architecture, replaced with more modern components and Chrysler's acclaimed cab-forward design. The third generation redesign used the Chrysler NS platform and included a driver's-side sliding door, a minivan first. The Voyager was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997.[14][15]

As part of Chrysler's new corporate strategy to better focus the Plymouth brand on entry-level vehicles, U.S. market third generation Voyagers and Grand Voyagers were mostly available in base trim and better-equipped SE models.[16]Although export markets continued to receive the LE model,[17][18] the "Rallye", originally a trim package on SE and LE models in 1995, became a high-end standalone trim level for this generation, replacing the LE for the US market. A Rallye option package continued to be available on SE model.[19] It was replaced by the "Expresso" for 1998.[20] As with the Rallye, the Expresso was either a package for the SE or a stand-alone model to replace the LE. Expresso models did feature their own optional higher-grade cloth seating. Export Voyager LEs were equipped similarly to the Chrysler Town & Country LX, which was sold in the U.S. and Mexico, but not Canada. Voyager LE featured a standard Infinity sound system, a power driver's seat, deluxe cloth seating as found on standalone Rallye and Expresso models (leather was optional), and either steel wheels with covers or alloy wheels, both shared with the Town & Country LX, among other features. All North American Voyagers of the third generation were not available with front fog lights.

Base Voyagers and Voyager SEs were easily distinguished by their body-side moldings. Base models used a narrow accent color strip and SE models used a wide accent color strip with a "Plymouth" badge above it on either front door. Rallye and Expresso models used the SE's body-side molding with their own badge in the place of the Plymouth one. Export-market LEs used the base model's narrow accent color molding combined with a full accent color effect on the lower portion of the doors. The vinyl woodgrain-appearance side paneling was no longer available, as the new side sheetmetal was no longer flat.[21]

Third generation Voyagers introduced a new system of rear seats to simplify installation, removal, and re-positioning— marketed as "Easy-Out Roller Seats". All Voyagers and Grand Voyagers were equipped with this feature. When installed, the 2nd and 3rd row seats (either bucket or bench seats) were latched to floor-mounted strikers. When unlatched, eight rollers lifted each seat, allowing it to be rolled fore and aft. Tracks had locator depressions for rollers, thus enabling simple installation. Ergonomic levers at the seatbacks released the floor latches single-handedly without tools and raised the seats onto the rollers in a single motion. Additionally, seatbacks were designed to fold forward. Seat roller tracks were permanently attached to the floor and seat stanchions were aligned, facilitating the longitudinal rolling of the seats. Bench seat stanchions were moved inboard to reduce bending stress in the seat frames, allowing them to be lighter.

Engines

Year-to-year changes

2000 Chrysler Voyager

In 1999, Plymouth's demise was announced, resulting in the 2000 Voyager/Grand Voyager models in the US doing double duty as both Plymouths and Chryslers.

Crash test results

The 1996-2000 Dodge Grand Caravan (twin of the Voyager/Grand Voyager) received a "Marginal" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 40 mph offset test. The structural performance and restraints were graded "Acceptable", but the foot injuries were very high.

In the NHTSA crash tests, it received 4 stars for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact. In the side-impact test, it received 5 stars for the driver, and 3 stars for the rear occupant, and resulted in a fuel leak that could cause a fire hazard.

Generation IV (2001-2003 Chrysler Voyager)

'02-'03 Chrysler Voyager

For the fourth generation of the minivan in 2001, the Plymouth Voyager was rebadged as the Chrysler Voyager in the US. It was offered in the short wheelbase only. The Chrysler Voyager was discontinued after 2003 and the short wheelbase Chrysler minivan became part of the Town & Country line.

Trim levels

Minivan production

Chrysler's plant in St. Louis, Missouri was responsible for building the Voyager from 1990 to 2000.

References

  1. ↑ "Chrysler LLC Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan". Autonew24h.com.
  2. ↑ 1974 Plymouth Voyager promotional postcard (McLellan's Automotive)
  3. ↑ Readers' Rides; 1974 Plymouth Voyager (Grassroots Motorsports)
  4. ↑ The Matra/Renault Espace
  5. 1 2 "A Brief History of the Chrysler Minivan". Allpar. Retrieved 2008-06-13. External link in |journal= (help)
  6. ↑ "A Brief History of the Chrysler Minivan" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–08–23.
  7. ↑ "1984 plymouth voyager commercial", retrieved on 2010–08–25.
  8. ↑ "1989 Tina Turner Plymouth Voyager Commercial", retrieved on 2010–08–25.
  9. ↑ "Celine Dion : 1990 Dodge Caravan & Plymouth Voyager", retrieved on 2010–08–25.
  10. ↑ Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1986 Plymouth full-line"
  11. 1 2 Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1991 Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager"
  12. 1 2 "Used Plymouth Prices", retrieved on 2010–08–23.
  13. 1 2 3 "1991-1995 Chrysler minivans: Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country" Information courtesy of Chrysler, allpar, retrieved on 2010–08–23.
  14. ↑ "1996 10Best Cars", retrieved on 2010–08–24.
  15. ↑ "1997 10Best Cars", retrieved on 2010–08–24.
  16. ↑ Yates, Brock W (1996). The Critical Path: Inventing an Automobile and Reinventing a Corporation (1st Edition). Little, Brown. p. 210.
  17. ↑ "1996-2000 Plymouth Voyager LE". mark.mitchell.brown @ Flickr.com.
  18. ↑ "1996-2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE AWD". mark.mitchell.brown @ Flickr.com.
  19. ↑ Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1996 Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager"
  20. ↑ Chrysler Corporation Factory Sales Brochure "1998 Plymouth Voyager"
  21. ↑ Yates, Brock W (1996). The Critical Path: Inventing and Automobile and Reinventing a Corporation (1st Edition). Little, Brown.
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