Chrysler Voyager History

Chrysler Voyager

The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan marketed by DaimlerChrysler. In the United States, the Chrysler Voyager was produced from 2000 to 2003 as part of the discontinuation of the Plymouth brand. The Voyager was integrated into the Chrysler Town and Country's lineup for 2004. In Europe, the Voyager remains in production today. The first modern minivans, the Chrysler minivans are credited with creating the entire market segment for these vehicles.

Overview

The first generation North American Chrysler Voyager was simply a rebranded Plymouth Voyager, and only appeared due to the termination of the Plymouth nameplate.

The European Chrysler Voyager was first released in 1988, nearly identical to its American counterpart, the Plymouth Voyager; the only differences between the two were the head/taillights and grille. It is still produced today, at Magna Steyr in Austria. Also, modern European Voyagers have different engines, including diesel engines, which are popular in Europe.

2000 (North America)

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.

For 2000, the Chrysler Voyager was just a rebadged Plymouth Voyager. There were no major differences between the two, except that the 3.8 L V6 was not available for the Chrysler Voyager. Base models of the Voyager were offered in most states with either a 2.4 L four-cylinder or a 3.0 L Mitsubishi V6 engine, except in California and several northeastern states, where the Mitsubishi V6 didn't meet emissions standards. In those locales, the 3.3 L engine was offered instead.

Engines

• 2.4 L EDZ I4
• 3.3 L EGA V6
• 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6

2001-2003 (North America)

From 2001 to 2003, the Voyager was offered in the short wheelbase model only. It was much more similar to the Town and Country than the previous generation, the only major cosmetic difference besides the trim (where the Town and Country's is fancier) was the placement of the Chrysler emblem on the grille. After the 2003 model year, the Voyager was discontinued in North American altogether.

Engines

• 2001-2003 3.3 L EGA V6
• 2001-2003 3.8 L EGH V6
• 2002-2003 2.4 L EDZ I4

Year to year changes

• 2001: The Chrysler Voyager was completely redesigned for this year as were the other Chrysler minivans. It was now only sold under the Chrysler marque.
• 2002: Either a VCR or a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system was a new optional, dealer-installed on all 2002 Voyagers. A high-value entry-level model, the eC was offered this year along with the base and LX models. All 2002 Voyagers now used a four-speed automatic transmission.
• 2003: Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals were available on 2003 Voyagers. Anti-lock brakes remained optional for the upscale LX, but were no longer available for base Voyagers. The Voyager was discontinued after this year and was replaced by the little-changed short wheelbase Town and Country.

Minivan production outside North America

Right and left-hand drive versions of the Chrysler Voyager minivan were assembled at Eurostar Assembly Plant in Austria from 2001 to 2002. Following DaimlerChrysler's sale of the plant to Magna International, production of the minivans shifted to the nearby Magna Steyr plant under contract. Units produced there are marketed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Gasoline and diesel engines are available on the Chrysler Voyager.