Car Reviews: 1996 Plymouth Voyager

1984 and took ownership of the genre. The only other company to challenge Chrysler's

dominance has been Ford, whose Windstar briefly became the darling of the critics with

its cleaner looks and greater cargo capacity.

But that was last year. This year Chrysler strikes back with the first ground-up

redesign of the minivan since it was introduced. In hundreds of little ways and

several critical big ways, the 1996 Chrysler minivan is better than ever. And better

than any other.

Chrysler minivan. They are 6 in. shorter than the Grand Voyager and Grand Caravan. The

wheelbases are 6 in. shorter as well, giving the vehicles a 2-ft. shorter turning

circle.

All the new minivans, both long and short, are larger for 1996. The Voyager and

Caravan are 8.2 in. longer, 3.5 in. wider, and 2.5 in. taller than their predecessors.

The larger size and better interior packaging give the basic Voyager more cargo

capacity than the old Grand Voyager, and more capacity even than the longer Windstar.

With three rows of seating, the previous model didn't have room for much more than a

few gallons of milk and some groceries. Now there is 15.9 cu. ft. aft of the third

bench, which translates to floor space for 10 grocery bags and vertical space for many

taller objects. Many people who stepped up to the Grand version solely for the cargo

space may now be able to opt for the smaller, more nimble model.

If more cargo space is needed, the third bench can be removed, creating 50.8 cu. ft.

of space in addition to seating for five. Clever new roller devices make removing the

benches easier. Push down on a lever and the bench rises up on little wheels to roll

to the rear door. The lever requires a strong push, and getting the heavy bench seat

down to the ground is still a two-person job, but the wheels eliminate the awkward

inside wrestling job. And you may not even need to do it: For the first time, the

middle and rear seatbacks fully fold, allowing you to carry the proverbial 4x8 sheet

of plywood without removing seats.

Despite its increased dimensios, the new minivan looks the same size as before. The

rounded corners minimize the sense of bulk, and also contribute to better

aerodynamics, better fuel economy and less interior noise. Chrysler employed other

visual tricks as well, including taller windows--which give a more car-like proportion

of metal to glass--and larger wheels and tires. Another clever detail is the way the

track for the sliding door is hidden at the bottom of the side window, which helps the

aerodynamics and cleans up the appearance.

One of the smartest ideas of the new design lies right behind the driver's door: an

optional second sliding door for the middle seat. It's one of those things you look at

and think, why in the world didn't anyone do this before. Some parents perceive it as

less safe, but that seems overanxious given the presence of child-proof rear locks.

Consequently, the driver's side sliding door was made an option ($450) that about 85% of buyers are choosing so far. We found its convenience irresistible.

coporate mainstay ever since. Consequently, the best and the brightest work on it, and

the attention shows. The new interior is a miracle of intelligence. Each piece

performs its function perfectly and is rendered nicely, with excellent fit and finish.

By angling the center console, all but the radio and climate controls (which

passengers want to access, too) are within easy reach of the driver. A thin eyebrow

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