2001-2003 Chrysler Voyager: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

New styling and more powerful engines marked the 2001 Voyager, the lower-priced cousin to Chrysler's Town & Country minivan. Wheelbase was unchanged from 2000, though the Voyager was limited to the 113.3-inch chassis while the Town & Country rode an extended-length span. As in the past, Dodge Caravans shared this design and most mechanical features. Caravans also were redesigned for 2001, in both regular- and extended-length models. New wraparound taillamps were installed, and headlights were 50-percent larger. These minivans were about 2 inches wider than the 1996-2000 models, with regular-length versions about 3 inches longer overall. Voyagers came in base and LX trim, both with front-wheel drive. A four-cylinder engine was standard in the base Voyager, and was unchanged from the 2000 power ratings. A 3.3-liter V6 was optional in the base Voyager, and standard in the Voyager LX. The V6 increased from 158 to 180 horsepower this year. The four-cylinder engine teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 worked with a four-speed unit. Antilock brakes were optional on base Voyagers, and standard on the LX. All models seat seven and have two sliding side doors, with power operation for the passenger-side door available for LX minivans. Alterations inside included new dashboards, and a center console with an internal power outlet and the capability of being mounted between the front or second-row seats. Dashboard airbags gained dual-stage inflators. Front side airbags (a first for these vans) were optional. An available in-dash four-disc CD player also was new. Unlike the Honda Odyssey and Mazda MPV, the third-row bench seat does not fold away into the floor, but Chrysler did offer a new 50-50 split third-row bench; each portion weighs 55 pounds and removes individually, and can also recline or fold flat. Rivals included the Chevrolet Venture, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Ford Windstar. Following the demise of Plymouth, Voyager had joined Town & Country in the Chrysler-brand stable late in 1999.