We could say that the Chrysler Grand Voyager represents the practical side of this American brand, which was primarily known for luxury cars in the past. In this case, we are talking about a typical minivan of the era, which offers a slightly different design approach than its European counterparts.
The history of the Voyager began in late 1980s, while the first version offered in Australia was the third generation, which debuted in 1997. After that, we saw two more generations before the production finally ended in 2016. Since then, we have been waiting for a successor.
The First Generation of Chrysler Grand Voyager (1997-2001)
As mentioned, the first Grand Voyager in Australia is the third generation of this nameplate in Chrysler's portfolio. It debuted in 1996, with a design based on the NS platform, which was developed a few years earlier.
Design
Like its predecessor, the Chrysler Grand Voyager featured a unibody chassis but slightly bigger and equipped with more modern design solutions.
However, not all the features were modern. For example, the suspension setup included some old-school technical solutions. The front axle featured a typical MacPherson strut, while the rear end was equipped with leaf springs.
Chrysler's engineers considered more modern setups, such as a double-wishbone layout, but picked leaf springs to maximise interior space and ensure balanced handling under full loads. Along with leaf springs, the rear end was also equipped with drum brakes, while the front wheels came with disc brakes.
Dimensions
Size-wise, the third generation was slightly bigger than the predecessor. The "Grand" in its name means that this was a stretched, long-wheelbase version of the standard Voyager, also available in Australia.
The Chrysler Grand Voyager was over five metres long, with a wheelbase of around 3,030mm. This van was 1,950 millimetres wide and 1,789mm high. Despite the long wheelbase and bulky dimensions, the car was quite manoeuvrable, with a turning circle of around 11.5 metres.
That’s not to say that it is a light vehicle because it has a kerb weight of nearly 1,900 kg.
Chrysler Grand Voyager Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3,030mm
- Height: 1,789mm
- Length: 5,070mm
- Width: 1,950mm
- Ground clearance: 135mm
- Weight: 1,855kg
- Turning circle: 11.5m
- Rear track: 1,626mm
- Front track: 1,600mm
Engine
The first generation of Grand Voyager was offered with just one engine in Australia. That was a large 3.3-litre V6, coupled with Chrysler’s familiar Ultradrive 4-speed automatic transmission (max output: 116 kW, Max torque: 275 Nm). In a typically American fashion, the engine was quite thirsty, with average fuel consumption of nearly 13L/100km.
Chrysler Grand Voyager Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 3301cc
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 275Nm
- Maximum power: 116kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Fuel tank capacity: 76L
- Fuel consumption: 12.8L/100km (combined)
The Second Generation of Chrysler Grand Voyager (2002-2007)
The second generation came in 2002, bringing a couple of notable updates. Even though the wheelbase remained the same, the new model was longer, with bigger overall dimensions. Of course, we also saw new styling, but things under the skin weren't all that new.
Chrysler Grand Voyager Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3,030mm
- Height: 1,749mm
- Length: 5,094mm
- Width: 1,997mm
- Ground clearance: 138mm
- Weight: 1,973kg
- Turning circle: 12m
- Rear track: 1,626mm
- Front track: 1,600mm
Most parts and features were carried over from the previous generation, though we saw some suspension setup and brakes upgrades. The rear axle continued with leaf springs, but we saw new Gas Pressurised Shock Absorbers and stabiliser bar. The front suspension was updated as well. Also, we finally saw discs on the rear brakes, while the front ones were ventilated now.
What’s also important to mention is the 2005 update, where we saw a new styling on this model year, particularly at the front end. The interior was also slightly revised, including new seats. This was the first time that Chrysler offered the famous "Stow 'N Go" second-and third-row seats, which could fold down completely flat.
As mentioned, the powertrain remained the same. This generation was also equipped with the 3.3-litre V6 engine, though with some updates that improved efficiency. The new engine was more powerful but also featured better fuel economy.
Chrysler Grand Voyager Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 3301cc
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 278Nm
- Maximum power: 128kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
- Fuel consumption: 10.8L/100km (combined)
The Third Generation of Chrysler Grand Voyager (2008-2016)
The third generation debuted in 2008 for the 2009 model year. The 2009 Chrysler Grand Voyager brought a completely new design, significantly different from the previous model, both style and mechanics.
Design and Dimensions
This generation was based on the new RT platform, the same one used for a variety of minivans from the Chrysler Corporation and the VW Routan. Compared to the previous generation, the new platform brought new engine options, new transmission, stiffer chassis, bigger dimensions, and more refined suspension setup.
One of the most notable changes was a new styling. Instead of the rounded design that characterised the previous generation, the new model featured a boxy, quite rugged appearance. It was also bigger than the previous model and had a longer wheelbase.
Chrysler made considerable improvements on the suspension setup too, finally replacing leaf springs with coil springs. The rear suspension setup also included hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers.
At the front, the new Grand Voyager was equipped with a MacPherson strut and coil springs and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers. Once again, we saw ventilated discs at the front and classic discs on the rear end.
Chrysler Grand Voyager Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3,078mm
- Height: 1,750mm
- Length: 5,143mm
- Width: 1,954mm
- Ground clearance: 144mm
- Weight: 2,025-2,100kg
- Turning circle: 12m
- Rear track: 1,645mm
- Front track: 1,651mm
Engines
The new generation also brought new engines. Standard models were equipped with a new 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with a new 6-speed automatic to send up to 142 kW of power and 305 Nm of torque to the wheels.
For the first time in Australia, the Grand Voyager was available in a diesel version, which featured a 2.8-litre inline-four turbodiesel (120 kW, 360 Nm) coupled with a 6-speed automatic.
In 2012, the V6 petrol was dropped from the offer.
Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.8 Specs
- Engine Capacity: 3,778cc
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Maximum torque: 305Nm
- Maximum power: 142kW
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
- Fuel consumption: 12.3L/100km (combined)
Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8D Specs
- Engine Capacity: 2,777cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Maximum torque: 360Nm
- Maximum power: 120kW
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
- Fuel consumption: 9.3L/100km (combined)
Is there a 2020 Chrysler Grand Voyager?
The last generation of Grand Voyager was discontinued in 2016. After that, the replacement came in the form of Chrysler Pacifica, though this model was never offered in Australia. Since 2020, lower grades of Pacifica were rebadged to Voyager, but once again, this generation of Chrysler' people mover is sold exclusively in North America.
Want to advertise your Chrysler Grand Voyager for sale? You can do just that here on our website and find more potential buyers.
If you need parts to repair your old van, we're happy to tell you that we have a network of wreckers with massive collections of used auto parts, including different generations of Chrysler Grand Voyager parts. Just send us a request to get the most competitive quotes for the parts you need!
By Nebojsa Grmusa