THE Chrysler Voyager was one of the first MPVs and was launched in 1983.
American families took it to their hearts, even though the Press thought the company had shot itself in the foot, and all the other car makers hurried to catch up.
It was not sold in Europe until the late 90s and the longer wheelbase Grand Voyager tops the range. All European models are built in Austria.
Power comes from a big, lazy 3.3-litre V6 or 2.5 and 2.8-litre turbo diesels, but short wheelbase variants, which are still by no means small, have either the 2.5 T-D or a 2.4 petrol.
All drive the front wheels through a five speed gearbox or, in the case of the V6 and some diesels, a four speed automatic.
Performance is sufficient, two-litre units are not very refined and neither are the diesels in earlier models.
But the oil burner is the best buy on economy grounds alone and most of the cars for sale second-hand are diesels.
Interior
Power steering takes the strain of parking, but leaves little feel at speed. The floor is flat through the cabin making it more user friendly than some.
The interior is vast, the seats having many combinations and permutations, and access into the middle and back rows is via two wide opening sliding doors. Equipment is usually better than average for the year.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Voyager 2.5 TD
Price: Pay around £3,500 for an 02 52-reg SE, or £6,300 for an '05 05-reg. An '06 06-reg 2.8 will be about £9,000.
Mechanical: 140bhp, 2,499cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 36
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 203g/km
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Ford Galaxy