1997 Plymouth Voyager Review
1997 Plymouth Voyager Review
View more photos
Used Voyager for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great interior and exterior design. Class-leading features. Price.
Cons
- 3.8-liter V-6 is not available, not the most reliable vehicle on the road.
What’s new
Changes for 1997 include updated transmission software, an upgraded antilock brake system and an enhanced accident response system that unlocks the doors and turns on the interior lights if the front airbags deploy. Additionally, Plymouth has made improvements to the cabin insulation (to reduce noise and vibration) and cassette stereo units. Standard lighting elements now include front map lights and liftgate flood lamps; a cargo bay power point is also part of the deal. New options include an eight-way power driver seat and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass and outside temperature display. Finally, base models get new wheel covers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager SE 3dr Minivan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.62 per gallon for regular unleaded in New Jersey.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$236/mo for Voyager SE
Voyager SE
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
In the past, Plymouth renderings of Chrysler Corporation's popular front-drive minivans have been virtual clones of the Dodge Caravan. In engineering and design, that's also true of this latest iteration, introduced in last year as an early '96 model. In an assertive marketing move, however, Plymouth is pushing value pricing, aiming squarely at entry-level buyers who are shopping for their first minivans. Instead of the three-model lineup that Dodge shoppers face, Plymouth offers only two short-wheelbase Voyagers: the base model and a step-up SE.
Even a base-model Voyager is loaded with style and features, though anti-lock braking is an option here, unlike the other Chrysler minis. Sleek, lengthened, freshly-rounded bodies surround roomier-than-ever interiors, claiming more cargo space than the competition. Views to the ground and all around have improved, as a result of increasing the minivan's glass area by 30 percent and lowering the cowl. An "Easy Out" roller rear seat makes it easier to modify the passenger/cargo layout to suit specific needs.
Leading the list of appealing innovations is the optional driver-side sliding door--a boon to suburbanites who might want to load their minivans from either side. Two out of three buyers are expected to choose this option. Snowbelt-dwellers who've endured frosted windshields might also like the new optional electric windshield-wiper de-icer.
Anyone who appreciated the prior Voyager's car-like characteristics will be even more pleased by the latest edition, with its light steering response and super-smooth ride. This is an easy minivan to control, with a body that stays reasonably flat through curves--but threatens to lean just a little too much if pushed overly hard.
Base engine is a new 16-valve dual-cam four, whipping out 50 more horsepower than the prior four-cylinder. That's an impressive output hike, but many buyers are likely to choose the 3.0- or 3.3-liter V6 anyway. Sport-minded customers can select the Voyager Rallye or the Grand Voyager Rallye which is new for 1997.
Soft seats are amply supportive, and cupholders "ratchet down" to smaller size. Climate controls are a little too complex, and the column-mounted gearshift is oddly-shaped, but the dashboard exhibits an alluring curvature. Inside and out, the latest Voyager and Caravan look poised to retain their league-leading position in the minivan race.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Plymouth Voyager.
5 star(19%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(24%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(5%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Against the odds
ejntk, 07/26/2005
1996 Plymouth Voyager 3dr Minivan
We have owned this since 1998. We bought it at 30,000 miles and now have 190,000 on it with the original engine and original transmission, in spite of towing a small travel trailer with it for some time. We had to replace the water pump last year, and the valve cover gaskets the year before that. This van starts every time, drives smooth, and fits our 3 kids and their friends (ours is … the 7-pass. version). We bought an Expedition for towing, but I am still driving the van a lot because it is such a great vehicle. This is, by far, the wisest vehicle purchase we have ever made.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Strong Van
YChen, 05/05/2002
1996 Plymouth Voyager 3dr Minivan
I have this van since 1996. Newer body
style. It works fine every time I need
it to work. The car was in an accident
in year 2000. Somebody hit the back of
this van. It costed me $2,300 to fix
while the other party's Camery was
total. Some small things such as AC,
windshield wiper, door light works not
very well from time to time.
3.75 out of 5 stars
96 Grand Voyager SE...can't kill it!
wkw, 05/02/2006
1996 Plymouth Voyager SE 3dr Minivan
Bought this van a couple of years ago with 114K on the clock (average condition overall). Have had a couple of minor things go bad (normal wear and tear). Overall, a good people hauler. We had an 89 Dodge Caravan SE that we kept for ten years and loved it (4 cylinder,5 speed manual that we special ordered while stationed in W. Germany). We have really liked all of the Chrysler products … we've owned (2 vans, 2 pickups & a sedan).
3 out of 5 stars
junk
mark, 10/25/2009
1996 Plymouth Voyager SE 3dr Minivan
i have owned this vehicle for only a year and i have spent way too much for repairs. I have replaced clockspring, oxygen censor, battery, radio and etc.. The fuses blow every couple weeks. I would not suggest this vehicle to anyone.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Plymouth Voyager, so we've included reviews for other years of the Voyager since its last redesign.
1997 Voyager Highlights
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 1997 Plymouth Voyager info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2015
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2014
- Used Nissan Truck 2011
- Used Cadillac Escalade ESV 2016
- Used Mazda 626 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi RS 5
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid For Sale
- Electric Fiats
- 2025 Audi RS 3 News
- Mercedes Benz Metris Vans
- Car RS6
- Aston Martin Martin DB11
- Ford F450
- Mclaren 720S Spider Price
- GMC Sierra 1500 Limited
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Chrysler Town and Country
- Ford Transit Connect Cargo Vans
- 2023 Honda Odyssey
- Auto Chrysler Pacifica
- 2023 Kia Sedona
- Honda Odyssey
- 2023 Sienna
Other models
- Used BMW M8 in Montgomery, AL
- Used Aston-Martin Rapide-S in Flowery Branch, GA
- New Nissan Murano for Sale in Edison, NJ
- Used Mercedes-Benz Sls-Amg in Yorktown Heights, NY
- Used Volvo V40 in Annandale, VA
- New GMC Hummer-Ev for Sale in Crystal River, FL
- New Ram 3500 for Sale in Pueblo, CO
- Used Subaru Impreza-Wrx in Wellington, FL
- Used Lincoln LS in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- New Mercedes-Benz S-Class for Sale in Pittsboro, NC