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1996 Plymouth Voyager Review: Interior

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1996 Plymouth Voyager Review

Better than ever. Better than most.
Interior
The minivan helped to rescue Chrysler in the '80s, and "the blessed box" has been a

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

display runs across the top of the dashboard, providing immediate visibility for

emergency warnings, such as temperature problems or antilock brake malfunction. The

other gauges for speed, fuel, etc. are in the usual location on the instrument panel.

Dropping the hoodline 4 in. improves visibility for the driver. An optional warming

grid on the windshield de-ices the wipers, a clever idea unique to Chrysler.

Safety is a top priority among minivan buyers and the new minivan delivers. Chrysler

did more than any other carmaker to bring height-adjustable seatbelts into the

mainstream, and now they've been installed on the middle bench, too, where the young

children who most need them are likely to be seated. Seatbelt buckles are flush with

the cushion instead of mounted on a stalk, which holds child seats more tightly. The

integrated child seats have been redesigned for more comfort and have new seatbelts

that can be fastened with one hand. The belts have a tighter fit than before, which is

safer but our 3-year-old assistant did grouse about the snugness.

Small touches throughout the minivan increase comfort. The pull-out cupholders have

ratcheting sides that accommodate a wide range of cups and mugs. The cupholder shelf

includes a coinholder and small storage bin, handy items that are often obscured on

other vehicles when the cupholders are in use. Storage bins are lined with ribbed

rubber to lessen rattles, and the vanity mirrors even have dimmers. Locks hold the

sliding doors open more securely.

The Voyager comes in two trim levels, the "Family Value" base model and our SE tester,

with base prices about $2700 apart. Powered by the same engine, the two models differ

primarily in standard and optional features. The higher level of standard features on

the SE includes 7-passenger seating instead of five, a cassette player, a tilt

steering wheel and an underseat storage drawer. Certain options are only available on

the SE: the 3.3-liter V6, the premium Infinity radio, keyless remote entry, and bucket seats.

For those who need a minivan but wish they had a sports car, the Voyager Rallye or Dodge Caravan Sport models might provide a little solace. (Base price for the Rallye is $22,060.) Available only on short-wheelbase models, these packages consist of a firmer, sportier suspension, darker windows, a different grille, and some fancy graphics on the exterior. Next Page



1996 Plymouth Voyager