After owning a 1989 Dodge Caravan we purchased a Grand Voyager. I'm sure most of you know they Caravan and the Voyager were pretty much the same vehicle.
SIX vs. FOUR
We went with the six cylinder after finding the four cylinder engine in the 1989 just didn't take to hills well when the car had a load. The six made a big difference. It has much more pulling power. Even up long inclines with a very full load.
MORE SPACE
We also went with the grand because we wanted the extra room in the car. That extra twelve inches or so makes a big difference. When vacationing we can really pack up that back area. It will take four full sized suit cases standing on edge plus more.
When we first had the vehicle it was my wifes. We have five kids and though one was out of the house then we still needed the extra space. It has been a perfect car for us.
The seven passenger seating was what we needed. We drove that car cross country once, to Florida two times and Maine about four times. We also have done many other trips fully loaded with a clam shell roof carrier on top strapped to the luggage racks. The car has been a real work horse for us.
GOOD LIFE
In fact we now own a 1999 Grand Voyager that my wife uses and I took over the 1994 for use with my business. My 1994 now has 150,000 miles on it and though it is showing some signs of transmission problems now, has never been in for any kind of major repair. It's been unbelievable!!
UPDATE December 2004. I now have a bit over 160,000 and that transmission continues to keep pulling this car along. Since this review was first posted I had a complete tune up, had to change out my serpentine belt and I need new struts in the front. I'll get to them soon. The driver seatbelt no longer retracts and I have now seen signs that the paint job on the roof is wearing through.
Back to the original review.
I have gone through three sets of radial tires, had brakes done three times, and the seat belt in the middle seat adjusted properly. Aside from that and our back window breaking after backing into a tree (don't you hate when that happens), this car has cost us nothing but some very regular oil changes and only two complete tune ups!!
Now that I use the car with the business I have taken out the back seat. Actually I moved the full bench up to the front and took the shorter two seater out.
The back seat that I moved up folds down. I can put very full loads into this vehicle that way, yet still be able to carry three passengers in the middle area if need be.
The seats are not easy to move around. They are heavy and the mechanism that snaps them in and out are tough to get just right.
SOME SMALL PROBLEMS
The Grand Voyager had all power windows. I do on occasion have the passenger window stall out on me. After some pressing of buttons it does work again.
The original radio, I don't recall the brand is gone. The switch to turn it on and off started acting up on me at about 100,000 miles. I just went and had a new radio with a CD player put in at $125.00
I have always liked the front wheel drive of these vehicles. They really do hold the road better especially when driving in snow.
The tilt wheel is very helpful to this big guy. I won't get a car without it. The seats have stood up well with my weight, although the drivers seat needs a push up to get to the upright position after being in a reclining position. Ha, I need a push up too!
FULL VIEWS
I have always liked the full view out of the windows all around the vehicle. Even when we vacation, I can set the car up so I don't block the windows. It's this good view, and the fact that these vehicles sit up higher than most cars, and I can see better because of it, that I like them for safety's sake.
Even though the grand is longer than most cars it is easy to park. I suppose the view helps here too. This was the boxier shape before they came out with the more swept back look. I liked the box look because I can see the front of the car easier. The windshield wipers are not overworked with too much glass on the window. I had to change the blades on them a few times but overall the wipers and the front window view are terrific.
GOOD BODY
Just recently I found a small spot where the paint is separating from the body. Aside from that the paint finish is fantastic and the car still has a great look after a wash and rare wax. We have always had the color white. It has been good to us.
The original vehicle has side trim on it. After a few side scrapes over the years they started looking a bit beat. They did protect the side of the car well for many miles and years. I recently took the bent and scratched pieces off the car. It looks great without them now and the doors they protected all these years are still in good shape.
The inside does have a stained and worn look on the drivers side door from all the use it has had. Aside from that the seats, front dashboard, steering wheel, and floors look great. When we purchased the 1999 we changed the mats in that after two years. The 1994 inherited them and they really dressed up the interior again.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We owned a 1989, 1991, 1994, and 1999. We did have some major problems with the four cylinder 1989 with both the engine and transmission. The 1999 has been another great wonder for us. I hope to review it in the very near future.
The 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager has been a fantastic value for us. Like I said it just keeps going and going and....
1999 Grand Voyager 
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