Chysler Grand Voyager

[G_374304003]

Hi!. I am an experienced carvanner of some years always using a diesel MPV 7-8 seater. I am looking at a new Grand Voyager 2.8 Diesel suto, with 'stow and go'. It is perhaps the car i don't want being an auto but I need all its space/capacity.

I would be grateful for any comments . good or bad. I currently tow 1300kg single axle but want to move up to 1600kg double axle

 

[Icemaker]

Last time i checked the voyager still had a pathetic 1600 kg max tow limit.

You would obviousley be right on this limit with your choice of van and could very easily go over it without very carefull loading, on top of this the voyager has not received the best praise in the world as a tow car or a reliable car so it would certainly not be my first choice of mpv infact it would be very low down in my list. fuel consumption and a noisy diesel is another concideration both of which are poor.

 

[G_374304003]

Last time i checked the voyager still had a pathetic 1600 kg max tow limit.

You would obviousley be right on this limit with your choice of van and could very easily go over it without very carefull loading, on top of this the voyager has not received the best praise in the world as a tow car or a reliable car so it would certainly not be my first choice of mpv infact it would be very low down in my list. fuel consumption and a noisy diesel is another concideration both of which are poor.

Thanks for the message

Your negative comments were expected.

Lets see if any owner can comment.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Thanks for the message

Your negative comments were expected.

Lets see if any owner can comment.

You should have put on your post "positive comments only"

Icemakers post is only passing on the concensus of tests and comments I have seen elsewhere in magazines and on forums.

I considered a GV but decided no because of the low tow weight, heavy fuel consumption, noise etc.

I would say that the only advantages it seems to have over the Alhambra I ended up with would be more room and possibly the seat arrangement you mention, if room had been a bigger issue I would probably have gone for a Kia Sedona in preference to a GV.

I would welcome positive comment from an owner(s) as well, it could influence a decision of mine in future, just not seen much to date.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

You should have put on your post "positive comments only"

Icemakers post is only passing on the concensus of tests and comments I have seen elsewhere in magazines and on forums.

I considered a GV but decided no because of the low tow weight, heavy fuel consumption, noise etc.

I would say that the only advantages it seems to have over the Alhambra I ended up with would be more room and possibly the seat arrangement you mention, if room had been a bigger issue I would probably have gone for a Kia Sedona in preference to a GV.

I would welcome positive comment from an owner(s) as well, it could influence a decision of mine in future, just not seen much to date.

 

[G_374304003]

You should have put on your post "positive comments only"

Icemakers post is only passing on the concensus of tests and comments I have seen elsewhere in magazines and on forums.

I considered a GV but decided no because of the low tow weight, heavy fuel consumption, noise etc.

I would say that the only advantages it seems to have over the Alhambra I ended up with would be more room and possibly the seat arrangement you mention, if room had been a bigger issue I would probably have gone for a Kia Sedona in preference to a GV.

I would welcome positive comment from an owner(s) as well, it could influence a decision of mine in future, just not seen much to date.

Many thanks for the comment. The voyager is an aging design but most MPV's are getting smaller. I driven it and cannot say it was that noisy. MPG was showing as 24.5 over the previous week (Including a run to a city 100 miles away).

I kicked down the auto and it went quite well but I wondered, if towing, whether it would have 'moved'. The 2.8 engine torque figues are well below that of the VW Caravelle and Shuttle 130 and 174 ps models, although it has more BHP than the 130ps and its 0-62mph times are marginally better than VW's.

 

[Litespeed]

Very Poor NCAP Safety rating as well.

I would plump for the Renault Grand Espace 2.0dci - Superb Safety rating, 175bhp from a 2.0 litre, bags of space, extremely reliable and 2000kg tow limit.

What more do you need!!??

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Very Poor NCAP Safety rating as well.

I would plump for the Renault Grand Espace 2.0dci - Superb Safety rating, 175bhp from a 2.0 litre, bags of space, extremely reliable and 2000kg tow limit.

What more do you need!!??

Four wheel drive ;O)

 

[RJC]

Hi

I had a GV 3.3 petrol auto until earlier this year when I changed to a Jeep Commander (if your budget can stretch to this I would recommend it - it has 7 seats).

Anyway I tow a Bailey Senator Wyoming and was always conscious of the towing limit of 1600Kgs of the GV. It didn't really affect us as it was usually only two or max three of us away and we could put most things in the car and not in the van so we always managed to restrict the weight of the caravan.

The car towed like a dream and I would have no hesitation in recommending it. I don't know what the diesel would be like I have never driven one.

Also in terms of comfort it is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. A friend of mine has a top of the range Range Rover and he has always said that the GV was more comfortable than his RR!!

I think that Chrysler has just been sold by Daimler (not sure if this includes Jeep) so I am not sure if that will make a difference.

I hope I have given a balanced view but if you need any specific questions answered I'd be happy to do that.

Cheers

Richard

 

[JeremyClarksson]

RJC

Chrysler has been sold by Daimler (Benz) and does include Jeep as well as Dodge brands.

G

24.5 mpg is thirsty, our Alhambra has around 130BHP and returns appx 50mpg on a run, around 40mpg on my wifes cross city run to work and the worst we have had towing our 1700kg van (which it handles very well both in terms of handling and power) has been 26mpg.

 

[G_374304003]

Renault Espace 2.o litre TD

Thanks for the comment. I have not looked at the Espace primarily because it does not have rear sliding doors. My family members include the disabled and if you have ever tried to lift someone into a seat, you'lll know how hard this is without a very wide door aperture.

This also rules aout just about every 4X4 because the manufacturers don't research the market properley.

I have to add that the motoring press reports that the current grand espace has less room behind the rear seat than the previous model. Obviously Renault Ditto as above (I carry up to two wheel chairs and prams etc and the French only want to sell me a minbus!

I am sure you enjoy the espace - it is the best looker.

The old Voyager seems to have some tricks up its sleeve and keeps on selling.

 

[G_374304003]

RJC

Chrysler has been sold by Daimler (Benz) and does include Jeep as well as Dodge brands.

G

24.5 mpg is thirsty, our Alhambra has around 130BHP and returns appx 50mpg on a run, around 40mpg on my wifes cross city run to work and the worst we have had towing our 1700kg van (which it handles very well both in terms of handling and power) has been 26mpg.

Thanks for your experiences on the Grand Voyager. Have you towed both single and double axle with this and was anything noted about the exp with each?

 

[G_374304003]

Hi

I had a GV 3.3 petrol auto until earlier this year when I changed to a Jeep Commander (if your budget can stretch to this I would recommend it - it has 7 seats).

Anyway I tow a Bailey Senator Wyoming and was always conscious of the towing limit of 1600Kgs of the GV. It didn't really affect us as it was usually only two or max three of us away and we could put most things in the car and not in the van so we always managed to restrict the weight of the caravan.

The car towed like a dream and I would have no hesitation in recommending it. I don't know what the diesel would be like I have never driven one.

Also in terms of comfort it is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. A friend of mine has a top of the range Range Rover and he has always said that the GV was more comfortable than his RR!!

I think that Chrysler has just been sold by Daimler (not sure if this includes Jeep) so I am not sure if that will make a difference.

I hope I have given a balanced view but if you need any specific questions answered I'd be happy to do that.

Cheers

Richard

Thanks for your advice on the Grand Voyager.

Was the tyre-wear reasonable

 

[RJC]

Thanks for your advice on the Grand Voyager.

Was the tyre-wear reasonable

Hi

Didn't really notice - I changed the tyres when the garage pointed out that they should be following a service.

If it had been drastically unreasonable in terms of wear I think I would have noticed.

 

[RJC]

Thanks for your experiences on the Grand Voyager. Have you towed both single and double axle with this and was anything noted about the exp with each?

Hi G

Only towed the twin axle so can't comment on how a single axle would fair.

 

[allen1]

Hi G

If you like the GV why not look at the much cheaper kia sedona it will tow up 2000kgs of caravan and it has sliding doors.

 

[G_374304003]

Hi G

If you like the GV why not look at the much cheaper kia sedona it will tow up 2000kgs of caravan and it has sliding doors.

The kia sedona is a good car but I need every of the 7 seats (Or perhaps 6 on the odd day). From what I have seen the rear 3 person seat is a 50 50 split which means if you take one-half out, you lose 1.5 seats. Sadley this is not a compromise I can accept. The rear seat on the Grand Voyager is a 33/66 split and hence more versatile.

Is the new Sedona any better??

 

[allen1]

hi G

I believe the new sedona has 3 seats in the centre row makig it a true seven seater.

 

[dandiesel]

hi i have a 1998 2.5 td voyager and tow a abbey gt 1245kg and have no problems i had a pajero before this and this tows 100% better

if i had a choice of the galaxy/sharan/alahambra then the voyager would win hands down due to comfort driveabilty and overall build quality

i have the older style voyager and with the 2.5 diesel engine there are no cam belts or chains it is all gear driven the engine is the vm diesel which is an italian engine and was also used in the rover 800,vauxhall frontera,ford scorpio,range rover

so it has got about a bit but dont seem to give many problems

hope this helps

dan

 

[emmerson2]

G, have you thought about a Routemaster? Sorry. I have a friend with a new Sedona, and I must admit to being very impressed with it. Have another look at the latest model.

 

[G_374304003]

G, have you thought about a Routemaster? Sorry. I have a friend with a new Sedona, and I must admit to being very impressed with it. Have another look at the latest model.

Okay - I'll tyake a look at the new Sedonna.

I'll also take a look at the Routemaster Bus as per yuor comment. I've written to the council to ask them to remove that low railway bridge out-side my house and my wife says my singing of 'we're all going on a summer holiday' will doubtless keep the roads clear! and she will sit on the top deck

 

[G_374304003]

hi i have a 1998 2.5 td voyager and tow a abbey gt 1245kg and have no problems i had a pajero before this and this tows 100% better

if i had a choice of the galaxy/sharan/alahambra then the voyager would win hands down due to comfort driveabilty and overall build quality

i have the older style voyager and with the 2.5 diesel engine there are no cam belts or chains it is all gear driven the engine is the vm diesel which is an italian engine and was also used in the rover 800,vauxhall frontera,ford scorpio,range rover

so it has got about a bit but dont seem to give many problems

hope this helps

dan

Thanks Dan- thats very useful.

Unfortunately I can only get the Grand Voyager now as a 2.8 diesel and it also has to have the suto box.

Is your car an auto?

I cannot deny I've also looked at some manual 2.5TD (used) Grand Voyagers. Sadley though, these do not seem to feature Stow and Go as per the new models.

I have a sneaky feeling the 2.5 is best though?

 

[G_374304003]

hi G

I believe the new sedona has 3 seats in the centre row makig it a true seven seater.

Thanks for the advice on the new Sedona. I will look at this.

 

[empee]

Oh Dear!

It seems our choice of G Voyager does not meet with approval of many of you!

We have yet to tow with ours - just begun looking for our 1st caravan but in the 2 yrs + we've owned it we have only praise for it's space and comfort.

One of it's best features for us is the 2 - 2 - 3 seating arrangement - the walk through cabin means no one ever has to climb over a folded seat to climb into the back row where they remain isolated until they climb out again. Our kids are 8, 6 & 2 so another feature is the ability for front passenger to climb through into the back to attend to infant on the move - they don't wait until it's convenient to throw up etc!

We often use ours with one of the middle row seats folded away under the floor - it really is then almost a living room on wheels! You do need the 2005 onwards Stow & Go version for this though.

Ours is the 2.8 diesel which is only available in auto box form.

We've been to the Alps twice in it and for a long run like that I don't think it can be beaten for a family.

It's not all rosy though - We average 24.5 mpg on the school runs (we take all the neighbours kids too so we try to be green) and 26 - 27 on a run which is not that good. The engine is underpowered at 138bhp, it's a bit crude and the finish is dated. I'd jump at the chance to replace it with something European or Japanese / Korean but as far as I can tell the GV has no competitor. The nearest would be the Sedona I think but you can't stow the seats in that and it has only a fraction of the luggage space.

We'll just have to wait and hope that the new GV arriving in the US this year will be a suitably modernised replacement when it arrives next year in the UK.