jeh@ritcv.UUCP (James E Heliotis) (12/31/83)
A couple of months ago, I said I would be test-driving some new mini-vans,
and offered to post my resultant opinions. Well, Caravans and Voyagers
(I believe Chrysler T-115 is the generic model name) finally arrived
in our area 2-3 weeks ago, and I went out to try them. But first...
Soon after I wrote the old article, I checked out Toyota's VanWagon, a
vehicle in the same category. They are VERY scarce, and I had no chances
to test-drive any. One dealer had one that was already sold, and would
let me drive it if the odometer stayed under 00060, but I declined since
I was not that interested in automatic trannies anyway. The Toyota seems
to be a very nice vehicle in many respects. My father-in-law test drove one,
and said it had a significantly better ride than the Chrysler T-vans. It
also comes standard with seating for 7 (they claim 8). It does have the
typical import problem of not having a wide choice of options ("If you want
option X, you'll have to get the ice maker" [ <--no joke!!] ), but there are
so few of these, it is probably hard to do anything but buy one off the lot.
One dealer I spoke to was offering them at list price, "firm", and another
wanted $1000 over list.
The most significant feature of the Toyota is its mid-engine (Rear W. D.)
design. It makes them more spacious than the Chryslers, and, I believe
their claim about better weight balance under all load conditions.
HOWEVER, it is not like the old vans of the 60's, where you have a lid
between driver and front passenger through which you access the engine.
The engine is only accessible from underneath, and this to me is unacceptable,
since I like to do my own small maintenance. Although I did not see for
myself, the little door covering the gas cap looks large enough that it
could include an oil dipstick (isn't that disgusting?!). Despite the
roominess, the position of the engine made the driver's leg room limited
(felt the same as my Rabbit), and there is a large obstruction that must
be climbed over to get to or from the back of the van.
Now, about the Chryslers: Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. You must
understand that these cars are IDENTICAL, they are made in the same factory
(a brand new computerized place in Windsor, Ont.), and differ only in their
front grills and nameplates. Even prices are exactly the same. Production
is limited for '84, but not as much as the Toyotas. A salesman predicted
that orders made through February can be filled.
I can say from experience that they are willing to deal. One place offered
us a price 10% below list.
The Chryslers are styled more along the lines of modern full-size vans,
with the engine compartment protruding out of the front. I was very
impressed with the spaciousness of the engine compartment, and the
accessibility of all its components (as a '77 Rabbit owner, I had high
standards). The vehicle is Front Wheel Drive, with their 2.2 liter
engine transversely mounted. This is the same engine that got good
reviews in the Horizon/Omni and K-cars. I hope it is good enough for
this larger vehicle. I did test-drive an automatic, and was quite pleased
with the ride (you get that up-high feeling, as in a full-size van) and
handling. I drove on wet snow - covered roads, and the Voyager held very
well. It did not feel as clumsy as its size would indicate.
The T-van does not look very large though. It has 25 cu. ft. less of
cargo space than the Toyota (125 vs. 150, all back seats out). But, I
was happier with the leg room. I am 6'3", and the only seat I had trouble
with was the (optional) 3rd seat, middle position, because my head hit
the overhead light. The back seats were not spacious, however, unless
you have only two rows, which allows the back seat to be put further
back. What I like about the 7-passenger seating option is that the
seats can be removed or placed in different positions, and the 3rd seat
slides about 6" (seemed more to me) to make room for more cargo or more
leg room.
Both the Chrysler and Toyota have two forward doors for driver and
front passenger, a sliding right side door for the back seats, and
a rear liftgate for access to the cargo area. Both claim 25 mpg
EPA combined city/highway, but Toyota's highway estimate is in the
low 30's, while Chrysler claims 39. We shall see. I ordered a
Plymouth Voyager.
Well, that's the general info. More specific questions by mail
are welcome.
Jim Heliotis
{allegra,seismo}!rochester!ritcv!jeh
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ritcv!jeh@Rochesterjeh@ritcv.UUCP (James E Heliotis) (01/03/84)
I thought I'd add that I watched Donahue today (please -- no flames --
it's only because I knew this subject would be on), because he had
Lee Iacocca (sp?) and a Plymouth Voyager as his "guests". We were
told that the reason some space was sacrificed to put the engine up
front was because they considered it safer in a front-end collision.
Something to ponder ...
By the way, Mr. Iacocca is quite a fascinating person to listen to.
He doesn't mince words, and I learned a lot about him and his company,
and even a bit about the country's economy from his point of view.
Jim Heliotis
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ritcv!jeh@Rochester