1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE Chrysler's minivans are still tops. By Kevin Ransom, New Car Test Drive .com

In the auto biz, when you're sitting on top of the world, complacency is a

luxury you can't afford--because there's always someone looking to knock

you off.

Chrysler Corporation, the inventor of the minivan, knows that. So in

1996, Chrysler redesigned its world-beating minvans--Plymouth Voyager,

Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country--from the ground up. And

this year, true to form, Chrysler has graced its offerings with many refinements

and equipment upgrades--just to let the competition know that it's not

resting on its considerable minivan laurels.

One of the keys to Chrysler's success is its ability to respond to the

dizzying vagaries of the market. By offering three nameplates, and then

offering short- and long-wheelbase versions--and two trim levels of each

of those--Chrysler serves up a minivan for almost any taste.

The stylish Town & Country offers all the amenities of a luxo-sedan,

while the more modestly-priced Plymouth Voyager (and its mechanical twin,

the best-selling Dodge Caravan) sets its sights on providing top value.

This doesn't mean that the Voyager is a bare-bones econobox. At prices

that range from just under $17,000 to just over $24,000, it delivers style,

convenience, comfort and good handling.