2003 Chrysler Voyager Family-size transportation bargain. By Jeffrey P. Vettraino, New Car Test Drive .com

The Chrysler Voyager gets the cachet of a premium brand name, but offers a strong value. The Voyager delivers all the minivan essentials at prices that are hard to beat.

The Voyager is comfortable and easy to drive, with excellent visibility. It seats seven. The seats are easily removable, so it can be quickly set up to haul a load of lumber. Its shorter length makes it more maneuverable than the long-wheelbase minivans.

For 2003, the exterior and interior appearance of the four-cylinder model has been upgraded so it looks more like a V6 model.

Voyager comes as one trim level, the LX. Two engines are available, a four-cylinder and a V6. Both come with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 150-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine comes as part of the Voyager LX Value Equipment Package ($19,575). It comes standard with air conditioning, seating for seven, and AM/FM stereo cassette.

The 3.3-liter V6 comes with the Voyager LX with the Popular Equipment Package ($23,640), which adds a tachometer, rear-window defogger, upgraded sound insulation, and more convenience items, including power windows and rear vents, cruise control, and tilt steering.

Both modes feature new Matisse cloth upholstery for 2003, along with floor mats, front and rear.

All Voyagers are equipped with multi-stage dual front airbags that inflate at varying rates depending on the severity of an impact; this limits the potential for airbag-related injuries. Both models offer optional front-passenger side-impact airbags ($390) and built-in toddler safety seats (prices vary with different option packages).

Power-adjustable pedals ($185), promised last year, are now scheduled for late-2003 release. They will allow the brake and gas pedal to move back or forward 2 3/4 inches to tailor the driving position. Other popular options include a power sliding passenger-side door, second-row bucket seats and wireless headphones for the rear seats (these play cassette, CD or radio broadcasts independent of what's playing over the external speakers.)

Many options are packaged in groups, so check details at a dealership or on the Internet at www.chrysler.com. Further, a number of features in Chrysler's minivan lineup are reserved for the Town & Country, including an extended wheelbase and all-wheel-drive (see our separate review of the Town & Country at www.nctd.com).