1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager review from North America
"Functional, but very expensive to maintain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
In addition to the prescribed maintenance, this vehicle has the following major failures:
32,395 kms. Front rotors failed. Replaced by dealer under warranty. A/C performance issues (not cold). No problem found by dealer.
47,000 kms. Serpentine belt and idler assembly failed. Repaired by dealer under warranty.
49,000 kms. A/C performance problems. Dealer topped up refrigerant and was never able to find leak during warranty period.
67,500 kms. A/C system failure (13 hour job). Warranty was only up to 60,000 kms. Replaced entire system by local mechanic ($2000). Slow leak was found inside the vehicle, but he needed to disassemble and remove the front dash to get to the leaking parts.
73,500 kms. Serpentine belt failed. (2nd time)
76,500 kms. Front rotors replaced.
81,300 kms. Oxygen sensor replaced.
87,500 kms. Serpentine belt and idler failed (3rd time). Replaced alternator and battery.
88,062 kms. Reverse light switch assembly replaced.
119,558 kms. Power steering pump failed.
119,880 kms. Replaced valve cover gaskets.
132,085 kms. Replaced transmission.
134,647 kms. Replaced serpentine belt (4th time
) Replaced leaking a/c compressor (2nd time).
The windshield wipers will turn on and off by themselves. Nobody has ever been able to diagnose.
General comments?
This vehicle has not been reliable in terms of belts, air conditioners and transmissions. Reading the other reviews, I see that I am not alone with these failures. It is also hard on front brakes and rotors. I have had five Ford products since this and they have been much more reliable.
After 11 years, the van body has no rust and is solid. I attribute this to being rust-proofed at an aftermarket company, regular washing during winter months and being garaged to avoid sun damage.
The seats are comfortable and the functionality of the space is very useful for a family.
I will never buy another Chrysler product again, due to the high maintenance costs.
Recommended reviews
| 1998 - Grand Voyager 3.3 liter Keep it long enough.. it will be worth it |
|
| Definitely a repeat buyer for the Grand Voyager here!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 5 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 134647 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Bonneville |
| Date of Entry | 17th August, 2008 |