The 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager is a full-size minivan that was part of the second generation of the popular Chrysler minivans. It was produced from 1996 to 2000. Key trims included the base, SE, and the upscale LE. New, pricing generally ranged from approximately $20,000 to over $25,000. Its popularity stemmed from its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features, making it a go-to for transporting multiple passengers and cargo.
The Good
The 1997 Grand Voyager offers excellent passenger and cargo versatility, a smooth and quiet ride for family road trips, and a strong value proposition. Its practicality is undeniable, while the comfortable interior appeals to those seeking a relaxed driving experience.
The Bad
Potential buyers should be aware of common issues like transmission problems, especially with the 3.8L engine, and potential electrical glitches. Rust can also be a concern on older models, particularly around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L 4-cylinder engine
- 3.0L V6 engine
- 3.3L V6 engine
- 3.8L V6 engine - Horsepower:
- 2.4L 4-cylinder: Approximately 150 hp
- 3.0L V6: Approximately 150 hp
- 3.3L V6: Approximately 158 hp
- 3.8L V6: Approximately 166 hp - Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated MPG):
- Varies by engine and drivetrain. Generally in the range of 17-19 MPG city and 24-27 MPG highway. - 0-60 Times:
- Varies significantly by engine. Expect times ranging from the high 9-second to mid-11-second range for V6 models. - Towing Capacity:
- With optional towing packages, towing capacity could reach up to 3,500 lbs, suitable for small trailers or boats. - Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Standard equipment typically included power steering, intermittent wipers, and a basic AM/FM stereo. Manual windows and locks were common.
- SE: Added features often included air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and an upgraded stereo system. Cloth upholstery was standard.
- LE: The top trim offered premium features like power-adjustable front seats, upgraded interior trim, alloy wheels, a CD player, and often a more powerful engine option. Options could include leather seating, a sunroof, and rear-seat entertainment systems.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1997 |
| Make | Plymouth |
| Model | Grand Voyager |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 3-Speed |
| Type | Minivan |
| Category | Cargo Van |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | FENTON |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.8L V6 |
| Engine Size | 3.8L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 3-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
Specifications
Specifications
Ownership
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History
All History
Events
Events
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Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Have?
The 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager, like many vehicles of its era, is known to have certain recurring issues. One of the most frequently reported problems centers around the transmission. The automatic transmission, particularly the 3-speed and 4-speed units, could experience premature failure or shifting problems. This was more prevalent with the larger V6 engines, such as the 3.8L, which put more strain on the transmission. Symptoms could include slipping gears, delayed engagement, or a complete loss of drive. Another common concern is with the powertrain control module (PCM), which can fail and lead to erratic engine performance or a no-start condition. Electrical issues are also not uncommon; owners have reported problems with power window motors, door locks, and the instrument cluster failing. The heating and cooling systems can also be a source of trouble, with blower motor failures and evaporator leaks being noted. Regarding recalls, owners should always check with the NHTSA for any outstanding recalls related to their specific vehicle identification number. Long-term reliability can be impacted by these issues, and a well-maintained Grand Voyager can still be dependable, but potential buyers should be prepared for potential repairs. While specific model year variations of major issues are not heavily documented for this generation, general wear and tear on components like suspension parts, exhaust systems, and brake components are to be expected with age and mileage.
How long will the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager last?
Based on owner data and typical maintenance habits, the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager can reasonably be expected to reach between 150,000 and 200,000 miles of service. With diligent maintenance, including regular fluid changes, belt replacements, and timely attention to common issues like transmission problems, some examples may even surpass this. Long-term durability is moderate; while the chassis and body can hold up reasonably well against rust if protected, the powertrain components, particularly the transmission, represent a significant potential weakness over time. Early attention to any transmission slipping or unusual noises is crucial for maximizing its lifespan.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager offered a range of technology and safety features for its time, aiming to provide comfort and security for families. Standard technology was relatively basic, often including an AM/FM radio with a cassette player. Higher trim levels, like the LE, could be equipped with a CD player and an upgraded speaker system, offering a more engaging entertainment experience. For driver assistance, the primary features were power steering and cruise control, which were standard on most trims. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were available as an option, enhancing braking control, especially in emergency situations. Safety features were a strong point for this generation of minivans. Standard safety equipment included driver and front passenger airbags. Seat belts were provided for all occupants, with front seat occupants benefiting from pretensioners. Child seat LATCH anchors were not yet standard in this era, so parents typically relied on seat belt installation for child seats. Crash-test ratings for this specific model year are not as extensively documented with modern ratings. However, the second-generation Chrysler minivans, on which the Grand Voyager is based, generally performed adequately for their time. Optional features could include rear-seat heating ducts, enhancing passenger comfort, and in some higher trims, a basic trip computer. While advanced driver-assistance systems like rearview cameras or blind-spot monitoring were non-existent, the focus was on providing a safe and functional interior space for families, with an emphasis on occupant protection through airbags and available ABS.
What Colors Options are Available?
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In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Prices and Market Value
When new in 1997, the Plymouth Grand Voyager had an MSRP that typically ranged from around $20,000 for a base model to upwards of $25,000 for a well-equipped LE trim. As a vehicle from the late 1990s, it has experienced significant depreciation. Current used market prices for a 1997 Grand Voyager in fair to good condition often range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending heavily on mileage, condition, and trim level. Factors affecting resale value include the presence of common issues like transmission problems, the overall condition of the body (rust is a major detractor), and whether maintenance records are available. Well-maintained examples with lower mileage can command a premium within the used market.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Cost of Ownership
The 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager is generally considered economical to own, especially in the used market. Insurance costs are typically low due to its age and market value. Fuel economy, while not exceptional by today's standards, is reasonable for a minivan, with V6 models averaging around 17-19 MPG city / 24-27 MPG highway. Maintenance costs are moderate, with routine services being affordable. However, long-term ownership costs can increase if common issues, particularly transmission problems or electrical gremlins, arise. Repair costs for these specific issues can be significant, making proactive maintenance and inspection crucial for keeping ownership economical.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Safety Rating
NHTSA
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags:frontal
Recall date
2002-11-07
Recall no.
02v293000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Mini Vans, THE Clockspring Assembly MAY Have Been Wound Incorrectly During THE Vehicle Assembly Process.
Consequence
This Condition Will Manifest Itself Through Illumination OF THE AIR BAG Warning Lamp, and Could Eventually Result IN A Driver's AIR BAG Open Circuit, IF THE Part IS NOT Replaced IN A Reasonable Amount OF Time.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Clockspring Assembly ON All Vehicles With 70,000 Miles or Less. AN Extended Lifetime Warranty Will Also BE Placed ON This Component FOR All Affected Vehicles, Regardless OF Mileage. Daimlerchrysler Will Also Reimburse Owners WHO Have Paid TO Have THE Clockspring Replaced ON Their Vehicles. Owner Notification Began November 18, 2002. Owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Daimlerchrysler AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes
Also, Customers CAN Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Recall date
2000-09-13
Recall no.
00v268000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Vehicle Description: Mini Vans Built With 3.3l and 3.8l Engines Have Fuel Rails With Nitrole Rubber O-Ring Seals That CAN Degrade Over Time. Fuel Leakage From THE Underhood Fuel Injection Fuel Rail Could Result, Increasing THE Likelihood OF A Vehicle Fire.
Consequence
Fuel Leakage IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source CAN Result IN A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Install A Seal ON THE Vehicle Fuel Rails TO Prevent External Leakage OF Fuel From THE Fuel Rail Crossover Tube, Should THE Existing O-Rings Continue TO Degrade. Owner Notification Began ON January 25, 2002. DUE TO THE Large Quantity OF Vehicles Involved IN This Campaign, THE Owner Notification Will BE Phased Over THE Next Several Months. However, IF A Vehicle IS Leaking Fuel From THE O-Rings, THE Vehicle Should BE Taken Into A Dealer TO Have This Repaired AS Soon AS Possible. Owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Daimlerchrysler AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes
Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-Dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat
Recall date
1996-10-24
Recall no.
97i001000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Vehicle Description: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles Equipped With Integral Child Seats. This IS NOT A Safety Recall IN Accordance With Federal Regulation 573. However, IT IS Deemed A Safety Improvement Campaign BY THE Agency. ON THE Integral Child Seat, THE Shoulder Belts Restraining THE Child Retract and Lock IN Place After THE Belt Buckle IS Connected TO THE Latch Plate. THE Latch Plate Movement Locks THE Belts TO Make Sure THE Child IS Restrained IN THE Case OF A Vehicle Crash.
Consequence
THE Latch Plate Located IN THE Seat Cushion Area Must BE Free TO Move Back Against ITS Stop After THE Buckle IS Removed TO Allow THE Shoulder Belts TO BE Pulled Out. Always BE Sure THE Area Around THE Latch Plate IS Free OF Food or Other Items That Might Prevent THE Latch Plate From Moving Back.
Remedy
Owners ARE Being Provided With A Video Tape and 2 Harness Clips. THE Video Tape Instructs Owners ON THE Proper USE and Maintenance OF THE Child Seats.
Notes
Note:chrysler HAS Decided TO Conduct A Safety Improvement Campaign TO Make THE Vehicle Owner Aware OF HOW THE Integral Child Seat Latching System Works.owners CAN Contact Chrysler AT 1-800-853-1403.
Child Seat
Recall date
1998-08-06
Recall no.
98v185000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Vehicle Description: Mini Vans Equipped With Integrated Child Seats. THE Shoulder Harness Restraint ON THE Integrated Child Seat CAN Become Difficult TO Extract When THE Safety Belt Latch Plate Becomes Contaminated.
Consequence
This CAN Cause Difficulty IN Releasing A Child From THE Restraint.
Remedy
Dealers Will Clean THE Latch Mechanism. AN Extender Will BE Added TO THE Emergency Release Anchor FOR THE Child Seat Safety Belts SO That THE Release Clips ARE More Visible and Accessible TO THE Operator IN THE Event That THE Retractor Mechanism CAN NOT BE Unlocked. IN Addition, AN Instructional Owner's Manual Supplement Card Will BE Provided.
Notes
Owner Notification IS Expected TO Begin November 30, 1998.owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Chrysler AT 1-800-992-1997.also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Tires:bead
Recall date
1997-11-13
Recall no.
97v200000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Vehicle Description: Passenger Minivans Equipped With P215/65r15 Goodyear Conquest Tires Mounted ON Steel Wheel. THE Tires CAN Experience A Sudden AIR Pressure Loss Without Warning.
Consequence
Sudden Tire Failure Could Result IN A Loss OF Driver Control OF THE Vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Tires That Were Mounted ON Steel Wheels.
Notes
Owner Notification IS Expected TO Begin During January 1998.owners WHO Take Their Vehicles TO AN Authorized Dealer ON AN Agreed Upon Service Date and DO NOT Receive THE Free Remedy Within A Reasonable Time Should Contact Chrysler AT 1-800-992-1997.also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline AT 1-800-424-9393.
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Insurance
Insurance for a 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Minivan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager Compare to Other Minivan?
In the competitive minivan segment of 1997, the Plymouth Grand Voyager faced strong rivals like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Ford Windstar. Performance-wise, the Grand Voyager's V6 engines offered decent power for its class, comparable to or slightly better than the base engines of some competitors, but it generally lagged behind the refined performance of the Toyota Sienna or the more engaging driving dynamics offered by certain trims of the Ford Windstar. In terms of features, the Grand Voyager offered good passenger and cargo versatility, with available features like rear-seat entertainment in higher trims, which was competitive. However, the Honda Odyssey was often praised for its car-like driving feel and innovative seating configurations. Reliability is where the Grand Voyager often faced its biggest challenges when stacked against rivals. The Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, in particular, built reputations for exceptional long-term reliability and fewer major mechanical issues, especially concerning transmissions, which were a known weak point for the Grand Voyager. The Ford Windstar also had its share of transmission issues, though often considered slightly more robust than Chrysler's offerings at the time. Price-wise, the Grand Voyager was typically competitively priced, often offering more features for the money than some of its Japanese rivals, especially when purchased used. Considering alternatives, if long-term reliability is the top priority, the 1997 Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey are generally superior choices. If a more car-like driving experience is desired, the Odyssey is a strong contender. For a balance of features and value, the Ford Windstar could be a similar alternative, though also with potential reliability concerns. However, if a spacious and versatile interior at a lower used price point is the main goal, the Grand Voyager can still be a viable option with careful inspection.
Final Verdict: Is the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager a Good Minivan?
The 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager is ideal for budget-conscious families or individuals who prioritize space and versatility over cutting-edge technology or absolute long-term reliability. It's worth buying primarily on the used market, provided it has been meticulously maintained and thoroughly inspected, especially for transmission health. Buyers should focus on models with lower mileage and evidence of regular servicing. Higher trims like the SE or LE offer more creature comforts. New purchases are obviously not an option, and even on the used market, it's best suited for those who are mechanically inclined or have a trusted mechanic ready to address potential, known issues, particularly with the powertrain. It's a practical hauler when it works well, but carries a risk of repair costs.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma