Second-hand sense: Those who know such things tell me the Chrysler Voyager is now the preferred choice of those who travel in limousine cavalcade style. Big and spacious in the American way, though without a great deal of exterior style, the Voyager tends to be noticed more in black and especially with darkened windows.
But it's not just rock stars on their way to Slane who like the Voyager - it has built up its own suburban following and might be even more popular if it were less expensive.
American cars have their own levels of comfort and style. The Renault Espace has a uniquely European feel, as the Voyager is quintessentially American (it's called a minivan in the US). Pit the two against each other and you find the Espace much more refined in its ride and handling, while the Voyager has that cosseted armchair ambience.
At the other end of the scale is the Hyundai Trajet - it has all of the practicality but none of the cachet of the other two - but it costs much less.
The Voyager has been around since the late 1980s but didn't arrive here until much later, when the OHM Group got the franchise. So Chrysler has plenty of experience in this end of the market.
It's pleasant but unexciting to drive with the soft suspension set up preferred by Americans but not really the ideal choice for the trip to West Cork on twisty roads and rough surfaces. Its big virtues are space and comfort and, even when occupied by adults and children, is a pleasure.
Storage is good too which is more than you can say for some of its European rivals such as the Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan.
Its original EuroNCAP crash tests did little to promote the Voyager. The car did "so badly in the frontal impact that it earned no points, making it the worst of the group by some margin", according to the report. It found that the body structure became unstable and the steering column was driven back into the driver's head and chest.
Few crash reports are as damning. We have no updated reports, but a 2001 makeover set out to improve things significantly. Chrysler says the car is now much stronger and safer and the Voyager has certainly been brought to European standards.
Voyager has a good record of reliability. A major British warranty survey records it as having the sixth lowest warranty repair costs for 2003. There have been problems with gearboxes mated to diesel engines in 2001 and there has been only one limited recall because of concerns about a possible engine compartment fuel leak.
With price premium and bigger than average engines for class, Voyagers are not plentiful on the second-hand market. The rather powerful and well equipped 2.4 SE is a thirsty motor indeed and expensive to run. A 2003 with 15,000 on the clock asks €29,970 at one garage, while a more economical 2001 2-litre seeks €19,950. Even on the 2.0 litre SE you'll be getting full air bags and air conditioning. One to watch out for is the 2.5 diesel, a good performer and economical. A 2002 version with 27,000 on the clock and with leather upholstery is on offer at €29,000. They are not cheap by any stretch.