THE one that started the whole people carrier saga wasn't the Renault Espace as many people believe but the Chrysler Voyager way back in 1983.

Judging by the number I now see on the roads, I wonder how we ever did without them.

Critics back then thought the company had a big white elephant on its hands, but how wrong can you get.

All European models are made in Austria and the model built between 2001 and 2008 is plentiful and reasonable to buy.

Engine options are 2.4 and 3.3 petrol or 2.5 and 2.8-litre turbo diesels. Short wheelbase models, which are by no means small, are the best to go for.

All drive the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox, or in the case of the V6 and some diesels a four speed automatic.

Performance is adequate, but the earlier diesels are not up to European levels of refinement even if they are the best buy.

A flat floor throughout the cabin makes it more user friendly than some and the inside in vast.

: Ford Galaxy