Described as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the series was officially launched in 1999, with the 2.0 GSI model and choices of gasoline, diesel, or LPG fuel.

The name is derived from the French word "trajet" which means "journey",[4] "path, walk, course, haul, itinerary"[5] or to "travel from one point to another."

Because the Trajet size is bigger than many of its rivals, it provides comfort and room for seven adults as well as cargo space with all the seats in place.

[10] According to reviews, the Trajet does not do as well compared to the best European and Japanese MPVs because of "an overly firm around town" that "becomes bouncy at speed" with a "lot of body lean around corners.

[14] Following the pattern of U.S. minivans, the automatic transmission gear selector was mounted on the steering column and the center console was eliminated.