NEW CHRYSLER PACIFICA
Unearth your next new CHRYSLER PACIFICA at http://www.usednewcars.com! Click here to get a list of all vehicles that fall within the wagon category.
Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.59 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.51 |
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| Braking |
9.15 |
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| Handling |
8.78 |
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| Fuel Economy |
6.34 |
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| Interior Comfort |
9.27 |
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| Acceleration |
8.29 |
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| Dependability |
8.6 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.6 |
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| Transmission |
8.23 |
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| Ride |
9.63 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Pacifica offers an enticing blend of performance, style and comfort that any midsize family is sure to find appealing but a rash of repair issues on early models prevents it from getting our full recommendation.
Pros
Exceptional comfort for four, drives more like a sedan than a minivan, top-notch safety scores, upscale interior design.
Cons
Average room for six, not as family-friendly as most minivans, spotty reliability on early models.
What''s New for 2005
A midlevel Touring model is added to the Pacifica lineup, and the base model loses some of its standard equipment to accommodate a new lower price. Rear parking assist is now optional.
Overview
Introduction:
When all-American Chrysler "merged" with German conglomerate Daimler, it seemed an unlikely combination. So it shouldn''t be much of a surprise that the first product to emerge from this strange brew is itself an improbable mix of minivan, wagon and sport-utility. Chrysler calls the Pacifica a "sports tourer," and while this may be just another example of the endlessly fertile minds of Chrysler''s marketing team, the Pacifica does have a distinctly different personality compared to your average minivan or SUV. Its sleek lines certainly don''t scream "mommy-mobile," but look inside and there are more than enough seats to qualify for carpool duty. Juxtapose this with the Pacifica''s luxuriously appointed interior and high-end options, and it''s easy to see why this vehicle is so hard to wedge into any one specific category. Although base front-wheel-drive models start around $25,000, loaded all-wheel-drive versions can push $40,000. While the base price places it against mainstream vehicles like the Honda Pilot and Buick Rendezvous, more heavily optioned models run squarely against luxury-branded vehicles like Acura''s MDX and the Lexus RX 330 -- a challenge Chrysler feels that its upscale crossover is up to. Acceleration is a little soft from a standstill, but once the V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly. The ride is quiet and comfortable, and handling, while not exactly athletic, is certainly nimble for a large vehicle. Inside, the Pacifica has an attractive two-tone color scheme accented by faux wood and aluminum. The base model includes a three-passenger second-row bench seat, while the Touring and Limited''s second row features captain''s chairs that provide nearly as much comfort as the front seats. A surprisingly accommodating entry height makes getting in and out of the Pacifica a breeze. Space in the Touring and Limited''s two-passenger third row is tight, making it suitable for small children only. Finally, there''s only 13 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats -- not much at all for a utility vehicle. At least all the rear seats can be folded into the floor when you need more space, up to 92.2 cubic feet in the base, and 79.5 for the Touring and Limited (due to the third-row seat). We''ve found it hard not to like the Pacifica''s combination of upscale amenities, sharp handling and non-traditional styling. Add to that an elevated driving position, supremely comfortable seats and top-notch safety scores and it''s easy to see why Chrysler believes that it has created a whole new category. The main issue that gives us pause about the Pacifica is the spotty reliability of 2004 models. Although it''s likely that Chrysler will work out the early-build issues in successive model years, it''s fair to say that the Pacifica doesn''t measure up to the imports when it comes to hassle-free ownership.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Pacifica is available in three models -- base, Touring and Limited. The base model comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine; two-row, five-passenger seating; cloth upholstery; a CD player; full power accessories and keyless entry. The Touring adds a 3.5-liter single-overhead cam V6 engine; 17-inch alloy wheels; three-row six-passenger seating (with second-row captain''s chairs); and a 10-way power driver seat. Limited models build upon the Touring with standard all-wheel drive, a monochromatic exterior, 19-inch wheels, heated leather seats, a power moonroof and a power liftgate. Entertainment options include an upgraded 385-watt Infinity audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. An innovative DVD-based navigation system is offered with the screen mounted in the instrument cluster for easy viewing by the driver.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base front-wheel-drive Pacifica is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive base and all Touring and Limited versions come with Chrysler''s 3.5-liter V6, which makes 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. AWD models use a viscous coupling center differential, and the system has the ability to send up to 90 percent of the power to the front or rear wheels if the conditions warrant. All Pacificas come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety:
Safety features include optional side curtain airbags for all three rows, ABS, a knee airbag for the driver and an optional tire-pressure monitoring system. The Pacifica has earned a perfect five-star sweep in front- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA (when equipped with side curtain airbags). In addition, the Pacifica achieved a "Best Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its frontal offset test.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Touring and Limited Pacificas can seat up to six people, but the seats are arranged in three rows of two. Base models include a three-passenger rear bench seat and no third-row seat. The second- and third-row chairs can be tumbled easily to fold flat into the floor, maximizing level loading space with an extra storage bin under the cargo area. Lack of legroom in the third row limits it to occasional use only.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Pacifica delivers a confident, over-the-road feel that most minivans, and SUVs for that matter, would find hard to match. The steering provides solid feedback, and the suspension imparts a sense of surefooted control that borders on fun. We''re not going to go too far out on a limb and call it "sporty," but for a vehicle that''s specifically designed for family duty, it''s surprisingly entertaining. While power from either V6 is adequate, the Pacifica can feel sluggish at times due to its hefty curb weight.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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