2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica: Road Test

At up to 4675 pounds, AWD Pacificas are as heavy as the typical seven-seat luxury SUV--but most of those offer a V8 engine. With AWD, Pacifica's V6 furnishes fair movement off the line, and Chrysler claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 9.6 seconds. Still, the 3.5-liter V6 feels labored uphill and in passing maneuvers, where it requires a noisy two-gear downshift to tap its power. Front-drive Pacificas offer adequate power, but also feel underpowered for towing or when filled with passengers and cargo. Most rivals' automatic transmissions have five speeds, versus Pacifica's four. Towing capacity is a minivanlike 3500 pounds. Fuel economy is unimpressive. A Test AWD Pacifica averaged 17.1 mpg in a city/highway mix. A front-drive Touring averaged 16.4 to 16.8 mpg in mostly city driving. Chrysler recommends 89-octane or higher fuel for the 3.5-liter engine, but regular for the short-lived 3.8-liter. With 17-inch tires, Pacifica suspensions are more absorbent over bumps and ruts than most midsize SUVs, but dips and swells induce some minivanlike bounding body motions. Steering is not crisp, but naturally progressive and friendly. Expect good balance in turns, little noseplow, but noticeable body lean in fast changes of direction. Strong, progressive braking is accompanied by little nosedive. Wind noise is minimal, but the engine note is inappropriately ragged with anything beyond modest throttle. Road noise with 17-inch tires is adequately suppressed, except for coarse-pavement tire thrum and thump. Clear main gauges are distinguished by a navigation screen dead ahead of the driver in the speedometer face, with controls to its immediate right. Although the system is easy to use, with some familiarization, the screen and controls are positioned so only the driver can comfortably see or operate them. Otherwise, the dashboard layout is obvious and annoyance-free. Power front seats, lumbar support, and pedals are easily adjusted by miniature likenesses on door panels. The available in-dash six-disc changer (if installed) plays any combination of CDs and DVDs. Contemporary cabin decor features materials and details usually found in near-luxury imports, though some testers have said selected dashboard plastics don't measure up. Front seats are soft yet supportive, though some testers have had trouble finding a comfortable position. Outward visibility for most drivers is good; the view is higher than from a car, but lower than from an SUV. Rear headrests can obstruct the aft view, however, and some testers have been bothered by thick rear pillars. The front passenger seat is not height-adjustable and can feel slightly confining. Both seats have fold-down armrests. Entry/exit is basically step-in easy, but would be better if doors opened wider. Second-row occupants get firmer buckets than in the front, but they're still comfortable. Each slides 5 inches fore/aft for excellent leg and foot room. Head room is great, but high window sills and front headrests yield a confined sensation for shorter riders. Leg space is adequate in the base model, on a second-row bench. Touring and Limited second-row buckets slide fore/aft, but a long center console extends between the first and second rows. The third row is more elevated, but sized for preteens. Back-row access is helped by spring-forward second-row seats, but still a challenge. Grocery bags fit upright behind the third row. Third-row seatbacks easily flip flat from back of vehicle, but only folks who are long of limb can lift them from there. Folded second-row buckets are bridged by a panel to create a broad but not fully flat load floor. The shallow under-floor bin and available power liftgate (if installed) are useful.

Value for the Money
Pacificas aren't as roomy inside as their generous exterior dimensions suggest. Acceleration is unexceptional, and they move like a heavy minivan. Still, a Pacifica is more rational than most any SUV and more stylish than a minivan, exuding some upscale appeal. Sales have been slower than expected, so secondhand prices might be appealing.