2005 Chrysler Pacifica: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chrysler creates a three-model lineup for the 2005 edition of its crossover wagon, adding a lower-priced version and an uplevel luxury edition. Pacifica aims to blend traits of cars, SUVs, and minivans, and offers front- or all-wheel drive. The '05 line launched in April 2004 with the Touring edition, essentially a carryover of the 2004 standard-trim Pacifica; it's the middle version in the new three-model strategy. Added later were base and top-line Limited models.

Base comes with a 2nd-row bench seat for 5-passenger capacity. Touring and Limited have two 2nd-row buckets and a 3rd-row 2-passenger bench for 6-passenger capacity. Base versions are not available with such features as power liftgate, sunroof, traction control, or rear DVD entertainment that are standard or optional on other models. Base models with front-wheel drive have a 215-hp 3.8-liter V6. AWD base versions share a 250-hp 3.5 V6 with all other Pacificas. A 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the only transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Base and Touring have 17-inch wheels; Limiteds come with 19s that are optional for Touring. Pacifica's 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold but don't remove. Chrysler lists maximum cargo volume of 92.2 cu ft for the 5-seat model, 79.5 for the others. A driver-side knee airbag is standard. Head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are standard on Limited, optional on base and Touring. No antiskid system is offered. The Limited comes only with AWD and has unique trim inside and out.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.