2007 Chrysler Pacifica: Road Test

Archived Review

2007 Chrysler Pacifica 

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  • MSRP: $24,460 -$35,825
  • Invoice: $22,589 -$32,704

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Our road test for the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica help you decide if a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 5 6 5 5.2

The 2WD base model's 3.8 V6 furnishes fair movement off the line, but can feel labored uphill and in passing maneuvers. New 4.0 V6 is stronger; test 2WD Limited did an impressive 7.4 sec 0-60 mph. Its 6-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts readily to provide confident passing power. Towing capacity is a minivanlike 3500 lb.

FUEL ECONOMY

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 4 4 4 4

Test front-drive base model averaged 13.9 mpg in mostly city driving. Test 2WD Limiteds averaged 14.6-14.7 mpg including gas-eating acceleration runs. Test AWD Limited averaged 15.3 mpg in city/highway driving. Chrysler recommends regular-grade fuel for the 3.8 V6, 89 octane for the 4.0.

RIDE QUALITY

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.5

With standard 17-inch tires, more absorbent over bumps and ruts than most midsize SUVs. But dips and swells induce some bounding body motions. Little ride penalty with Limited's 19s.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 5 5 5 4.5

Decent balance in turns, with little noseplow. Noticeable body lean and numb steering blunt any feeling of agility. Strong, progressive braking with little nosedive.

QUIETNESS

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 6 7 7 5.6

Both engines somewhat coarse, though 4.0 V6 noticeably smoother than 3.8. Little wind noise. Road noise adequately suppressed except for rough-surface tire thrum and thump.

CONTROLS

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 6 6.6

Clear main gauges distinguished by available navigation screen dead ahead of driver in speedometer face, with controls to immediate right. System easy to use with familiarization, though screen and controls positioned for driver use only. Available in-dash six-disc changer plays CDs and DVDs. Materials appropriate for the price.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
8 8 8 8 7

Seats soft yet supportive, though some testers have difficulty finding a comfortable position. Sunroof housing cuts into head room for taller occupants. Good outward visibility for most drivers, though rear headrests and DVD entertainment system screen can obscure aft view. Some testers find over-the-shoulder visibility obscured by thick rear pillars. Passenger seat not adjustable for height and can feel slightly confining. Fold-down armrests on both seats. Entry/exit basically step-in easy, but doors should open wider.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.1

Adequate leg room in base model, whose 2nd-row bench seat is stationary. Touring/Limited 2nd-row buckets slide fore/aft to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row leg room. With buckets, long center-floor console extends between 1st and 2nd rows. As in front, sunroof housing cuts into head room for taller passenger. High windowsills, high front headrests create confined feel. Third row more elevated, but sized for preteens; access a challenge.

CARGO ROOM

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
8 8 8 8 8

Grocery bags fit upright behind 3rd row. Third-row seatbacks easily flip flat from back of vehicle, but only long of limb can lift them from there. Folded 2nd-row buckets bridged by panel to create broad but not fully flat load floor. Shallow underfloor bin and available power liftgate are useful touches. Chrysler lists maximum cargo volume of 92.7 cu ft for the five-seat model, 79.5 for the others.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 5 4 4 5.9

Pacifica feels smaller inside than its generous exterior dimensions suggest. And it drives like a heavy minivan--which is better than driving like a heavy SUV. In the end, it successfully mixes traditional vehicle types to create a versatile wagon with some upscale appeal.

Total Score

2WD Base AWD Base 2WD Limited AWD Limited w/nav. sys. Class Average
60 61 62 60 58.4

Total Score: 61

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69

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