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2007 Chrysler Pacifica Full Review
Date Published: 7/22/08
2007 Chrysler Pacifica Review
Pacifica gets a minor facelift and a powertrain revamp for 2007. This wagon blends car, SUV, and minivan traits, and all models offer front- or all-wheel drive. The base model seats five, Touring and Limited seat six. For 2007, the front-drive base model has a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other Pacificas have a 255-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic. All 2006 models had a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic. Also for '07, traction control moves from optional to standard, and antiskid control, formerly unavailable, is standard. All Pacificas have ABS, a driver knee airbag, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold down but don't remove. Rear obstacle detection is standard on Limited, optional otherwise. Standard on Limited and optional on Touring are power-adjustable pedals, power liftgate, sunroof, and heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. Other available features include a navigation system, rearview camera, DVD entertainment, and a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
News
The rumor mill is silent about Pacifica, suggesting little near-term change. And in fact, the calendar is currently blank through decade's end. A redesign could occur for 2011 or 2012, assuming interim sales are strong enough to justify the expense.
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2007 Chrysler Pacifica Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69
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2007 Chrysler Pacifica Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/22/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base 4-door wagon $24,460 $22,589 $730
AWD Base 4-door wagon $27,550 $25,340 $730
2WD Touring 4-door wagon $27,600 $25,384 $730
AWD Touring 4-door wagon $30,250 $27,743 $730
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $33,775 $30,880 $730
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $35,825 $32,704 $730
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.8-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, driver knee airbag, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual controls and rear controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Infinity AM/FM/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension, 235/65R17 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, alloy wheels.
Touring adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat, 2nd-row adjustable bucket seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Limited adds to Touring:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, power liftgate, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/55HR19 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Leather Value Group
2WD Base
$1,995
$1,756
AWD Base
$1,695
$1,492
Cargo Convenience Group plus leather upholstery, 10-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, alloy wheels (2WD).
Quick Order Pkg. 29T
2WD Touring
$1,970
$1,734
Leather upholstery, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, satellite radio, power liftgate, fog lights.
Quick Order Pkg. 29U
AWD Touring
$1,910
$1,681
Heated front and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, satellite radio, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power folding mirrors w/automatic day/night, power liftgate, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights, fog lights.
Spring Special Quick Order Pkg. 29P
2WD Touring
$3,965
$3,489
AWD Touring
$3,905
$3,436
Cargo Convenience Group plus rear-obstacle-detection system, leather upholstery, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, satellite radio, DVD entertainment system, power liftgate, fog lights, 235/55R19 tires.
Rearview Monitor Group
Touring
$595
$524
Touring w/Spring Special Quick Order Pkg. 29P, Limited
$395
$348
Rear-obstacle-detection system (Touring), rearview camera.
Navigation and Rearview Monitor Group
Touring, Limited
$1,995
$1,756
Navigation system, rearview camera. Touring requires rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Group
Touring
$695
$612
Heated front and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals. 2WD requires Quick Order Pkg.
Luxury Group
2WD Touring
$995
$876
Heated front and 2nd-row seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power-adjustable pedals, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 29T.
Entertainment Group I
Base
$795
$700
DVD entertainment system. Requires AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD Audio player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer or Leather Value Group.
Entertainment Group II
Touring
$1,185
$1,043
Touring w/Pkg. 29T/29U, Limited
$995
$876
DVD entertainment system, wireless headphones, satellite radio. Touring requires AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD Audio player or AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer and power liftgate.
Cargo Convenience Group
Base, Touring
$335
$295
Cargo cover, cargo net, roof rack, rear bumper pad.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Base, Touring
$285
$251
Base/Touring w/Cargo Convenience Group or Leather Value Group
$275
$242
Tire-pressure monitor
Touring
$80
$70
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded Infinity sound system
Touring, Limited
$700
$616
Touring requires Quick Order Pkg.
AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD Audio player
Base, Touring
$70
$62
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer
Base, Touring
$555
$488
Satellite radio
Touring
$195
$172
UConnect
2WD Touring
$360
$317
2WD Touring w/Luxury Group, AWD Touring, Limited
$275
$242
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror. Touring requires Quick Order Pkg.
Heated Seat Group
Touring
$550
$484
Heated front and 2nd-row seats. 2WD requires Quick Order Pkg. 29T.
Power sunroof
Touring
$895
$788
Power liftgate
Touring
$400
$352
Upgraded floormats
Base, Limited, Touring
$30
$26
Smoker's Group
Base, Limited, Touring
$50
$44
Ash tray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base, Limited, Touring
$45
$40
Special paint
Touring, Limited
$150
$132
Premium paint
Base, Limited, Touring
$225
$198
Laminated side glass
Touring, Limited
$300
$264
Touring requires Quick Order Pkg.
Xenon headlights
Touring, Limited
$550
$484
Touring requires Quick Order Pkg.
Alloy wheels
2WD Base
$500
$440
Chrome alloy wheels
Touring
$785
$691
Touring w/Pkg.29T/29U
$700
$616
Includes standard 235/65R17 tires.
19-inch chrome alloy wheels
Touring
$1,235
$1,087
Touring w/Spring Special Pkg. 29P
$480
$422
Includes tire-pressure monitor, 235/55HR19 tires. Requires Quick Order Pkg.
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2007 Chrysler Pacifica Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chrysler Pacifica 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 116.3
Overall Length, in. 198.5
Overall Width, in. 79.3
Overall Height, in. 68.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 4511
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 92.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.0
Seating Capacity 6
Front Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.9
Rear Head Room, in. 40.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 sohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.8 /230 4.0 /241
Horsepower @ rpm. 200 @ 5000 255 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 235 @ 4000 265 @ 4200
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 18/25 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 16/24
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chrysler Pacifica 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Chrysler Pacifica
Trim Level:  Limited
Arrival Date:  02/26/2007
Engine:  sohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $33,475
Price as Tested:  $38,320
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3511
Mileage at End of Test:  3942
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  29.38 gals.
 

Major Options:  Linen Gold Metallic Pearl Coat Exterior Paint, Customer Preferred Package (Navigation/Rear back-up camera group, ParkView rear back-up camera, instrument cluster with display screen, navigation system w/GPS) Infinity Intermezzo Surround Sound System with 8 Infinity speakers with subwoofer, Entertainment Group 2 (2nd row overhead 8-inch video screen, wireless headphones, video remote control), UConnect Hands Free Communication

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  14.67 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell If you can't stand to be seen in a minivan and want something more civilized than a truck-based SUV, the Pacifica is a fine compromise, with a pleasant dash of upscale flair.

Tom Appel Shoppers who don't enjoy driving, your SUV has arrived. Pacifica is plenty comfortable enough, and the new 4.0L V6 gives it the shot in the arm it badly needed, but I still don't really get what this vehicle is supposed to be. With stuff, pricing nearly reaches that of Lexus' fun-to-drive RX350, but Pacifica lacks the luxury substance and driving joy of that vehicle. Viewed as a stylish minivan alternative, Pacifica starts to make some sense, but realize you're giving up a lot of utility in the trade.

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