Chrysler Pacifica Review
The Pacifica is the original crossover, launched by Chrysler before sky high gas prices turbocharged the entire genre. The Pacifica combines the utility of a minivan (without the stigma of actually having to drive one), the raised seating position of an SUV (without getting dirty looks from drivers with “Proud To Be Vegan” bumper stickers) and the handling of a sedan (without the fuel efficiency). While it may not have everything it needs to roust suburban schleppers from their SUV’s, the station wagon stilts is still the original and best shot over the SUV's bow.
Pacifica ads promise a luxurious sedan-like interior. In a stark break with industry tradition, it delivers. The Pacifica’s cabin is simple and stylish; it's made from materials that wouldn’t seem out of place in a mid-level Mercedes. In case you’re not entirely convinced that a Chrysler can have class, the company's added a bit of technological whiz bang. In the flat world of navigation systems, the Pacifica’s oversized display screen-- sitting bang in the middle of the speedometer-- is an ergonomic triumph. It's too bad Chrysler’s sat nav software is easily disoriented and provides erroneous directions.
Chrysler teamed up with Infinity to create one of the world’s best and most complicated audio systems. It's a farrago of oddly shaped buttons, rockers, sliders and a big plastic knob. Underneath the CD-equipped head unit there’s… another CD player. The overall design is so ergonomically compromised that Chrysler just plain gave up and added two multi-function ICE-control buttons to the back of the steering wheel. Luckily, the helm-based switches offer a simple and effective alternative to the head unit’s RTFM Hell.
Curb Weight: 4444 lbs.
Engine: 3.5 liter SOHC V6
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 250 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Drive Type: front wheel drive
0 to 60: 9.7 seconds
1/4 Mile: 17.4 sec @ 81 mph
Price as Tested: $31,830
Top Speed: 114 mph
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