2005 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD (Video Clip)

* Click HERE to see a video on the Chrysler Pacifica *

Who's brainchild?

What is big, heavy, made some noise a few years back and is now as quiet as a cemetery? The Chrysler Pacifica. Introduced in early 2003 as a 2004, the Pacifica was to be the new definition of the family car par excellence. It crossed the not-so-fine lines between the SUV, the minivan and the family station wagon. DaimlerChrysler, following the merger in 1998, had high hopes for this vehicle; it was the first all-new production model from the recently formed company.

Deemed the "Sports Tourer", the Pacifica was at first, mostly available in high-end trim levels. The soaring retail prices directed nearly all potential buyers towards the Caravan and away from the first born of the new wave of Chrysler products. For 2005, a new more basic model, called Highline, has been introduced sporting the Caravan's 3.8L and a lower level of standard features.

A base Highline FWD Pacifica retails for $36,065. A fully optioned out Limited AWD will easily fetch $54,000. Our tester was a Limited AWD with a few options and retailed for $53,065.

Exterior styling

The influences of the three types of vehicles that the Pacifica was supposed to replace are clear. The longer hood and lower roofline play the part of the wagon. The slightly higher step in, the larger vertical grille and bulky bumpers are the SUV styling cues. The overall shape and seating arrangements are very minivan. The absence of sliding doors was probably the first thing that the designers at DCX wanted. The end result is a handsome, clean and minutely muscular design.

The chrome 7-spoke 19" alloy wheels, although attractive, only manage to fill up the huge wheel wells. This biggest concern here is not the size of the wheels but the replacement cost for the tires. Retail prices for the P235/55R19 tires hover over $300 a piece. Although no one buys or sells tires at retail, expect to dish out well over $1 000 to purchase a set of new ones.

Interior styling

The cabin of the Pacifica Limited is without a doubt luxurious. The dashboard is very good looking, well finished and with nice materials. I do deplore the fact that the radio found in the $50,000 + Pacifica is the same one that someone paying $20,000 will get. Although I must say, the sound is rich. The HVAC commands, a series of 14 buttons, are a little confusing and require some time to get use to. A discerningly busy arrangement of woods, plastics and metallic trims make up the dashboard and door panels.

Both front and second row seating is comprised of comfy heated captain chairs. The third row split folding bench is best reserved for short people as head and legroom are very limited. During the raid of the Mercedes parts bin, Chrysler endowed the Pacifica with the same door mounted electric seat controllers. The part leather part suede seat materials blend nicely and give the inner quarters an upscale touch.