The Pacifica feels solid. Its chassis is well sorted to the task and the best part is, I could not hear one rattle. Wind noise was more of an issue than I would have thought but in general, this vehicle is very quiet. The overall effect is the desire to drive at a slower pace, to enjoy life and not be in a rush. And to also not upset the gas gauge.
Safety
The Pacifica has standard dual front, side and front knee air bags, optional side curtain air bags (standard on Limited) ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the vehicle 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both frontal impacts and for lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.
Conclusion
One of the main issues with the Pacifica is its pricing. For the $50,000 sticker price of our tester, an Acura MDX, a Lexus RX330 and an Infiniti FX35 are plausible. These trucks all have something the Pacifica lacks: prestige. These SUVs may not be direct competitors however at $56,400, the MDX is probably the closest equipment-wise minus the power hatch and the rear heated seats. In this light, the Pacifica almost makes no sense.
There is an aura of quality that stems from the Pacifica. The interior is
tastefully presented and assembled. To some, the Pacifica looks like a squashed minivan, others find its mixture of bloodlines very pleasing. There is some kind of soft precision about the way the Pacifica behaves and it is appreciable. In the end, the big Chrysler is not enjoying the success that many had predicted.
With Chrysler having cut their 7-year powertrain warranty in Canada and now in the USA, this leaves fewer arguments for many to purchase the Pacifica. The arrival of the Highline base model might help the bottom line, nevertheless I cannot imagine any sale records being shattered.
Good stuff:
Nice cabin
Smooth ride
Not so good stuff:
Needs more power
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Ford Freestyle
Safety
 |
Conclusion
One of the main issues with the Pacifica is its pricing. For the $50,000 sticker price of our tester, an Acura MDX, a Lexus RX330 and an Infiniti FX35 are plausible. These trucks all have something the Pacifica lacks: prestige. These SUVs may not be direct competitors however at $56,400, the MDX is probably the closest equipment-wise minus the power hatch and the rear heated seats. In this light, the Pacifica almost makes no sense.
There is an aura of quality that stems from the Pacifica. The interior is
 |
With Chrysler having cut their 7-year powertrain warranty in Canada and now in the USA, this leaves fewer arguments for many to purchase the Pacifica. The arrival of the Highline base model might help the bottom line, nevertheless I cannot imagine any sale records being shattered.
Good stuff:
Nice cabin
Smooth ride
Not so good stuff:
 |
Needs more power
Fuel consumption
Competitors:
Ford Freestyle
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