When the definitive history of the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG is written, undoubtedly the writer will claim that the turnaround vehicles for the company were the Brampton-built sedans and wagons that bear such names as 300, Charger and Magnum.
That may be true, but it's not fair to ignore completely the influence of the Chrysler Pacifica on the tide of events, since the Windsor-built station wagon got people thinking about Chrysler in a new way, and that must have had an affect on the firm's fortunes.
But now the Pacifica wagon (the vehicle's original ''sports tourer'' designation lives on only in the memories of marketing and PR types) is largely ignored in the clamor of people rushing to get a Magnum wagon.
This is unfortunate, since the Pacifica still has a lot to offer people looking for more versatility than a traditional sedan can bring, and it can be had in one of four variations. Pacifica now starts with the Highline FWD (for front-wheel-drive) at $36,065, and goes through the Touring FWD at $38,700, the Touring AWD (for all-wheel-drive) at $42,600, and the Limited AWD at $48,650.
Regardless of trim level, the Pacifica may appeal to folks who find the shape of the Dodge Magnum wagon a little overwhelming. Next to that wagon's in-your-grille shape, the Chrysler Pacifica looks a lot more restrained and classic, so it's not likely to look as dated one day.
Getting into the individual models, you can certainly see the appeal for the folks stepping in at the bottom end of the offerings, since they get access to a striking vehicle with decent performance credentials and ergonomic charms.
What's more open to interpretation is the desire to step up to more expensive levels of the Pacifica.
Power is probably one of the most compelling reasons to go above the Highline FWD model, since it gets the larger but less powerful engine. That would be the 3.8-litre V-6 that's good for 215 hp at 5,000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which simply won't be enough for most people since Pacifica is a large vehicle meant to carry people and things.
But if you're one of those folks who doesn't mind getting up to speed in a nice, deliberate manner, there is lots to recommend the five-seat Highline FWD version of Pacifica.
Like all variations on the Pacifica theme, the least-expensive model holds all of its occupants in reasonable comfort and does a good jump of keeping them out of harm's way.
Given the size of the vehicle, it's somewhat surprising that there isn't more leg- and elbow-room for the driver. With Pacifica, it's important to take it out for a decent highway spin to see how you feel in relation to its pedal placement. If it doesn't fit you well, it would be a major irritant over time.
This unit would be particularly useful for drivers who don't have any plans to carry more than one passenger, as the second row bench can be folded down to provide a significant amount of cargo space.
If you go up a grade, to the Touring at $38,700, you get a pretty interesting group of extra features, starting with the smaller engine.
That would be the 3.5-litre SOHC, 24-valve V-6 that delivers 250 hp at 6,400 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm, which does a much better job of hauling the Pacifica Touring FWD's bulk (2016 kg) around. Even then, if you put some extra weight in the vehicle (such as when you go to the AWD system), it's going to struggle occasionally in response to your acceleration demands, modest or otherwise.
That may be true, but it's not fair to ignore completely the influence of the Chrysler Pacifica on the tide of events, since the Windsor-built station wagon got people thinking about Chrysler in a new way, and that must have had an affect on the firm's fortunes.
But now the Pacifica wagon (the vehicle's original ''sports tourer'' designation lives on only in the memories of marketing and PR types) is largely ignored in the clamor of people rushing to get a Magnum wagon.
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| 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Limited (photo: DaimlerChrysler AG) |
Regardless of trim level, the Pacifica may appeal to folks who find the shape of the Dodge Magnum wagon a little overwhelming. Next to that wagon's in-your-grille shape, the Chrysler Pacifica looks a lot more restrained and classic, so it's not likely to look as dated one day.
Getting into the individual models, you can certainly see the appeal for the folks stepping in at the bottom end of the offerings, since they get access to a striking vehicle with decent performance credentials and ergonomic charms.
What's more open to interpretation is the desire to step up to more expensive levels of the Pacifica.
Power is probably one of the most compelling reasons to go above the Highline FWD model, since it gets the larger but less powerful engine. That would be the 3.8-litre V-6 that's good for 215 hp at 5,000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which simply won't be enough for most people since Pacifica is a large vehicle meant to carry people and things.
But if you're one of those folks who doesn't mind getting up to speed in a nice, deliberate manner, there is lots to recommend the five-seat Highline FWD version of Pacifica.
Like all variations on the Pacifica theme, the least-expensive model holds all of its occupants in reasonable comfort and does a good jump of keeping them out of harm's way.
Given the size of the vehicle, it's somewhat surprising that there isn't more leg- and elbow-room for the driver. With Pacifica, it's important to take it out for a decent highway spin to see how you feel in relation to its pedal placement. If it doesn't fit you well, it would be a major irritant over time.
This unit would be particularly useful for drivers who don't have any plans to carry more than one passenger, as the second row bench can be folded down to provide a significant amount of cargo space.
If you go up a grade, to the Touring at $38,700, you get a pretty interesting group of extra features, starting with the smaller engine.
That would be the 3.5-litre SOHC, 24-valve V-6 that delivers 250 hp at 6,400 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm, which does a much better job of hauling the Pacifica Touring FWD's bulk (2016 kg) around. Even then, if you put some extra weight in the vehicle (such as when you go to the AWD system), it's going to struggle occasionally in response to your acceleration demands, modest or otherwise.