The Grandfather of crossovers

With its two-box, six-seat setup and rear side doors that opened conventionally--instead of the sliding doors found on minivans--when the production Pacifica arrived in 2004, Chrysler marketing types dubbed the Pacifica a "grand tourer" (not to be confused with Mercedes-Benz's equally hard to define R Class, classified as a "sports tourer").

The Limited trim adds a monochromatic exterior, fog lamps and 19-inch chrome wheels.

The reason being was that the Pacifica wasn't a traditional sports-utility vehicle. And even though it was built alongside the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country in Windsor, Ontario, Chrysler didn't want the Pacifica to be labeled a "minivan."

Even if Chrysler didn't know it at the time, the Pacifica was one of the industry's first crossover-utility-vehicles. A segment that has busted out all over with vehicles like the Acura MDX, Ford Taurus X (nee Freestyle), Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave triplets and Subaru Tribeca. All following in the pioneering Pacifica's tire tracks.

Updates for 2007
With all of these new CUVs biting at the Pacifica's heels, for 2007, Chrysler's has added more performance, standard safety features and a freshened up exterior limited to new headlights, a restyled hood, fenders, grille, and front fascia.

The base model Pacifica starts at $34,945. That gets you front-wheel-drive with a 200 horsepower 3.8L V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include all-row side curtain air bags, electronic stability program, electronic throttle control, and traction control.

There's also mid-range Pacifica Touring, which can be had in FWD or optional all-wheel-drive. My test vehicle was the range-topping Pacifica Limited, starting at $46,215.

To the Touring, the Limited adds leather-faced heated seats in the first and second rows, monochromatic exterior, fog lamps, side-curtain air bags, parking sensors, power sunroof and liftgate, 19-inch chrome rims and AWD. A 4.0L V6 with an additional 53 and one more gear in the slushbox also is standard.

The 4.0L V6 is a welcomed ally in the battle against girth and weight.

With options like a navigation system with rear backup camera, upgraded sound system, high-intensity-discharge headlights and hands-free communication, the Pacifica Limited tester listed for $51,825.

The Pacifica's interior mixes cosiness with a tinge of claustrophobia.

Chrysler's cocoon
From its centre console that runs through to the second row bucket seats, to the high beltline, the Pacifica's interior has always felt either reassuringly cozy or slightly claustrophobic.

Even as full featured as the Limited is, the Pacifica's cabin as a whole feels dated. Most of the switchgear is leftover from the current Chrysler minivans that will be phased out later this year. The navigational system, with its small screen centered in the driver's instrumentation, is noticeable when competitors can boast larger, easier to use systems.

Those traveling up front get comfy buckets and plenty of knee- and elbowroom. However, compared to Ford's Taurus X or GM's new CUV's, the Pacifica's third-row seats--only available on Touring and Limited models--are cramped for adults with little headroom due to the Chrysler's sweeping roofline.

More displacement, more gears = more performance
Especially when optioned with all-wheel-drive, the original Pacifica's 3.5L V6 was thoroughly drubbed by critics who were looking for a little more grand performance in their tourer.

It's not enough to start challenging 300C SRT-8's at stoplights, but the new 253 h.p. and 262 pound-feet of torque 4.0L V6 shaves a couple of seconds off the previous model's 10 second 0-100 km/h gallop.

The new six-speed transmission shifts smoothly. And the AutoStick manumatic feature allows you select your own gear. But at times, the gearbox had a hard deciding which gear it wanted to be in, especially if driving with a light throttle.

The Pacifica's ride is luxury-car like except for the presence of some road noise.

Luxury car drive
With a soft ride, the Pacifica, particularly in Limited guise, is at its best when driven like a luxury car. But even with 2,141 kilograms of curb weight, the Chrysler grand tourer is fairly well controlled in its body motions. The ride may be luxury car smooth, but the Pacifica's overall body engineering shows its age with plenty of noise entering the cabin when the road gets rough.

The Grandfather of crossovers still looks current thanks to its recent facelift.

Like many luxury cars, the Pacifica Limited's steering is one-finger light. But it does give good feel just off-centre and is accurate when steering you and your (potential) five friends though the turns.

Despite the upgrades for '07, the Pacifica is generally the same vehicle that appeared four years ago. Fundamentally, it's a tall, roomy, four-passenger luxury wagon, with (very) occasional use for six.

In the hotly contested segment the Pacifica helped pioneer, fresher product is beating it at its own game. But the Chrysler still represents good value if you're looking to coddle four of your closest friends.


New 4.0L V6 is an improvement.
Lots of features.
Luxury car ride.


Dated interior.
Cramped third-row.
Suspension noises.



Nothing.