2007 Chrysler Pacifica
It's All About Choices
Test drove: 8/4/2006 to 8/18/2006
The greatest thing about being a Gen X-er in the 21st century is that, unlike many of our parents before us, we have choices. We can choose to have a family first or a career first. We can choose to be working moms or stay-at-home moms. We can choose public schools, charter schools or private schools. We can choose minivans or ... Pacificas. As much as I love the functionality of the good old-fashioned minivan, I much prefer the blend of form and function in the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica.
Since I am a mom, after all, let's start with the function (that always seems to come first, doesn't it?). The captain's chairs in the second row of the Pacifica (not so equipped on the base model) are just about perfect. They slide front and back to make more legroom when needed. This feature comes in handy for families using rear-facing infant seats, as well as families with teenagers sprouting long legs and big feet resembling cheese wedges on toothpicks.
A storage pouch on the back of the passenger's seat holds the essentials that somehow always end up in my car: a coloring book, colored pencils, my hairbrush entangled with purple My Little Pony hair, a dirty sock — not mine, mind you. This pouch's logical partner (behind the driver's seat) is mysteriously missing, however, making me ponder why one seat is more important to keep organized than the other. According to Kathy Graham, a Chrysler spokeswoman, market research shows a very small percentage of people actually use this pocket, so it has been removed to allow for additional design liberty with the driver's seat. I guess I'm part of that very small percentage, because I mourn the missing pocket every day during my two-week test drive.
A new fabric that's standard in the Pacifica is YES Essentials, and it's the most kid-proof vehicle upholstery out there, next to leather. The stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static fabric actually allows permanent market to be washed off with soap and water. It's true; I've seen it with my own eyes. Plus, that dreaded spoiled-milk mom-car smell that several of my friends complain about will be as yesterday as sending hand-written party invitations — you gotta love Evite.
A center console between the second-row captain's chairs adds to the Pacifica's functionality. The cupholders in the console are accessible for the second row passengers, and the storage bin provides enough room for a few toys. A rear climate control is located here as well, allowing the kids to choose their own fan speed if I so desire. The problem is that this center console also blocks what would otherwise be a walkway to get to the third row, like in a minivan. Each captain's chair can be rotated forward or folded flat in order to get to the rear seat, but not if they're taken up with child-safety seats, making the easiest access to the third row through the cargo area.
The Touring and Limited models of the Pacifica accommodate two more passengers (full-sized ones, at that) in the third row. The two-person seat splits 50/50 and folds flat for additional cargo room. I love the simple one-step folding mechanism for the third row, which is utilized quite frequently in my family. Need to carpool? Leave the third row up. Loading the kids' bikes in the car? Fold one or two seats down. It's so simple it's revolutionary — no need to tumble, lift, heft or remove.
Speaking of innovation, the navigation screen in the Pacifica is located within the arc of the speedometer. When checking the map or on-screen directions, I simply lower my eyes to the speedometer and get all my info there. This is a great feature to simplify the hectic driving experience that most people have with so many high-tech gadgets in cars these days. This navigation screen also doubles as the ParkView back-up camera's screen. While I love this new addition for 2007, the screen is too dark to see clearly (even after adjusting it to its brightest setting), and the ParkView is often obstructed by my arms and the spokes in the steering wheel when backing up and turning.
Also new for 2007 is a more reasonable engine in the Pacifica. A juicier 4.0-liter and six-speed transmission means the vehicle no longer lags when trying to get up to highway speed. The engine is now as functional as the rest of the car.
Considering the Pacifica's generally affordable base price, standard safety features (including side curtain airbags), good safety ratings, and thoughtful mix of function and modern style, it remains one of my favorite choices for busy moms who aren't quite ready to make the minivan leap.
*For more information on the Chrysler Pacifica and its safety features, visit www.cars.com. For questions or comments regarding this review, write to MotherProof@msn.com.
LET'S TALK NUMBERS
LATCH Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5/6
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Base price: | $24,900 |
| Price as tested: | 0 |
| Engine: | V6 |
| Fuel: | 18/25 mpg |
| Length: | 198.5" |
| Width: | 79.3" |
| Step-in height: | 5.9" ground clearance |
| Cargo space: | 13.0 — 92.7 cu ft |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver's side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger's side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 4 Stars |
Comments
As an owner of a Chrysler Pacifica don't let the appearance fool you. The Pacifica is not a realible car. It has many problems. My transaxle broke on the interstate while 600 miles away from home. I now know why they have the side curtain airbags and all the saftey features (you'll need it when the semi-tractor trailer behind you runs you over when the transaxle breaks). I was told that there was a global back order of transaxles for the Pacifica. That in itself should tell Pacifica owners something. I will never ever drive another Pacifica. You can dress up a lemon, but it's still a lemon.
Posted by: Tim | Sep 3, 2007 8:20:54 PM
I've had my pacifica for almost 3 yrs. It has been amazing. Two busy sporty boys and a beach lifestyle have made it a part of the family. Never one single problem, and the maintenance has been nothing more than oil changes. I'm getting another one. Sorry to hear they ditched the seat pocket in the rear. Great car. Great price. Use the back seats for adults! Great styling too. Nothing matches it.
Posted by: therese | Oct 12, 2007 8:01:12 PM
We have had our 2005 Pacifica for two years and we love it. I have always owned Hondas and BMW's so I was hesitant to buy American. We have 80K miles on it and have had just a few minor repairs. It rides like a dream and is very practical without looking to much like a mom-mobile. My husband doesn't even mind driving it! We have actually had a great experince with our Chrysler Service Department, also very surprising.
Posted by: Tiffany Heard | Jan 17, 2008 7:24:49 PM
We have a 2005 Pacifica and have not been enjoying this car. We recently discovered (after my car stalled in traffic) that there was a recall on the fuel injectors and PCMs. So we took are car to the dealer (wondering why we weren't notified) and they supposedly fixed the problem. It drove like a dream, for about a month. Now it's back to shutting off (in traffic) and now the engine light is on. It's not performing well at all. Sometimes when I hit the accelarator I feel like I'm driving a mack truck. It just will not get up there. My husband is back at the dealer today.
Posted by: Vetta | Mar 5, 2008 12:27:02 PM
2007 Touring, fully loaded. Bought in June of 2007. Called dealer average 2 times a month with engine issues. There was a 'rumble strip' feel. They finally replaced tork converter. Engine still sounds rough. Like a diesel truck. Put in park and let idle or at a stop sign. It's embarassing and frustrating. The people in my car pool do not feel comfortable in my 'new car'. I'm looking at the Lemon Law strongly.
Posted by: Ruth | Apr 14, 2008 2:04:43 PM
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Your glowing account of the 2007 Pacifica is mostly correct EXCEPT ours is causing us problems that have resulted in us asking ourselves daily "Why did we buy this car?"
Please be aware that the 6 speed transmissions are causing problems to a number of buyers ( we have heard that nearly 1500 are faced with the same difficulty as ours) Dispite constant calls to the dealership and attempted repairs it still runs as if it has water in the gasline. We are told it is a problem with the transmission that Chrysler is yet to figure our. Guess they're doing it on our nickel.
Several owners are already looking into the Lemon law,
Please add a PS to your article advising the buyer to beware
Posted by: Sharon Benjamin | Jul 25, 2007 8:58:49 PM