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I appreciate your response b25Nut. Cluelesspa recommended that I give up and wait for my next new car, but I drive a fleet vehicle, so that time will never come.
I will take your advice and speak to the dealer about borrowing a Pacifica for the day. Making sure that it is black with the DVD. My wife wants a vehicle that is "meaty". Meaning something larger like the Montero or Land Cruiser. I cannot afford the Land Cruiser so that is not an option. I have told her that the Pacifica is actually larger (length and width)than the Montero, but the height is not there which is deceiving.
Anyhow, there are some great deals to be made with the Pacifica which motivates me even more. If anyone else has any ideas as to how I can convince my wife that this is the right vehicle for the three of us, I would love to hear from you.
The Pacifica reminds me of all the great times we had with our 1966 Dodge Monaco Station Wagon. I bet in a short time Chrysler will offer it with the plastic wood grain on the side and a power rear window.
The Pacifica is a very appealing station wagon.
But the $ prices from 30-40,000 seem high.
However , as someone else said , people will pay extra , even $ 10,000 extra , for something they find appealing.
If Pacifica clears the ground at 5.9", and Murano at 7.0 (or 7.1, depending on whom you believe), then ... well, I would want that extra inch and a bit. My Pathfinder clears at 8.3", and I never worry about curbs, slopes, etc. Having driven things like a Chrysler LeBaron (two-doors, to make it worse), I never want to return to checking the curb, etc.
From 8.3 to 7.1 is acceptable... not sure about going to 5.9", even though I do like Pacifica. My list is getting shorter (after driving and hating the Honda Pilot), with Murano still in first place, Pacifica second, and both of them "first year", which makes me nervous.
Maybe I should just sell off some offspring and get the BMW X5.
Chrysler is NOT going to offer outside wood trim and a power rear window because these are OLD-FASHIONED WAGON things. This is a modern car-based SUV. They will not want to seem old-fashioned. Get a used Country Squire. This will make you happy. The Pacifica apparently will not.
I think I'm running out of options: the Murano has a long list of serious complaints filed against it (on boards here and at office of defects investigation).
I'm left with a few choices: Highlander, Mitsubishi Endeavor (or other), Subaru Forester (maybe Outback), and another Pathfinder (worse things could happen), and maybe Pacifica (haven't ruled it out, and I do really like it).
Trying to get away from "truck" (and anything easy to roll, with a rough ride). I was looking for something exciting or interesting (Murano and Pacifica win those criteria).
found this at my dealership recently, made it into a PDF file for folks who are shopping and need some numbers/facts... this chart would have made my decision to buy the pacifica much easier
Well, I know it isn't anywhere near a Pacifica but, If you're considering the Forester or the Endeavor, you may want to think CR-V too. It has a HUGE back seat and many nice features that set it apart from everything else. Personally, I think the worst thing anyone can do is rule out a vehicle before actually seeing and driving it.
Otherwise the Volvo X90 looks like a winner. The X5, based on reliability per recalls and CR, seems like an expensive joke.
Comparison chart? Every vehicle on edmunds.com can be compared with any vehicle other you choose. You'll find it on the left hand side of the page after you choose the vehicle you wish to compare. Scroll to Find related vehicle. Then click on competeing vehicles. If the vehicle you wish to compare it to isn't there you can add or delete Edmunds selections. It's nice to use Edmunds because they aren't (openly) biased toward any particular make or model. I believe you can compare up to 5 vehicles at a time.
Quote: "It's nice to use Edmunds because they aren't (openly) biased toward any particular make or model."
hehehe yeah I wonder if sometimes if there isnt alot of influence (Car and Driver) was under the spotlight last year for taking perks from the big automakers.
the Volvo (forget getting a deal on them) they are sold before they hit the lot from what I hear.
I just noticed your outrageous message. "The Pacifica screams wagon/minivan". This is not true. For one, it doesn't look a bit like a minivan due to no sliding doors. And it is too tall to be a wagon.
Outrageous? I've said some outrageous things, "The Pacifica is a minivan." isn't one of them. There have been many minivans that didn't have sliding doors. It's not just doors, it's the sum of all parts, and in this instance, they equal a minivan. Size + clearance + seating + weight = minivan.
Some full sized vans have sliding doors but, they aren't minivans. Some full sized vans have hinged doors but, they aren't wagons.
My Pacifica replaced a Volvo 740GLE wagon, and when I had originally heard Volvo was coming out with their own 'crossover' type SUV I really expected to replace the wagon with that (got 13.5 years/155K miles on the wagon). Even got excited when I heard the MSRP on it was running about 36K.
Then I saw how much it would really cost after getting all the stuff in it the Pacifica has...mainly the 3rd row seating. Popped the price up well over 44K. No DVD option and currently only a turbo engine, something I never wanted at all due to added maintenance $$$.
I loved my Volvo...thought I'd always drive one especially due to the safety factor. I have to say though that with the safety features built into the Pacifica and its resulting 5-star crash rating, I feel just as secure and am carrying around an extra $12,000 in my pocket.
I run a railroad construction company in Ohio and was in need of a new company vehicle. I have kids, so I chose a Ford Windstar as my last vehicle and really cant complain, never had a problem one with it but after 5 years I had tired of driving a dang minivan!! My brother in the business always sticks with Explorers but I just have never been impressed with them myself, thats why I went with a Minivan the last time. Its cargo space was very useful and I prefer the more car-like ride it provided. Anyways, I have to admit to not looking at every vehicle out there, I was prepared to get a Explorer (cuz thats just customary here) or other SUV but I just wanted something a little different, and that was the Pacifica.
I literally typed in crossover vehicle (my brother told me of the term) in "Google" and up popped the Pacifica! I loved the look of this thing and it seemed perfect for what I need. Some cargo space if needed, 3 rows of seats and to top it off it oozes style! I bought one a few weeks later and get compliments, double takes and rubber necking every day. My brother drove it and came away mighty impressed too. Since it is a company vehicle we went with pretty much a base model but to call it a base model is insulting. The standard features are so plentiful it looks and feels "fully loaded" to me! The only small downsides are I am averaging only 15.2 miles per gallon and it might be "slightly" underpowered, but, to me it certainly doesnt feel sluggish in the least. It really feels about right when you think how big this vehicle really is. I dont wish Chrysler bad luck by any means but it feels kinda cool right now when your the only one around driving one of these. I have seen only 3 others on the road in the Cincinnati area so far but expect to see more. I thought the PT Cruiser was pretty cool lookin when it first came out till every other car you see now happens to be one. Bottom line is the Pacifica has performed superbly so far and my complaints are negligible at best. Love it!
We were in Cincinnati for a long weekend last week. We averaged 19.8 MPG over the 1100 mile trip. We visited my brother in Hamilton, who is also in the railroad business. Please drop me an e-mail at my Edmunds profile address so I can ask if you know him.
From the Car Connection: Chrysler's Pacifica in Re-Launch
Sales of Chrysler Pacifica picked up in June after a slow May, with 6642 deliveries in June.The touring wagon, having difficulty getting noticed, will be the subject of a new advertising effort in July in which it is compared with Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Chrysler launched the much-anticipated Pacifica with all high-end, loaded $37,000 versions that easily topped $40,000 with tax and extras. Now the company is rushing front-drive versions to dealers that will retail around $31,000-$33,000. The comparison ads, say Chrysler dealers familiar with the plan, will put the vehicle in the category in which it is meant to be judged. "People didn't know what to make of it when it first arrived...a $40,000 Chrysler station wagon?" said one dealer. Sales chief Gary Dilts said dealers are pushing test drives of the Pacifica to customers visiting the dealerships for service. Each test drive gives customers a chance to win a free Pacifica. A similar program is starting for the Ram pickup. Dilts said the company probably erred in stacking the early inventory of Pacificas with loaded versions. "We did the same thing with Ram, and it worked out alright," said Dilts. —Jim Burt
I really didn't want AWD or DVD, but the first Pacifica my dealer got had everything else I wanted in my choice of color, so I paid the extra amount. Am I sorry I did? No way! As I said before, some feelings are worth more than money.
Drove our new Pacifica from Buffalo area to Cincinnati over the long weekend. What a great trip vehicle! Went to the Air Force Museum & saw yout beloved B25 "Mitchell" and a whole lot more. The new (3rd) building is open, and my 8-year-old got close up and personal with his favorite, the SR-71 "Blackbird".
Russ: The National Championships (Scalemasters) are being held at Wright-Patterson the last week of September. I hope that will be our first really long trip for the Pacifica. I just purchased a small 1 1/2" X 2 1/4" convex mirror for my driver's side mirror from my auto parts store. I'll let you know how it improves side visiblity.
Only two old minivans that were actually the first car-based SUVs had no sliding doors. Also, full-sized vans do NOT have sliding doors, none of them. I care, to answer your question. The Pacifica does not scream wagon/minivan.
Thanks icvci! I have driven the CR-V, and today a few more contenders. Nothing less than a 3.5 V6 has managed to impress me. I'm used to the fabulous Nissan 3.5 in the Pathfinder, and the Pacifica measures up. The CR-V is physically and mentally (engine size) too small for me. It uses just as much fuel as a larger vehicle, and costs as much to buy. I'd buy another PF before I'd buy a CR-V.
For Volvo, I love them (have owned 5 of them), but that $50k+ CAD price, non-negotiable, as someone mentioned, waiting list, snooty sales and service staff, outrageous parts and service costs... well, I could buy two cars with that kind of money, and two cars is not an unthinkable proposition (one for the SO, and one for tax advantages).
The XC70 and the XC90 are both wonderful, comfy, and all of that, but... out of the question this time around.
b25nut: Please do report on the mirror, because Pacifica does have an awkward view of what's around it.
"Also, full-sized vans do NOT have sliding doors, none of them."
Ummm, well, the full size Ford E-Series van has a "Sliding Side Cargo Door" (per the Ford web site), and Chevy also offers a no charge "Door, sliding passenger side -- Code: YA2" on their full size Express van (per the Chevy web site).
i saw the posting by rusklass and ordered a small kit for the shifter/ashtray area from http://www.woodtrim.com/ ... rucklass any comments on quality ?
I am still waiting for it to arrive... just broke the 300 mile breakin - so its off to the dealers tomorrow for my first oil change (I know not needed due to manual) but I like to get the first oil out before I go over the 55 mph mark after break in (hey its free anyway from the dealer - first oil change)
I just got the new Consumer Reports in yesterday's mail, and it reviewed mid-size SUV's (including the Pacifica, regardless of what you all want to call it).
The Pacifica did very well. They did not like the fuel economy, engine noise or engine performance. Other than that, they gave it a very good review. They put it up against the Murano, Trailblazer, Pilot, etc.
I did not read the full article yet, but I read the Pacifica part and saw that it did very well against the competition.
Also, full-sized vans do NOT have sliding doors, none of them.
I don't even know how to respond to this. I can't think of a full sized van that doesn't offer sliding doors. My family has owned 4 with a sliding door. The first was a Leisure Van conversion made out of a Ford Econoline. I think we bought it around 1976. The last was a GMC Savannah.
I'm pretty sure many of GM's minivans also could also be had with hinged doors.
Hope you find what you're looking for. autos.msn.com and cars.com also have some really nice car buying tools.
A couple more choices (though it is much, much, much, more a truck) is the Durango. It guzzles gas but, my cousin just bought a new one basically loaded for $22,800 (with employee discount). They're clearing out the old body style.
Or a vehicle that's much more fun to drive than just about anything in it's class is the Mazda MPV. In ES trim, it's pretty nimble. (And I think it looks pretty darn cool) The third row folds under and flips backwards so you can use it while tailgating. The windows in the side doors roll down, and the 2nd row seats move to form a bench or captains chairs. It's got the DVD thing. It comes with a 200hp 3.0 V6. And, I think it got 5 stars all the way around for crash tests too. PLUS, there are incentives galore depending upon your region.
Happy shopping.
On a side note, I don't think you'll find too many vehicles comparably equipped to the CR-V much cheaper. And it's fuel economy is generally about 25% better than anything in it's class. However, while it's cargo room is good for it's class, (actually the most in it's class) it is only half of what the Pacifica offers. That's why I was surprised you mentioned the Outback and the Endeavor. But, I'm not going to mention it again as it obviously isn't anything you want. That, and this isn't the place.
The Edmunds review hit it right on the head. What everyone here has been saying for the last two months: slightly underpowered (as they said it is 1000 lbs heavier than my 300M), middle seats not conducive for families and overpriced. I really believe, if they would have priced it as they said they would early on, it would be a big hit. At 41K fully loaded, (less rebates etc..) it is just too overpriced for a Chrysler product and for what it is. If the pricing somehow gets adjusted I would seriously consider it.
I care about features, at least satisfactory styling, quality, and roominess. The Pacifica has all these, but still fully-loaded comes out below the RX330, X5, M Class, XC90, and only slightly above the MDX.
but no one wants to drive a car that struggles when it is loaded with the designed in six passengers. I can't imagine how the same engine and transmission I have in my 300M would ever be able to support 1000 more pounds of weight and 2 additional passengers (realistically I would never drive around with five people in my car), let alone potentially towing something.
I left my new issue home, but I remember the Honda Pilot seemed to place best in their reviews. Pacifica was somewhere in the middle. I will report back when I have the issue in front of me and can more accurately tell you what it said.
I think smulvey was looking fot wood trim for the outside of the Pacifica, a la PT Cruiser. Interesting idea. I went with the full dash kit from Joshua Tree,http://www.woodtrim.com/info_home.cfm The kit is of very fine quality, and after the nervous installation of the first piece, (pick a small flat-area), easy to install. I sent pix to Joshua Tree, and will post a link when thay are available.
...with the power thing! This is not a sports car! After 4300 miles in our Pacifica, the last 1100 loaded to the gills on a trip, I can honestly state that the power is very adaquate. Power was a big concern with me, after 130,000 miles in two 300Ms, but I have not felt at a loss for power yet. Sure, the more power the merrier, but I am satisfied that the 3.5 will perform well over the life of the car/truck/SUV/minivan/whatever.
Rainbow: I highly recommend the mirror. The one I used is rectangular and is made by Automan and cost $3. I put it in the bottom left corner of the driver's side mirror. It does not distract from the view of the larger mirror. If a car is in your left side blind spot, its image takes up the entire size of the small mirror. It also fills in the view that you don't normally get when on a highway onramp that connects at a greater angle than normal. This small mirror has eliminated my only "uncomfort zone". The only thing I have to work on is judging the distance to the car behind me when parking. I always seem to be at least three feet farther away than I thought I was. I talked to a Chrysler engineer two months ago and they were then having a meeting about adding sensors and a back-up camera (with a 130 degree view) to later (2005?) models.
b25nut: Sounds like the results I used to get on full-sized vans (without windows). You could never tell what was beside you (like a freight train in the blind spot).
A $3. solution sounds like a good thing. I backed up and parked the Pacifica (about 3 feet away from a fence that I thought I was inches from).
I think you get used to it. Getting used to it is where several of the dings on my Pathfinder came from.
For CR-V: 15" wheels, small cabin, small engine... made for someone else, and I'm sure it's great. I want a huge, roomy, comfy machine! I DO NOT want any 4-banger of any type or description. They DO NOT deliver, and they make a ton of noise about it, and use the same amount of fuel as my PF. I do not want my passenger in my lap, or resting their left arm on my controls, or in my "space".
Durango is a huge monster truck, rides like one, and uses gas like one. I don't need to haul a boat, so no V8. I want something like, say... what's the name of this board?... oh, yes, Pacifica!
MPV is a minivan. I haven't even tried one, and do not intend to. I tried a Rendezvous and nearly puked (and that was just from looking at the baby's room wallpaper they covered the seats with).
Endeavor won't be out for a while, so I can't consider it. Outback doesn't "do it" for me (I just plain don't like it), and neither does Forester.
If the Acura MDX is priced below Pacifica, I had best check that out. I had the impression it was priced with the Lexus and BMW. The MDX looks like it might do it for what I want and need.
There is not much I have not driven in the last month, in the "crossover" category, and under $50k CAD.
Well, the Canadian advertising (postcards instead of the usual brochure) says "all Pacifica models come with leather seats", yet I just looked at one with cloth seats (I test-drove Murano and then Pacifica right after).
It had an unidentified $1015. reduction in price from MSRP ($46,000 in Canada, AWD, no options).
On the Chrysler Web site, it does say that leather is an option, so they are very confused. There are a lot of specs misssing (fuel economy, etc.), so it looks like they haven't really decided what they're doing, and how they'll do it.
By the way, both test drives were great. This will not be an easy decision. Of course, I told the sales person to call me when they duplicate the deep discounts the US has just seen. Of course, he pretended like that was not going to happen, ever, in any universe.
Of course, I ignored that, refused to let him "price" it until he knocked several thousand off, which he was not ready to do, so ... back into the PF.
too bad your not near the border (wonder if you could save buying here and brining it back ?)
-----------------
the Endevor (on the other post) is out. I test drove one last week before I got my Pacifica. the Mitsubishi Endevor. Nice SUV looks like a Jeep Laredo. But has no real options other then Leather. NO DVD, No big Stereo... so no toys ... if you want a simple SUV worth looking at... and if you buy something else hey you get $100 for looking ;-)
Yes, I've thought about doing that, buying a car in the US and bringing it home. It's legal and all that, but I doubt that a US dealer would do the financial paperwork. I'd have to arrange the money here.
In Canada, for most of the cars I've looked at, there are far fewer options: Pacifica is one of the few that sells a front-wheel drive version. Many are simply AWD or 4WD (Pathfinder, Murano, for example).
Pacifica is supposed to be (in Canada) available in two trims: FWD or AWD, both with leather (according to the literature, but I've seen a cloth-seated Pacifica).
Options are the DVD, the 5.1 sound, and a few others.
Toyota is big on option packages, even in Canada, but the rest are pretty much as they are (with a few model choices, 2-3).
I think I've made my choice: Murano. Chrysler doesn't seem to know where they're going with Pacifica. At some point, I think the luxury/limo bit would annoy me. I love to toss down the rear seats (very easy in Murano, and easy enough in Pathfinder). Pacifica's seats are always reminding you that they're there, and though I love the beast, I don't feel like dealing with the dealer BS.
If they haven't figured out they will have to discount this puppy, too bad for them.
They're starting to act like Volvo dealers, and most of them know less about the vehicle than I have learned here and other places on the Web.
I like Pacifica much more than Murano. Did u look at the Suzuki XL-7? It is a great vehicle in Limited trim. Oh and the Mitsu Montero is a GREAT SUV. REALLY luxurious and roomy
I just read the new long-term review of Pacifica (right here). It is a great car, but it's not the car for me.
The Montero is too big. I'm going "smaller than PF" with more comfort and more car-ride.
Suzuki is the only one I have not yet tried. I'll get to it before final decision, but it has not turned my crank yet, from looking at ones on the road, and parked. Doesn't look like anything special, but deserves a ride. It is in the category and price range for me.
LOL! Anyway, the Limited XL-7 goes for $26,000 and has beautiful leather and wood trim. BEAUTIFUL. One of the lovliest interiors on the market today. Also, the third row is SIMPLE to access with the HUGE rear doors.
ARE YOU SURE you can't have a minivan? Minivans got a bad name from the 2000- Daimler Chryslers, 1998-2003 Sienna, and current Odyssey minivans. The current DCs are VERY stylish as well as the wonderful new Sienna and the Mazda MPV. I LOVE MINIVANS. Also, minivans have the most luxurious interiors of any type of vehicle for their price range. Three rows of beautiful first-class leather seating, ah. If this isn't perfect, what is? LOL! Oh, and don't forget to look at the Acura MDX. If you feel the interior isn't luxurious enough for you, there are numerous wood trim packages available.
Comments
I will take your advice and speak to the dealer about borrowing a Pacifica for the day. Making sure that it is black with the DVD. My wife wants a vehicle that is "meaty". Meaning something larger like the Montero or Land Cruiser. I cannot afford the Land Cruiser so that is not an option. I have told her that the Pacifica is actually larger (length and width)than the Montero, but the height is not there which is deceiving.
Anyhow, there are some great deals to be made with the Pacifica which motivates me even more. If anyone else has any ideas as to how I can convince my wife that this is the right vehicle for the three of us, I would love to hear from you.
The Pacifica is a very appealing station wagon.
But the $ prices from 30-40,000 seem high.
However , as someone else said , people will pay extra , even $ 10,000 extra , for something they find appealing.
From 8.3 to 7.1 is acceptable... not sure about going to 5.9", even though I do like Pacifica. My list is getting shorter (after driving and hating the Honda Pilot), with Murano still in first place, Pacifica second, and both of them "first year", which makes me nervous.
Maybe I should just sell off some offspring and get the BMW X5.
I'm left with a few choices: Highlander, Mitsubishi Endeavor (or other), Subaru Forester (maybe Outback), and another Pathfinder (worse things could happen), and maybe Pacifica (haven't ruled it out, and I do really like it).
Trying to get away from "truck" (and anything easy to roll, with a rough ride). I was looking for something exciting or interesting (Murano and Pacifica win those criteria).
http://www.msnusers.com/chryslerpacificaclub/Documents/pacifica%2- Dcomparison.pdf
Otherwise the Volvo X90 looks like a winner. The X5, based on reliability per recalls and CR, seems like an expensive joke.
Comparison chart? Every vehicle on edmunds.com can be compared with any vehicle other you choose. You'll find it on the left hand side of the page after you choose the vehicle you wish to compare. Scroll to Find related vehicle. Then click on competeing vehicles. If the vehicle you wish to compare it to isn't there you can add or delete Edmunds selections. It's nice to use Edmunds because they aren't (openly) biased toward any particular make or model. I believe you can compare up to 5 vehicles at a time.
hehehe yeah I wonder if sometimes if there isnt alot of influence (Car and Driver) was under the spotlight last year for taking perks from the big automakers.
the Volvo (forget getting a deal on them) they are sold before they hit the lot from what I hear.
I just noticed your outrageous message. "The Pacifica screams wagon/minivan". This is not true. For one, it doesn't look a bit like a minivan due to no sliding doors. And it is too tall to be a wagon.
Outrageous? I've said some outrageous things, "The Pacifica is a minivan." isn't one of them. There have been many minivans that didn't have sliding doors. It's not just doors, it's the sum of all parts, and in this instance, they equal a minivan. Size + clearance + seating + weight = minivan.
Some full sized vans have sliding doors but, they aren't minivans. Some full sized vans have hinged doors but, they aren't wagons.
Anyway, who cares?
Then I saw how much it would really cost after getting all the stuff in it the Pacifica has...mainly the 3rd row seating. Popped the price up well over 44K. No DVD option and currently only a turbo engine, something I never wanted at all due to added maintenance $$$.
I loved my Volvo...thought I'd always drive one especially due to the safety factor. I have to say though that with the safety features built into the Pacifica and its resulting 5-star crash rating, I feel just as secure and am carrying around an extra $12,000 in my pocket.
My brother in the business always sticks with Explorers but I just have never been impressed with them myself, thats why I went with a Minivan the last time. Its cargo space was very useful and I prefer the more car-like ride it provided.
Anyways, I have to admit to not looking at every vehicle out there, I was prepared to get a Explorer (cuz thats just customary here) or other SUV but I just wanted something a little different, and that was the Pacifica.
I literally typed in crossover vehicle (my brother told me of the term) in "Google" and up popped the Pacifica! I loved the look of this thing and it seemed perfect for what I need. Some cargo space if needed, 3 rows of seats and to top it off it oozes style! I bought one a few weeks later and get compliments, double takes and rubber necking every day. My brother drove it and came away mighty impressed too. Since it is a company vehicle we went with pretty much a base model but to call it a base model is insulting. The standard features are so plentiful it looks and feels "fully loaded" to me! The only small downsides are I am averaging only 15.2 miles per gallon and it might be "slightly" underpowered, but, to me it certainly doesnt feel sluggish in the least. It really feels about right when you think how big this vehicle really is. I dont wish Chrysler bad luck by any means but it feels kinda cool right now when your the only one around driving one of these. I have seen only 3 others on the road in the Cincinnati area so far but expect to see more. I thought the PT Cruiser was pretty cool lookin when it first came out till every other car you see now happens to be one. Bottom line is the Pacifica has performed superbly so far and my complaints are negligible at best. Love it!
Please drop me an e-mail at my Edmunds profile address so I can ask if you know him.
Chrysler's Pacifica in Re-Launch
Sales of Chrysler Pacifica picked up in June after a slow May, with 6642 deliveries in June.The touring wagon, having difficulty getting noticed, will be the subject of a new advertising effort in July in which it is compared with Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Chrysler launched the much-anticipated Pacifica with all high-end, loaded $37,000 versions that easily topped $40,000 with tax and extras. Now the company is rushing front-drive versions to dealers that will retail around
$31,000-$33,000. The comparison ads, say Chrysler dealers familiar with the plan, will put the
vehicle in the category in which it is meant to be judged. "People didn't know what to make of it when it first arrived...a $40,000 Chrysler station wagon?" said one dealer. Sales chief Gary Dilts
said dealers are pushing test drives of the Pacifica to customers visiting the dealerships for
service. Each test drive gives customers a chance to win a free Pacifica. A similar program is starting for the Ram pickup. Dilts said the company probably erred in stacking the early inventory of Pacificas with loaded versions. "We did the same thing with Ram, and it worked out alright," said Dilts. —Jim Burt
I really didn't want AWD or DVD, but the first Pacifica my dealer got had everything else I wanted in my choice of color, so I paid the extra amount. Am I sorry I did? No way! As I said before, some feelings are worth more than money.
Went to the Air Force Museum & saw yout beloved B25 "Mitchell" and a whole lot more.
The new (3rd) building is open, and my 8-year-old got close up and personal with his favorite, the SR-71 "Blackbird".
I just purchased a small 1 1/2" X 2 1/4" convex mirror for my driver's side mirror from my auto parts store. I'll let you know how it improves side visiblity.
For Volvo, I love them (have owned 5 of them), but that $50k+ CAD price, non-negotiable, as someone mentioned, waiting list, snooty sales and service staff, outrageous parts and service costs... well, I could buy two cars with that kind of money, and two cars is not an unthinkable proposition (one for the SO, and one for tax advantages).
The XC70 and the XC90 are both wonderful, comfy, and all of that, but... out of the question this time around.
b25nut: Please do report on the mirror, because Pacifica does have an awkward view of what's around it.
Ummm, well, the full size Ford E-Series van has a "Sliding Side Cargo Door" (per the Ford web site), and Chevy also offers a no charge "Door, sliding passenger side -- Code: YA2" on their full size Express van (per the Chevy web site).
Best Regards,
Shipo
Does anyone know if there is a good 3rd party supplier for this that would work on the Pacifica?
If I get my money I am expecting ( publisher clearinghouse send me another notice that i may have won)I might like to get a Pacifica.
It reminds me of my dads old Dodge Monaco Wagon.
The car had a 383 with a 2 barrel carb.
I wonder if the Pacifica is faster than that car.
I think the Monaco Wagon was a few hundred lbs lighter.
I am still waiting for it to arrive... just broke the 300 mile breakin - so its off to the dealers tomorrow for my first oil change (I know not needed due to manual) but I like to get the first oil out before I go over the 55 mph mark after break in (hey its free anyway from the dealer - first oil change)
The Pacifica did very well. They did not like the fuel economy, engine noise or engine performance. Other than that, they gave it a very good review. They put it up against the Murano, Trailblazer, Pilot, etc.
I did not read the full article yet, but I read the Pacifica part and saw that it did very well against the competition.
I don't even know how to respond to this. I can't think of a full sized van that doesn't offer sliding doors. My family has owned 4 with a sliding door. The first was a Leisure Van conversion made out of a Ford Econoline. I think we bought it around 1976. The last was a GMC Savannah.
I'm pretty sure many of GM's minivans also could also be had with hinged doors.
A couple more choices (though it is much, much, much, more a truck) is the Durango. It guzzles gas but, my cousin just bought a new one basically loaded for $22,800 (with employee discount). They're clearing out the old body style.
Or a vehicle that's much more fun to drive than just about anything in it's class is the Mazda MPV. In ES trim, it's pretty nimble. (And I think it looks pretty darn cool) The third row folds under and flips backwards so you can use it while tailgating. The windows in the side doors roll down, and the 2nd row seats move to form a bench or captains chairs. It's got the DVD thing. It comes with a 200hp 3.0 V6. And, I think it got 5 stars all the way around for crash tests too. PLUS, there are incentives galore depending upon your region.
Happy shopping.
On a side note, I don't think you'll find too many vehicles comparably equipped to the CR-V much cheaper. And it's fuel economy is generally about 25% better than anything in it's class. However, while it's cargo room is good for it's class, (actually the most in it's class) it is only half of what the Pacifica offers. That's why I was surprised you mentioned the Outback and the Endeavor. But, I'm not going to mention it again as it obviously isn't anything you want. That, and this isn't the place.
I went with the full dash kit from Joshua Tree,http://www.woodtrim.com/info_home.cfm
The kit is of very fine quality, and after the nervous installation of the first piece, (pick a small flat-area), easy to install.
I sent pix to Joshua Tree, and will post a link when thay are available.
This is not a sports car!
After 4300 miles in our Pacifica, the last 1100 loaded to the gills on a trip, I can honestly state that the power is very adaquate.
Power was a big concern with me, after 130,000 miles in two 300Ms, but I have not felt at a loss for power yet. Sure, the more power the merrier, but I am satisfied that the 3.5 will perform well over the life of the car/truck/SUV/minivan/whatever.
A $3. solution sounds like a good thing. I backed up and parked the Pacifica (about 3 feet away from a fence that I thought I was inches from).
I think you get used to it. Getting used to it is where several of the dings on my Pathfinder came from.
For CR-V: 15" wheels, small cabin, small engine... made for someone else, and I'm sure it's great. I want a huge, roomy, comfy machine! I DO NOT want any 4-banger of any type or description. They DO NOT deliver, and they make a ton of noise about it, and use the same amount of fuel as my PF. I do not want my passenger in my lap, or resting their left arm on my controls, or in my "space".
Durango is a huge monster truck, rides like one, and uses gas like one. I don't need to haul a boat, so no V8. I want something like, say... what's the name of this board?... oh, yes, Pacifica!
MPV is a minivan. I haven't even tried one, and do not intend to. I tried a Rendezvous and nearly puked (and that was just from looking at the baby's room wallpaper they covered the seats with).
Endeavor won't be out for a while, so I can't consider it. Outback doesn't "do it" for me (I just plain don't like it), and neither does Forester.
If the Acura MDX is priced below Pacifica, I had best check that out. I had the impression it was priced with the Lexus and BMW. The MDX looks like it might do it for what I want and need.
There is not much I have not driven in the last month, in the "crossover" category, and under $50k CAD.
I'm still at #1, Murano, #2, Pacifica
It had an unidentified $1015. reduction in price from MSRP ($46,000 in Canada, AWD, no options).
On the Chrysler Web site, it does say that leather is an option, so they are very confused. There are a lot of specs misssing (fuel economy, etc.), so it looks like they haven't really decided what they're doing, and how they'll do it.
By the way, both test drives were great. This will not be an easy decision. Of course, I told the sales person to call me when they duplicate the deep discounts the US has just seen. Of course, he pretended like that was not going to happen, ever, in any universe.
Of course, I ignored that, refused to let him "price" it until he knocked several thousand off, which he was not ready to do, so ... back into the PF.
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the Endevor (on the other post) is out. I test drove one last week before I got my Pacifica. the Mitsubishi Endevor. Nice SUV looks like a Jeep Laredo. But has no real options other then Leather. NO DVD, No big Stereo... so no toys ... if you want a simple SUV worth looking at... and if you buy something else hey you get $100 for looking ;-)
Pacifica is supposed to be (in Canada) available in two trims: FWD or AWD, both with leather (according to the literature, but I've seen a cloth-seated Pacifica).
Options are the DVD, the 5.1 sound, and a few others.
Toyota is big on option packages, even in Canada, but the rest are pretty much as they are (with a few model choices, 2-3).
If they haven't figured out they will have to discount this puppy, too bad for them.
They're starting to act like Volvo dealers, and most of them know less about the vehicle than I have learned here and other places on the Web.
Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind.
The Montero is too big. I'm going "smaller than PF" with more comfort and more car-ride.
Suzuki is the only one I have not yet tried. I'll get to it before final decision, but it has not turned my crank yet, from looking at ones on the road, and parked. Doesn't look like anything special, but deserves a ride. It is in the category and price range for me.
Thanks for the input, libertcay!