Chrysler Pacifica

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Comments

  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    A small slot on that cover wouldn't have hurt, would it? Oh well.... a "new and added feature" for the 2005!

    I am going to wait a while, but I can see attaching a grabby loop to the center of the cover to make it easier to grab. If they could put one on the back of the row 2 seats for the row 3 passengers, they could of added one to the cover.
  • mrpacifiedmrpacified Member Posts: 7
    Just checking in to see if there are any Pacifica's on this board with 10K+ miles? We're at 7500 and have enjoyed every bit of our time with the car. It's an absolute joy and I trust we will continue to love it as long as the reliability remains solid. A recent week in the Vermont mountains did put the AutoStick to good use, and I can't think of another 4700lb car that feels as comfortable on twisty mountain roads as this one, even with a Thule cargo box on top!
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    Can you tell me more about the Thule box? We are planning a few trips and debating whether we need one. What am I looking at $$ wise? Also, how difficult is it to mount, how secure is it (to the vehicle, as well as it's contents), how does it change the feel or mileage of the car? Also, why did you pick a Thule as opposed to anyone else?

    As you can probably tell, I have zero experience with a carrier. Looking for any info I can.

    Thanks....
  • rever2rever2 Member Posts: 15
    I drive my Pacifica in the "4 seat" mode. What I have done to cover that "hole" is: a) fold the second row seats down and slide them back to the rear, b) flip over the panel that covers the gap between the two seats, c) put the left side seat, with the panel extended, back to the upright position and then d) put the right side seat back up. The panel will cover the gap and the right side seat will hold it in place. Probably wont stop some heavy object from coming through in a panic stop but it dose stop light stuff from rolling through.
  • aveghteaveghte Member Posts: 68
    Are there any hints about what will be offered new in the 2005 Pacifica? A 5-speed automatic transmission and a larger engine would be nice. Also it appears that the cargo cover only covers the space from the back of the 3rd row seat to the back of the car - it would be nicer if this could be moved to the back of the 2nd row seat in case the 3rd row seats are folded down and there is additional cargo being transported that you want to protect from the sun and from people looking inside your car.
  • boiler1boiler1 Member Posts: 56
    Aveghte - I haven't tried it yet but I think the tonneau cover does extend from the 2nd row seats as well as from the 3rd row. There are two notches on the interior trim panels located on either side of and slightly behind the 2nd row seats. The tonneau cover itself has extensions that flip out from each end and produce the extra width needed to fit.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Please share what you paid in our Chrysler Pacifica: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion. . For future reference, you'll find a direct link to this discussion in the Helpful Links on the left side of this page.

    Thanks for your participation!

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Too late for Mig1mig1, but here is an article spelling out the deal on demo vehciles and NAV systems.

    http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0307/30/a05-227135.htm
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    After lurking on the Pacifica board for awhile, we finally pulled the trigger and purchased a Pacifica today.
    We leased our Pacifica for 36 month's and 15,000 miles per year. The low money factor and high residual combined with the $1,000.00 incentive were to good to pass up.
    We ended up a little over $5,000.00 under MSRP (MSRP $36,465.00 Cap cost $31,200.00). I had an excellent sales experience and if anyone in so. California is interested in the dealer and contact info, send me an email. I was in and out of the dealership in 45 minutes and that included a thorough inspection, test drive, paper work signing and car introduction. This is without a doubt the smoothest, quickest car purchase transaction I have ever experienced.
    I will post my impressions of the vehicle once I get a few miles on it.
    So far, so good!
  • mrpacifiedmrpacified Member Posts: 7
    Sorry for the slow response Paul. Chose the Thule based on great past experience. They have a quick release system that is very easy and their quality is first rate. Latches are secure and overall mounting on the factory rails is simple. At 4700 lbs, the Pacifica seemed unaware that it had another mass on its roof, so no ill effects to handling or worries about wind. It's a one-person job to lift the box up and install. Be aware that longer boxes will interfere with the tailgate operation, but the one that I have (Evolution series mid-length) can hold skis up to 180CM or four sets of golf clubs. We had to go the box route in order to travel with our 100lb Golden Retriever, but even if we didn't have him to consider, I feel better about our gear being up top versus flying around the cabin.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    I have a Thule Mountaineer box on my Taurus wagon, and feel no ill handling effects from it. Last season, I went on a ski trip with some buddies and we took a Lexus SUV and mounted my Thule on it. The vehicle, which felt tippy in the best of circumstances, felt even worse with the box on top. Crosswinds buffeted us so much that I was worried that my box would fly off.

    A few months later, he bought his own Thule box for the vehicle (an Evolution). He took his family skiing and on the way to VT hit some black ice and flipped the rig. The box CRUSHED through the roof. Everyone in the SUV was fine, but they were very unsettled to see the rig, when it was turned back over, with a Thule-shaped indentation in the roof that went all the way down to the top of the headrests.

    Is the Pacifica a more stable SUV? Time will tell. I saw pics of the Lexus, and it cured me of ever wanting one of those pigs (SUVs in general).
  • nikonheadnikonhead Member Posts: 1
    I just bought(7/31) my fully loaded AWD Pacifica w/Nav. system and have read about the rebate/voucher slips that expired yesterday.
    If anyone has one of these that they can't use and would be willing to "donate" to me . I would greatly appreciate this. My wife will probably like it even more!
    Matt Nadler
    mnadler@kc.rr.com
    ps- love this site!
  • mig1mig1mig1mig1 Member Posts: 6
    According to my dealer these Nav Certs are NOT transferable. It seems pretty F'ed up that buyers know about the free navigation program, they know about the demo progam, they know about the $1000 loyalty rebate programs, and yet when you go to the dealers, these idiots know NOTHING ABOUT the programs.

    I just bought my Pacific on the Demo Program....when I asked about the loyalty rebate, and the nav program certs, I was given the royal runaround. I called Chrysler direct, and they suggested that i write them a letter and attach all the appropriate paperwork (purchase reciept, window sitcker, old and new vehicle registration) and explain the situation.

    If Chrysler wants to play in the league of the big boys of BMW, Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, then they are going to have to deal with people like us who found out about these deals so late in the game that it was impossible to get the dealers to give us the deals -- and thats IF the dealer even knew about it.

    Wondering if anyone else has had this situation happen to them and how Chrysler responded to it.
  • pfschimpfschim Member Posts: 29
    Hello ruski,
    I pretty sure I remember you from the 300M discussion a few years back. Just picked up a Black AWS Pacifica to replace our '96 Windstar and am pretty happy so far.

    I will keep using my Infinity G35 for daily cruising and fun, but the Pacifica will be a be a nice addition for family road trips.

    Hope all is well with you

    pfschim
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    I purchased my Pacifica on 7/11. I found out about the NAV rebate when everyone else did on 7/12. A very kind individual faxed me a copy of their offer. I faxed a copy to the dealer and they knew nothing about it and said take it up with corporate.

    I did just that. They claimed they knew nothing about it and I faxed them a copy. They claimed it would take two weeks for them to "evaluate" the situation. On Wednesday, 7/30, I called corporate back and asked about the status of my inquiry. They said it was passed up "the chain" and they would get back to me. I gave them my cell phone number so as to be sure not to miss the call. I'm still waiting!

    How can corporate be so ignorant regarding their own promotions? In this day of computers everywhere, doesn't seem odd that they can't even look it up? I'm sure glad the vehicles are far better than the corporate support.

    Thanks for letting me vent <G>.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    yeah I am still around.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    It's been a few days since we brought home our Pacifica, and this weekend I finally got a chance to put a few miles on it. Here are some initial impressions:

    Exterior;
    IMHO this is the most stylish family hauler on the market. It still catches my eye and says smooth every time i look at it. I have noticed that the side rear view mirror attachment plates are a little loose at the top where it mounts to the A pillar. Very minor nitpick. has anyone else noticed this? Absolutely love the power liftgate. My wife is disabled so every time we make a run somewhere, I haul out her walker and the liftgate is awesome. I'm having the tow hitch installed later next week for our bike rack.

    Interior;
    Ergonomically, this vehicle is extremely well thought out. After 2 Volvo's (quirky Swedish engineering) and most recently an '02 mountaineer (decent ride, but typical Ford cold & sterile. Sold to my dad which was the plan from the start), I find the Pacifica to be a breath of fresh air in that all the controls are not only logically placed, but have a solid quality feel to them. Mercedes seat adjusters on the door are great. The memory remotes for the seats, mirrors and pedals make switching drivers a breeze. The sound system is very strong. I can't even imagine how the Infinity 5.1 could sound much better, but I'm no audiophile. Our 9 year old loves the DVD entertainment system.

    While the Pacifica does have some large blind spots, proper mirror adjustment has eliminated any concerns. If anybody is having troubles with the blind spots, adjust the mirror out to just past where you can see the side of the car. Many people have their mirrors turned way to close and see the side of their car in half of the mirror. This is not an efficient or proper use of the mirror. It may take a while to get used to, but it will give you much better vision of what is going on around you.

    Performance;
    My FWD only has 500 miles on it, but it will pick up and go when I need it to just fine. This is a family hauler for me not a stop light drag machine. If I want to haul butt, I'll hop into my G35. The Pacifica handles like a car half it's size. I am very impressed by the suspension tuning and handling. The ride quality is excellent. None of the stiff jouncy bouncy ride like an SUV and none of the floaty boat top heavy body roll of a minivan. I have not been following the MPG closely as I will wait until the motor loosens up a little more.

    Summary;
    My initial impression is that the Pacifica seems to be the perfect blend of all of the best attributes of an SUV, minivan and station wagon all rolled into one tight, stylish and clean package.

    I hope this feeling continues after the honeymoon phase wears off.

    Only time will tell.
    Sorry for the long rant.
  • sgtjimsgtjim Member Posts: 13
    I am 6 feet tall. I have driven a T&C for the last 8 years. Is it my imagination or has anyone else noticed that when driving the Pacifica your eyes look directly into the sunvisors. I have tried lowering the power seat as low as it will go. I measured the height of the windshield and it is 6 inches shorter than the T&C. So, anyone else notice this.
  • b25nutb25nut Member Posts: 202
    I'm 5'11" and my first impression after sitting in the Pacifica was the same as yours sgtjim. But I quickly became comfortable with it since it does not interfere with my view of the road. It makes it more difficult to see aircraft overhead, but I probably shouldn't be looking at them while driving anyway.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    you must be all torso, short legs.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    I'm 6'2" and I don't have that problem at all. I also drive with the seat back in a pretty upright position so I'm not "layed back" to lower my head.
    Have you tried lowering the power seat?
  • b25nutb25nut Member Posts: 202
    I have not visited a Chrysler dealer lately to see what is available, but several people here said they have purchased a FWD Pacifica. Today I read that the new sales chief for Chrysler, Joe Eberhardt, made the following statement:

    The Pacifica was introduced in May incentive-free, but it did not sell in target numbers until it joined the competition in rebates in June. Only higher-priced all-wheel-drive Pacificas are
    currently available, and Eberhardt indicated that lower-priced two-wheel-drive models won&#146;t be
    available until this fall.

    Is this an indication that the lack of knowledge about the Pacifica at the dealer level starts at the top of the corporation?
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    That's incredible! I think they got the wrong guy for the job, if he really said that. FWD Pacificas have been out for a long time. My son bought one several weeks ago.
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    The FWDs sure have been around for a while. I ordered mine on 5/28 and it showed up on 7/11. the dealer had a couple of others. They are around if someone really wants one.
  • jglackinjglackin Member Posts: 164
    we have some of the "new base price" models being built already. They are being advertised on our local stations too as starting under 29k, or something to that effect.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    Anybody know what they took out of the "new base price" models? Or did they just lower the price of the originals?
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    Just curious... is anyone playing with the Auto-stick, or do you just put it in drive and go? I find there are times when the transmission shifts up a little sooner than I would like (trying to squeeze a few more horses out of each gear).

    I have noticed that the engine really gets spunky OVER 3000 RPM. Did anyone else notice this?
  • ms_mayorms_mayor Member Posts: 113
    The auto-stick feature is really wasted on someone like me. I never learned how to drive a stick, and at this stage of my life I don't intend to learn.

    If I used it, I'd be terrified I'd shift at the wrong time and wreck the transmission.
  • ed12ed12 Member Posts: 100
    You cannot hurt the transmission in autostick mode. If you were doing 80 mph and tried to shift into first, that would be bad, but the transmission computer will not let the transmission do that . Also, if you try to rev to red line, the tranny will up shift automatically.

    Try it. It can be handy. I had it in my 300M, but my T&C does not have it, wish it did.
  • ms_mayorms_mayor Member Posts: 113
    Since I've always relied on an automatic transmission to make shifting decisions, how am I supposed to figure out when it makes more sense to use Auto Stick?

    I read the manual, but I'm still confused by it.
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    One way to learn when to shift is to watch when the automatic does it. You will probably notice that it shifts around 3000 RPM unless you really put your foot into it.

    I have noticed that when I have been driving in the Auto-stick mode in 4th gear (OD) and forget to downshift when I stop for a light, it is already in 1st. The transmission took care of downshifting anyway. Like ed12 said, you can't hurt it.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    On long downgrades to save the brakes
    Pre-select a lower gear before pulling out to pass
    When you want a lower gear without flooring it
    To slow down when the light ahead is red
    You can't hurt anything, so go ahead and try it!
  • mrpacifiedmrpacified Member Posts: 7
    Touring through Vermont, I have really enjoyed the flexibilty it provides. Around town in Boston, it's really more of an amusement. But heh, there's nothing wrong with making driving more fun!
  • rever2rever2 Member Posts: 15
    Back in June there was a discussion on being locked out with the keys in the ignition. (Msg #789 to #801) I just found a way of how this happens. When driving over 15 mile per hour the auto-lock will lock all the doors. When you stop the doors remain locked. You can open the driver&#146;s door from the inside by simply pulling the door handle, this also unlocks that door. If you try to relock the door(s) with the electric locks or key fob, it will not work with a key in the ignition, but, if you use (even accidently) the manual lock toggle button by the door handle the door will lock. Wham, shut the door and now all the doors are locked and your key in the ignition... Mystery solved???
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    For the life of me, I have never understood the logic behind the auto lock door feature when driving. It does nothing to enhance the safety of the car. The only possible benefit I can think of is that it may prevent someone from car jacking you at a stop light or something. I have turned off the feature in every car I have owned that had the option. Problem solved, no chance of locking keys inside.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Just returned from a 4 day trip from southern California up to Sequoia National Park. total trip distance was about 600 miles.

    First some stats; I was very impressed as we averaged 17.2 mpg on a tight motor with climbs over 7,300' elevation. Much of the drive was flat terrain through the central valley of California. It was a good mix of mountain and flat driving. I drive between 70-80mph on the average freeway sections.

    Next some subjective impressions; our Pacifica is quiet and rock solid. Not a squeek, rattle or sound out of place. It ran like a champ, handled like a vehicle half it's size. I was in heaven driving the twisties up and down the Sierra's. So far this thing has exceeded every one of my very high expectations. My son loved the DVD system and the wife loved the quietness plus the sunroof and fact that we could still listen to the single CD or I could listen to the ball game on the radio while junior was watching a video. I am still learning more about the vehicle as I go along. More updates to come as the honeymoon phase wears off.
  • oedipus1608oedipus1608 Member Posts: 76
    Well actually, locking the doors while driving can prevent a passenger to be thrown out of the car in the event of an accident.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    twoof1- Thanks for the 1200 mile report! Glad to hear your Pacifica is serving you well.

    Anyone else have a vehicle report they'd like to share? It would nice to see some more in here. I posted this before, but for those that missed, here's a template you can use:

    1. Total miles to date.

    2. MPG & Driving habits. Any improvements?

    3. Any additional accessories & mods?

    4. Maintenance issues to date.

    5. Any interesting trips or cargo experiences?

    6. Overall impressions (pros/cons) of your vehicle since you first purchased...

    Share as much (or as little) information as you'd like. I'm sure other Pacifica owners/shoppers, passing through here, would find the information quite interesting, if not helpful.

    Also, as twoof1 has been doing, you can report back every once in a while to update again. Thanks for your participation! ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    "The only possible benefit I can think of is that it may prevent someone from car jacking you at a stop light or something."

    Yeah, that's pretty inconsequential.
  • gghuskergghusker Member Posts: 7
    I would love some advice from current Pacifica owners. We were ready to order an 04 Lincoln Navigator for me to drive when I saw a Pacifica. I did some research, took a test drive and really liked it. My husband is less than thrilled with me- he's a Ford/Lincoln guy through and through. I like the idea of a smaller vehicle that still gives me AWD and room for passengers. Any help in convincing him that this would be an OK route to go? Also, have a bid on a fully-loaded Inferno Red for about $750 below dealer invoice. Is this a decent price according to your experiences? I'd appreciate any help I can get. Thanks!!!
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    I do not believe that the auto locking feature prevents the doors from opening in an accident. The door latch mechanism is latched when the door is closed, not when the lock is activated. The locking feature simply disengages the door handles so they will not open when pulled.

    mrl11777,
    I did not mean to trivialize getting carjacked. I choose not to have that feature activated. It is very simple to have it either on or off. To each his own.
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    auto door lock prevents kids in the back from opening the doors (at least on my Dodge minivan)

    yes, to each his own, but it's not a bad feature
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    it is nice that you have a choice to have or to not have it. At least it keeps you busy tinkering with the programming options.

    With my Acura TL-S or Lexus RX300 there is no such feature at all.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I don't think that the Lincoln Nav is in the same comparison as the Pacifica. I think you will need to weigh what your looking for. The pacifica to me is more of a Minivan type ride with AWD and a bit more sporty then a Minivan. The Navigator is more of a traditional SUV. More ground clearance but also a lot bigger vehicle and more bulky for parking and highway driving.

    I am guessing the Nav will get less mileage per gallon. Resale value probably neither is better as far as percentage of resale vs price paid to buy (especially with the good deals on pacificas and the rebates) ... You can get pretty much 99% of the options on the Pacifica that you can on the Navigator.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    well you can also enable the feature to unlock all doors when the driver door is opened ...
    so if you manually lock the driver door ... the others are still open :) unless you push the actual lock button on the door ...

    did some experimenting and you can open a locked door from the inside on the driver and passenger doors but NOT the rear doors. so even the autolock will not stop you from getting out in an accident if you are the front two passengers... so for carjacking its a good option to enable for me... and like I said I have mine set to unlock all doors when I get out of the car.

    If you enable the KIDS lock in the back doors they wont open no matter if its locked or not from the inside. Only able to open from the outside if unlocked.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    Your profile says you now drive a GMC Yukon, so the answer should be simple:
    Are you tired of a big truck?
    Would you like a more comfortable ride?
    Would you rather slide in than climb in?
    Want to be able to pass a gas station?
    You pays your money, and you takes your choice!
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    All are large piggy vehicles, so they are all gonna spend quite a bit of time with a filler hose sticking out of 'em. Nobody buys one of these things thinking about gas mileage.
  • starbreakerstarbreaker Member Posts: 4
    I live in Cincinnati and have had my Pacifica about 2.5 months now and I have still only seen other Pacifica's driving around a half dozen times or so and in only four colors so far, white, red, silver and the light tan color.

    I love my Pacifica so far and its kinda of a thrill when I do see someone else driving one. I am used to mine now but when I see another one coming down the road it reminds me why I liked the Pacifica in the first place. They have a unique look and with their jacked up appearance, they still really stick out from the crowd.

    I wish Chrysler all the best and hope the Pacificas keep selling but frankly I like being one of the only ones around driving a Pacifica. I thought the PT Cruiser was pretty unique when they came out but now every 3rd vehicle you see is one and they kinda lost there appeal IMO. How many other Pacificas have you seen about? Also, I just got the stainless steel door entry guards and boy they give a nice look to anyone getting in the vehicle, anyone else get these yet? They just became available.
  • b25nutb25nut Member Posts: 202
    Psimon, I just read your review at Epinions. Excellent! Starbreaker, I know how you feel. I've had my Pacifica for over four months and I have yet to see another one in my town. This sure tends to make you a safer and more courteous driver. If you do something bad, there's no doubt who the guy in the Pacifica is.
       There is a lot of talk that the Pacifica is too expensive. You'll pay less for a Honda Pilot or Buick Rendezvous, but that's like buying a Chevy. Chrysler has done a great job matching or exceeding the luxury offered by Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, BMW and Volvo for far less money, even at MSRP. If they had better marketing people, Chrysler would be riding high in the saddle. I feel sorry for their engineers, who had to see their marvelous creation fumbled in the end zone. But I predict the Pacifica will be recognized as being at the top of its class in the near future. The competition will be copying what Pacifica has to offer, especially its interior features. Could that be why Cadillac's SRX was not released in June?
  • pssimonpssimon Member Posts: 144
    Thanks for the review. It was fun to write.

    Within the last week I have seen a bunch of Pacificas on the road. Until then, I haven't seen any. In a way it felt good to see another one around. Yes, it's good to feel special, but on the other hand, it also feels good to see others thinking the same as you and liking what you like.
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