Chrysler Pacifica

homerkc

I just drove a Pacifica and fell in love. I didn't expect to enjoy it that much more than a Town & Country, but it's different. Having no need of AWD, I'm wondering - what mileage (city vs. highway) can I expect from a FWD Pacifica?

rodut

Grnarn, you really should use the "Check Spelling" button ...

 

The 05 Touring FWD 26S would have the Traction Control.

The 05 Touring FWD 26T would not have it.

 

For snow less than 5 inches I wouldn't worry about it. To leave the parking spot a good Canadian Tire shovel will do it. For more than 5 inches I would get either the 26S or the AWD.

okpacifica

I now have 6000 miles on my '05 touring AWD and get 20 to 22 on the hiway with an overall average of 16 since I've owned it. Quite an improvement from 9mpg in the beginning. The best I've ever gotten is 25 with the wind behind me!

turbanski

Thank you for your input. I will be looking forward to the increase in MPG. My average MPG has dropped from 14 MPG from dealer pickup to 13 MPG currently in mostly suburban driving (no interstates or expressways).

disfan

There is hope for better milage. After almost 18,000 miles in an 04 AWD my hand calculated overall average mpg is 22.4mpg

steelydan0613

My former car was a Honda Civic, reliable , a great car,but I got married , a child on the way, time for a new car. My wife will not drive a minivan, but I think SUV's are ridiculous unless you tow something or routinely fo off road..........

 

I drove the Pacifica, Mitsubishi Endeavour, Jeep Cherokee , Chevy Tahoe, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy,and Toyota Highlander, I blew off the Honda Pilot because it has got to be the most boring looking vehicle I have ever seen in my life . As a former Honda owner, Honda is in serious need of some mojo, a little bling, some caffeine..............I am sure they are aware of this fact by now.............

 

The Pacifica is a concept that appealed to me , it is car based, has room, has style and moxie, can tow 3500 pounds, very quiet (I love the satellite radio and 5.1 surround) , a very well done interior , nice leather seats, and a safety rating second to none.

 

Oh sure, you can criticize, but for $26,500 drive out, you can check your whining in at the front door.

 

Read my lips.......17,500 miles,3,000 mile oil changes, car performs flawlessly,I would not hesitate to recommend Chrysler to anyone, and I owned a Honda Civic..........Enough Said................Take care of your new car, and it will take care of you............

llwyse

I first fell in love with the looks of the Pacifica as a concept at the Detroit auto show. Our '04 Pac was purchased in 6/03. Loaded AWD. It has 35,000 miles. One recall and repairs for fading display on the temp panel and a xenon headlight replacement. Average 19 mpg overall. Traction matches my Audi A4 quattro. We love everything about the car except the rear vision and radio reception. I would like more power, but my wife's satisfied and she's the primary driver.

 

After owning many mini-vans, it was hard to convince her to consider anything else.......until she drove the Pacifica. Now I expect the same resistance if we consider replacing the Pac with anything other than another Pac. We are very satisfied owners.

rsharp

"I drove the Pacifica, Mitsubishi Endeavour, Jeep Cherokee , Chevy Tahoe, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy,and Toyota Highlander, I blew off the Honda Pilot because it has got to be the most boring looking vehicle I have ever seen in my life."

 

Ummmmmm, if you lined up the Jeep, Chevy, GMC, Ford & maybe the Toyo and stripped them of all branding, and painted them all black most of the American public would be clueless as to which was which. I am not going to say the Pilot is the most stylish thing on the road but not much in that line up is really striking in the style department either. (Maybe the Mitsu).

 

Toyota has taken the big step of hiring an American design firm to help them with their bland sheet metal styles. Honda needs more styling yes. But I still contend that substance over style is still the wiser choice in almost anything you buy.

I just don't see how the Pilot is any blander than an Explorer.

crzyaim

Please excuse my ignorance if this is an obvious question, but if not, I would love some input. We own a 2005 AWD Pacifica Touring. The sticker reads "Engine: 3.5L 24V V6 Engine." However, my parents bought today a Touring Signature Series. I noticed on their window sticker it reads "Engine: 3.5L MPI 24V V6 Engine." The difference being the MPI. What does this mean? It could just be me, but it feels as if theirs has more power or responsiveness than ours. I'm hoping someone out there can help me out here.

 

The other thing I find strange is that ours is an 05 produced in June, and there was produced in October. However there's has the gated shifter, power on/off for the air bags, heater outside mirrors, and a couple other things ours does not even though they are both 2005. One other noted thing is that our leather seating surface is much more stiff and rigid than theirs. Theirs is much more plush and the seat itself is much softer. I know the Limited is different, but the only thing that looks different on the Signature Series is that the leather is two toned. Any one know about the seating surfaces/plushness changing in newer models?

KCRam

MPI stands for Multi Port Injection - just the generic name for multiple port (or per-cylinder) fuel injection. Some listings will show it, some won't, but it's the same engine.

 

kcram

Host - Wagons

uncle bob

Mercedes also has a 3.2 ltr diesel that has 200hp and 370 ft.lb. torque. Its available in the 04 E320 CDI I believe. I believe it is already sold out. The hemi only has 390 torque and in my world torque is what you drive. Oh, and the diesel is listed as running 155 mph and 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Why would I even want a gas engine???? Can't wait till DC puts this one or the 2.7 in the Chryslers. The 2.7 is already in those UPS and FED EX sprinter vans and I understand they love them......

rasldasl

Chrysler has not followed "normal" model year designations since the Pacifica was introduced as an "early 2004" in early 2003. In August 2003 they made a production changeover and created what are known to some as post-August 2004 models, with a few changes from the eariler 2004 model. I think they did the same thing in calendar year 2004. They produced an early 2005 model in only the Touring trim level. In or around August 2004 they introduced the base (5-passenger) and Limited 2005 models and made some changes to all Pacificas, including the gated shifter. The Signature series was a special promotion across many Chrysler lines that included standard features that are otherwise optional or not available at all. My guess is that these were post-August 2005 models and the leather is either standard in post-August 2005 Touring or Limited models or is just something special they put in for the Signature Series models.

turbanski

My 2005 AWD PAC was built in Aug. 04 and it DOES have the gated shifter.

ramzey28

I just wanted to update on my experience with my 2004 AWD Pacifica (leather heated seats option). We have had it for over 1 yr and have 14k miles on it. We have had no issues and enjoy our vehicle on a daily basis. I have own many new vehicles and this has been my best purchase. I love this car. It handles secure and responsive. The engine performs well, especially at higher speeds. It quiet, and interior is well laid out. Alot of people think about the AWD as a winter thing...but AWD makes your car handle better on all conditions even dry payment. At higher speeds my car hugs the road with out even giving an inch. Totally impressed. Our gas mileage has averaged 17.2mpg-20.5mpg. Avg highway speed 70-90mph. Anyone thinking of an SUV type vehicle should not look past the Pacifica! Well done Chrysler.

renton pac

Just wanted to throw in my two cents about my Pacifica. I ordered a 2005 from the factory and have thoroughly enjoyed the car. I used the Chrysler website to figure out what options I wanted then sent the information around to local dealers to get offers. Ended up with $200 over invoice and knocked that down another $3000 with rebates.

redwingsfan

"#918 of 984 New Forumite by redwingsfan Dec 08, 2004 (5:43 pm)

Bookmark | Reply

 

We recently bought our Pac pre-owned - 2004 with 10,150 miles on it - and took it into the local 5* to get it checked over this morning. (We bought it from a Nissan dealership who had taken it in trade and figured they wouldn't know jack about the Pac.) Issues I had them look at: Somewhere along the line the gas cap hadn't been tightened all the way so the MIL was lit when we got the car - Nissan didn't know how to check it out or reset it. I have been reading this forum for the last week and found out that the ATC control head problem wasn't just in ours (thank God) but others had it too. I speak of the intermittent fading out of the display rather than it being in the "delay" mode." Finally, the AWD badge on the liftgate was delaminating and looked out of place on an otherwise sparkling Pac.

  

We took it in and I waited for the phone to ring this afternoon. I was all ready for the "we couldn't duplicate the ATC display fade out" argument but to my surprise the Advisor said, "Got your car done. We replaced the ATC control head, replaced the AWD badge and reset the fuel pressure sensor. It's ready to go.....oh, and we also checked out the 2 current recalls, they were both completed by the previous owner."

  

After hearing horror stories about Chrysler dealers I was floored by this. Thus far the wife loves her Pac and it's all put back together correctly. Everyone's happy for once."

 

I made the above post on 12/08/04 and we've had no problem in the nearly 2 months since. The service at the Chrysler dealer was awesome and the wife still loves this car. I kind of get the feeling, after reading all the bitching, that this is an 80-20 type deal. 80% of the posts are "problem" posts where people vent frustration and 20% are posts where people are pretty darned satisfied. Personally, I don't take much stock in all the whining due to the reasoning above. I also wonder if the "crappy service" at Chrysler dealerships isn't actually a reflection of people's poor attitudes right back at them. Yelling and screaming at people doesn't make them want to help you out. People who would (as my Dad used to say) [non-permissible content removed] if they were hung with a new rope giving dealers attitude from the get go, merely exacerbates the problem.

 

We like our PAC and if others don't then they can buy a freakin' MDX or X5. We'll be quite happy with our much lower payments, thank you.

rodut

Bigproblems is the first to report her Pacifica leaving them stranded away from home (post on Jan 24). Actually Bigproblems I didn't exactly understand what happened. You reported that the 1st time the transmission module went out. But if this happens the gear box should default to the 2nd gear, so you should be able to drive to the next city (at approx 30-40 miles/hour). So how come you were left stranded ? About the 2nd time: you report that the wheel stabilizer went out and your husband was able to see the wheel in an abnormal position. Are you sure you know what you are talking about ? Those steel pipes are not elastic at all, so either the wheel got disconnected from the car and flew away, or it nicely stayed where it was supposed to stay. Perhaps your husband is able to see the "wheel on the outside of the wheel well through the side, passenger mirror" even when sitting in a brand new perfect Pacifica ??? Many people take very seriously what they read in these posts, so you better know what you are talking about.

 

Was somebody else left stranded in his/her Pacifica ???

 

Redwingsfan, in Canada I don't think the lease payments matter if the car dies in the middle of nowhere at -30 degrees ! Especially with two kids in the car. I would better pull out how much $$ it takes to buy a car ...

 

But let's see what Bigproblems answers.

seabone

HI THERE - AM LOOKING TO GET THE DEAL YOU GOT HERE - WOULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME? MY BROTHER IS CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME -

E-MAIL TO: seabone726@aol.com

KCRam

Posting your email address defeats the purpose of a message board by preventing visible conversation. It also opens your email to spam, as the Edmunds Forum pages are searchable on the internet, and that includes spam programs.

 

kcram

Host - Wagons

exalteddragon1

a friend of mine owns a pacifica and says with AWD he averages 33mpg. He just bought the car and has it for like a few months.

 

This is impossible right?

 

He says the cars computer is telling him that. Is the computer broken whats going on here???

thanks guys i appreciate it.

redwingsfan

That seems awfully high. Has he checked it the old fashioned way by writing down the mileage on the odometer at fill-up and then writing down the mileage at the next fill up - noting how much gas was used between fill-ups and dividing miles travelled by the gas used?

pscdoc

Please tell you friend to 'reset' the EVIC for the gas milage on his next fill-up. It is impossible to get that kind of milage from the pac, unless you are continuously coasting downhill, then you can get 99mpg as stated by the evic .

turbanski

After six weeks the Mpg on my 05 AWD has increased from 13MPG at delivery to 15.5MPG currently. Also noticed small oil leak on garage floor. I am having this checked out tomorrow and will post results. No other problems or issues at this time.

turbanski

Just returned from my 5 star. Oil leak source diagnosed as defective front seal between engine and transmission. Part not in stock and must be ordered from the Cleveland parts depot. Pac will be tied up for at least 2 days. I was given a 2000 Dodge Caravan loaner vehicle. Did not even have to ask. Has anyone else had this problem with a new PAC? (oil leak).

okpacifica

Had what sounds like a similar situation with my '05 touring. Mine turned out to be a transmission cooler line that needed a new hose clamp. Had it replaced and no problems since. Happy with everything except the gas mileage. Still average only 16. 9mpg in town. Ouch!

turbanski

Hose clamp sounds more logical than defective seal. Could my 5 star be taking advantage of DC for a warranty repair? Naw! Anyway, 16.9mpg sounds better than my 15.5mpg so far. (less than 1,000 mi.)Thanks for responding.

rodut

The gear box connected to the cooler thru a plastic hose with a clamp ???!! My Volvo has a steel pipe connected with a steel nut to the gear box. If that hose breaks you loose the transmission fluid and get stranded in the middle of the highway. Did Chrysler hear about competition ?? They behave like those American house builders who replaced the copper plumbing with plastic hoses !

 

Probably Chrysler thinks he is a house builder and have no Japanese or European competition ! Like house builders, they cover the plastic plumbing with sexy shapes and think we will buy it. To get copper plumbing for my house instead of plastic hoses it was a $200 option. About Pacifica, probably Chrysler saved $5 by using that hose. Americans (and Canadians) don't know where to put the money. That's why they will never build good cars. They put $100 into an electronic headache, but save $5 on a plastic hose.

 

Chrysler ... you are not a house builder ... you have competition !

rodut

Please disregard my previous message because it's wrong.

 

Yesterday I spent a wonderful hour in the garage under the Volvo (fixing the muffler) and found out that the steel pipes coming from the transmission are connected to rubber hoses (very hidden from underneath) and then to the cooler. I had a feeling I was wrong because any gear box vibrates and the cooler doesn't (it's connected to the car body) so an elastic connection should exist. Ah ... by the way ... mine leaks ... just a little bit though.

 

My FWD Touring Red Pac was delivered to the dealership and I had a test drive this afternoon. I regret I forgot to test the backup sensors. It's dirty like a pig but it drives like a dream. I changed my mind back and forth probably 10 times during the last 2 months since I ordered it (because of reliability concerns), but this time I told the guys to rust protect and deliver it. It's manufactured 01/05, but I have no clue what day. It's a pity they don't write the day on that label.

 

I read that Chrysler copied the E320 rear suspension but used steel instead of alloy. Still I looked under its tail and 3 of the rear wheel links were allow, not steel ! Also the big part they connect to (the wheel support) is alloy. That's nice ... it looks closer to the X5. I wonder if I should go to the church and pray a little bit.

hayneldan

the last line on the white sticker of the drivers door has a line named MDH which means month, day, and hour it was manufactured.

rodut

Hayneldan, you are right. It is:

Jan 13, at 13h

 

Is this a lucky time or what ???

 

Fortunately it's not a Friday, because Friday the 13th would be really bad !!!

 

Just joking.

turbanski

I received my NYS registration for the 05 Pacifica recently and noticed that vehicle weight was listed at 4507 lbs. This weight together with AWD does not make for great gas mileage. At 4507 lbs the PAC is 900 lbs heavier or the equivalent of five 180lb occupants more than the 300M it replaced. Gas mileage aside, I would strongly recommend this quiet, smooth riding, good handling vehicle to any prospective purchaser.

anniec

We're looking at buying a used Chrysler Pacifica. We've rented them and we'd like to replace my aging compact sedan with a bigger vehicle. But.. given all the problems people have reported, we're leary of buying someone elses' "problem child".

 

I've found a beautiful 2004 Pac AWD for sale in the color I want with all the toys my husband wants but it's not near us so we've asked for the information to be faxed to us. The "dealer" (not a Chrysler dealer, but a resale guy) sent me an overview of the service records from the dealer. Looks like the car's been owned 15 months and been in for service 5 times. In the first year two of the lines say "service campaign" but they also list "body", "electrical", "steering", "air conditioning". The lastest visit (3 weeks ago) was for "driveability" and ended up with a operation code 92CHZ-UJOINT for the front axle/u-joint replacement.

 

I'm think I can get more details from the dealer but it already sounds to me like this is a problem vehicle. Anyone want to give me an opinion on whether 5 service visits in 15 months is usual or excessive for a Pacifica? Keep in mind the owner didn't do the 7,500 service until 12,500 miles so he/she's apparently not the type to take a car in for every little thing.

turbanski

Early Pacificas had "issues" so don't rush into anything. It is possible that all of the "issues" have been addressed. I would suggest talking with the originaL owner if possible.

rodut

Actually you can great deals on brand new Pacificas. The most reliable ones should be the newest and cheapest ones, with only the options you really need. If you are willing to wait 6 weeks you can order one matching exactly your preferences.

 

The most reliable sunroof is the one you don't have. Can't break ! Won't leak !

chilehead1

Is the manufactured date important? I'll check my 04.... I heard something about early 04 being more problematic than later '04. I have a loaded AWD -has everything including Uconnect technology which I love.... hands free phone conversations.

rsharp

I am always a bit leery of used newer model cars that are not for sale at a new car dealership. If it is a newer car then it was likely traded-in for another new car. I have been told by some auto dealer friends that when a trade in comes on the lot they evaluate its condition. If they think the car is in good shape they put it on their used lot and sell it. If they determine the car has some issues they don't want to deal with they take it to the auto auction where small used car dealers pick them up. I would almost lay money that this PAC went back to the Chrysler dealer where it was purchased, that would be the only hope the previous owner had of not taking a complete financial bath on trading in what is essentially a new car. My concern would be that the dealer decided to get rid of it rather than put it on his own lot. That says to me the dealer didn't want any part of having to service this car. I see red flags.

rodut

There are lots of exceptions to your rule. I bought my used Volvo from a small used car dealer. Now, 8 years and 125,000 miles later, I can say it was a great car. The previous owner had sold it because his wife didn't like the suspension (?!). People trade cars for lots of reasons. Talking with the previous owner would be the best bet.

 

Did you guys see that Pacifica's alternator and the radiator fans are Made in Japan, by DENSO ? That's the supplier for electrical parts used by Toyota and Honda. So if Chrysler, Toyota and Honda began to use parts made by the same parts manufacturers, it's no surprise that they became comparable reliability wise.

 

My Pac should be delivered next week.

610bob

I have an 04 Pac, AWD, upgraded Infinity sound system, power sunroof built in Jun 03. When I joined the forum, I read about all the problems being registered. I followed the forum checking to see if I had any of the problems mentioned. Only problem was a rattle, driver side, in dashboard. Found loose air bag... fixed problem. I agree w/comments by rsharp. I'd try to buy from a dealer. The 5 service visits in 15 mos seems excessive, but would depend on the problems. 1st year models seem to have problems!!! I now have 22k+ miles, have had no problems; great automobile, pleasure to drive.

chilehead1

What are the issues with an early year model? My MDH is 021921 Feb 19th at 2100? isnt there something about this date that determines one's problems? Thanks.

rsharp

You really believe that because a couple of parts are made by the same supplier that Chrysler is on level with Toyota and Honda for overall quality?

 

I'm thinking you just made that statement to get an argument started...

rodut

That's funny ! No, it was not my goal.

Actually starting next week I will be in a very good position to compare Honda with Chrysler because I will own one of each. For now I can make the following statements:

1) My 2001 Honda Accord is seriously lower quality than my previous 1994 Honda Accord.

2) There are lots of happy Pacifica owners, which tells me that the design should be OK.

3) Actually the car I loved the most was not extremely reliable - my 1988 Volvo 240. I loved it till it left me stranded in the middle of nowhere at -20 deg C (approx -20 deg F) last year. That changed my feelings a bit, and decided to buy another car.

 

Right now I love the Pacifica and don't like Honda like I used to like. Simply because it's boring and I feel nothing when I drive it. I also test drove a Toyota Sienna and was able to get bored during a 20 minutes drive. About Honda's Pilot it feels like a boat on a stormy sea when it waves left and right when you steer abruptly. I tried that on the Pac and feels like a stable sports car. I am sure I could easily rollover a Pilot, but not a Pacifica.

 

It's useless to argue with me because end of next week I could suddenly change my opinion if the thing dies in the middle of the highway when I'll drive it home ! It shouldn't happen though ...

anniec

Thanks everyone for the feedback! The salesperson says the original owner is a friend of his but he (the salesperson) doesn't seem to be an easy person to deal with so I think we'll keep looking. I've bought used cars before from individuals and had very good luck but I always look for cars that have been cared for impeccably and this one doesn't qualify - just the fact that the initial 7,500 service was done at 12,500 miles sends off some red flags to me.

 

Have people had bad luck with the Pacifica sunroofs? I ask because I'm in Sunny CA and I've always had a sunroof/moonroof with no problems. We don't get rain often - but when we do, just like the old song says, it POURS!

chilehead1

My 2004 Pac has a MDH of 021921 - is that Feb 19th at 2100? Is this an early model 2004 or a later model 2004? Isn't there a difference? What issues does the early run have that the later runs avoided? Thanks.

KCRam

You have the MDH correct in terms of when your vehicle was built. As far as "early" or "late", Feb would be considered late, as it's after the halfway point in the normal model year build cycle (typically July through the following June).

kcram
Host - Wagons

rodut

Right, I said "if" because I am fair. I just got the car, so I know nothing about it.

You are blaming a car you don't own (on the Pilot's discussion group you stated you own a Pilot).

Me I don't know, and I state I don't know. You don't know neither, but you state you know. Which one of us is fair ?

One last thing:
If you spend so much time on Pacifica's site and not on your car site, I would say that you are emotionally connected with Pacifica !!! You love it ... for sure ... and hope it's not reliable so you can be happy with your Pilot. It's like you are happy only if we are unhappy. That's not nice ...

laurheis

I used to have a Pacifica, and now drive something else. I check back on the Pacifica site every once in a while to see if any other owner has a problem that I can help them with. There were things about our Pacifica that we really liked (and my husband really misses.) But I know that I learned a lot of things about what was wrong with our car from visiting this discussion site, and am grateful for the help.

redwingsfan

Pay no attention to rsharp, he adds nothing to this forum but controversy & provocation.

fyero

I have just under 2000k on an 05 touring, and have had some weird electrical events with the heating system and recently failure of the door locks on the left side, and the passenger door light not shutting off. Any body have any thoughs on this?

turbanski

Probably computer related or a poor ground connection. Get it to your trusty 5 star ASAP.

dlrtx

I have a 04 PAC and am getting quite a bit of rust runoff from the rotors. Is anyone else out there seeing the same.
It's not a mechanical issue but sure looks UGLY!