Chrysler Pacifica

rcf8000

I guess you've been getting along OK without AWD then? Seems to me that if you can do that in Buffalo you could do it anywhere!

robbennett

I have been looking at the Volvo XC70 (Cross Country) for a while now. I like it, but it is expensive (~40K) I see the Pacifica, and like it from the initial look. It will be ~37K it seems. Based on an established model (the Volvo) vs. a first year offering, both priced similarly, what would you go for? Everyone here has been comparing the Pacifica to everything but the XC70, yet it seem those two will compete head to head.

jmhillrph1

We are in the process of purchasing an XC70. I'm not sure if we'd have made the same decision if the Pacifica was already out but probably we would have. Interestingly, for us the numbers seem to favor the Volvo. We are purchasing through their Overseas Delivery Program-- through some recently available incentives we were able to get the vehicle with premium package, touring package, and metallic paint for 31,945. I wish I knew what a comparably equipped Pacifica was going to sell for but everything I've heard lately suggests that it's going to be more than that.

rcf8000

I test drove a V70 recently, and I quickly concluded that it's nowhere near my idea of a luxury car. Hopefully, the Pacifica will come closer. I don't seen the Pacifica and the XC70 being competitors at all. The Pacifica is much larger, and (presumably) has less ground clearance.

jglackin

For those of you concerned with first year quality, you should know that Chrysler uses MB's testing strategy...testing vehicles to 200k and to component failure in retesting. This has actually increased the brand's quality significantly as evidenced in every new vehicle or newly re-designed vehicle since MY 2000.

Also, when the minivans were re-designed, they went through a process labeled CERR - Customer Enhanced Reliability Run. This was a step taken in addition to the already rigorous testing. For those of you who may be catching glimpses of them on the road, the Pacifica is probably going through the same procedure. Real folks driving in real conditions, giving real feedback so that issues ("Bugs", ergonomics, etc.) can be addressed before release.

Lastly, we have been told to expect Pacifica in our showroom mid-March. No real pricing from Chrysler yet...sorry, just the rumors.

bargamon

LInk to picture of new E-class wagon:

http://mbspy.bacosys.be/s211filo.htm

C pillar is similar to Pacifica.

fndlyfmrflyr

Saw the Pacifica today at the auto show. Appears Chrysler still has the touch when it comes to looks. Looks like a luxury wagon on the outside. Doesn't look big like cross over SUVs.

If it is anything like my PT GT build quality will be very good.

bargamon

I have seen the pictures, and it looks nice, but how did the fit and finish appear in person?

The prototype looked super and the production version lacks some of the metal accents, but I wonder how the materials used appeared. Pictures cannot always tell the story.

hwyhobo

I am curious if telescoping steering wheel will be one of the options (or standard, as on Honda Accord or Ford Focus). Without it, Pacifica will look good and big, but will not accommodate tall people, just like 300M now, where if you push the seat back, you cannot reach the steering wheel.

spfotey

should give us a better idea about delivery, costs, etc. is there a web site that updates us on the news out of the auto show??

thx.

sequoiasaurus

www.auto.com
www.autonews.com
www.wieck.com

All of these will be updated starting on Sun Jan 5 as the cars are announced. New pictures of the Pacifica are unlikely to come out until later in the week though since it's big debut was last year at this time.

I'm going to the show on Thr Jan 16 and will post a bunch of pictures of the Pacifica as I take them along with others.

Hopefully they (DC) will have one available for full viewing and sitting in.

fndlyfmrflyr

The Pacifica at the San Diego auto show was not opened and was several feet from public access. The outside fit and finish looked okay. No prices were posted and the show people had no knowledge of the car except that it is coming soon and has 250 hp. Hopefully the LA show next week will show the car off rather than having it shown as just another vehicle from DC.

hangaralf

i like the model in the shotgun seat.

topcut

I have a 02 300M.....and a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 26K miles on it...Was thinking if the Pacifica came in at about 25K as the rumors were indicating I would think of trading the Jeep....I know hear rumblings at 36K....Mopar will have trouble moving them at that price,,,,I think..:)

topcut

I have had 2 Grand Cherokees and My first Chrysler is the 2002 300M.....The jeeps have been great ..trouble free....The 300M I love it....only 20K miles but have been trouble free.not even a burnt out bulb.....I will without a doubt look at Chrysler again

raym

This is not a ground-breaking segment buster. It's nothing but a fancy ripoff of the '95-'98 Honda Odyssey with a bigger engine. Difference is the Honda had seating for 7 instead of just 6. And, needless to say, Honda quality has it all over any Chrysler product. I want Honda to bring the little Odyssey back so I can buy another!

nedzel

The first generation Odyssey (95-98) had seating for 6. http://www.edmunds.com/used/1995/honda/odyssey/4drexpassengervan/standard.html?id=lin0062

bargamon

I had one of the first odyssey and loved it. Trouble free for the 70k we had it, not a rattle or squeek. Much tighter and better but together than the sienna that I replaced it with. Why did I replace it? the 150hp 4cy was very smooth and great on gas, but Slooow. Hill climber tranny helped. It was short on comfort also, like most honda we have owned, road noise emmits from road.

Why I look for a pacifica to replace my ML320?

Need more 2nd row room for growing kids, want to keep a 6cyl engine, Don't want to give oil producing countries any more of my money or leverage, want to keep a premium interior, Don't want to spend over 43k again. Its been an excellent performer for us and would recommend a post 2000 model for families with small kids.

No company went and built a premium Minivan, the Town and country is not much better than caravan, just has more goodies. Wife won't go back to a van anyway. Too bad volvo or mercedes never jumped in. The new trucks comming out with 3 rows of seating are excellent but lack individual seating in second row and are getting a bit pricy.. The Little Lincoln is a pig on gas and costs nearly 50k. The pilot seems to have the utility but not much comfort.

elvhot

My wife drives a Volvo 98 V70 AWD. Nice car but not as practical as minivan with seating and loading. She is like many that don't want to be caught dead in a van. This appears like a crossover between awd minivan and awd station wagon.
Reclining, heated, bucket rear seats I believe are unique. "Gadgets" appear to be numerous. Looks are great, just hope to see quality in all aspects.

bargamon

The title refers to recent ad campaign by a few groups recently whom are taking a stand against large gas ineffiecnt SUVs.

a few posts back someone mentioned they could not see the pacifica doing well. I disagree because of the price of gas, environmental issues, and further reliance on foreign oil. Also, aging babyboomer are in less need of the kind of kiddie mobiles when the kids start driving or move out.

Social conscience might also sway buyers away particually if we are war with an oil producing nation.

Trends change. With the economy flat and the stock market still off, the hedonistic tendency for excess also gets washed out.

Just an opinion.

logic1

I think the Pacifica is very good looking. And I would buy one long before I would buy an SUV.

But the Pacifica will cost more than about 3/4s of the SUVs on the market currently. So I do not know how buying a Pacifica would be any less hedonistic than buying a cheaper SUV.

yanker

What is a good estimate of the Pacific's gas mileage figures. I drive a Camry and it gets 26mpg in normal expressway driving and 33 on the highway or better. Will the Pacifica be comparable and is all wheel drive standard and the navigation thing standard . I don't want or need either/

falcon74

Does anyone know when the Pacificas will start arriving in the showrooms and how much they will cost? Thanks-

raym

The EX model seats 6, with 2 captains chairs in the middle row. I have the standard model with a folding bench seat in the center row, for total seating of 7.

nextmoon

Here's details everyone's been looking for below. Additional info at: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/01/13/152701.html?NEWS

"AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13, 2003; The Chrysler Group announced pricing today for its all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, a vehicle that creates an entirely new category of premium transportation called sports tourer. Chrysler will offer two Pacifica models, an all-wheel drive version as well as a front-wheel drive model with traction control. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-wheel drive Pacifica model will be $32,980. The MSRP for the front-wheel drive model will be $31,230. Both prices include a $680 destination fee. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica arrives in Chrysler brand showrooms in the early spring of 2003. "With innovative packaging and proportions, Pacifica will follow in the prominent segment-busting footsteps of our original minivan and PT Cruiser," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President of Chrysler Marketing. "Pacifica firmly entrenches Chrysler brand in the premium segment of the market. More than 2.7 million people move in and out of minivans, SUVs and cars every year and Chrysler Pacifica is positioned to attract those looking for versatility and flexibility in an all-new proportion." Chrysler Pacifica offers unmatched versatility and flexibility with easy step-across entry and exit, first-class seating, three rows of seats, and fold-flat second and third row seats. Standard features include three-row side curtain air bags, an inflatable driver-side knee blocker air bag, four- wheel anti-lock disc brakes, speed control, AM/FM radio with CD player, full- length center console, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and the 250 horsepower 3.5- liter engine from the award winning Chrysler 300M. Optional features include an in-cluster navigation system, DVD Rear Seat Video(TM) entertainment system, Infinity(R) Intermezzo(TM) 5.1 digital surround sound system, six disc in-dash CD/DVD changer, Sirius(TM) satellite radio, UConnect(TM) hands-free communication, second row heated seats, power liftgate, power sunroof, and 17-inch chrome wheels. Pacifica will be offered in a variety of colors including Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal, Butane Blue, Inferno Red, Light Almond Pearl, Onyx Green, Satin Jade, and Stone White."

cb70

Chrysler Pacifica will be to the $25,000-plus market what PT Cruiser is to the $25,000-minus market - while PT Cruiser is too cool to classify, Chrysler Pacifica is simply cool and classy," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President Chrysler/Jeep Global Brand Center

$32k puts the Pacifica in some heavy duty competition. At that price they lost any chance to sell me one.

nextmoon

Here's details everyone's been looking for below. Additional info at: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2003/01/13/152701.html?NEWS

"AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13, 2003; The Chrysler Group announced pricing today for its all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, a vehicle that creates an entirely new category of premium transportation called sports tourer. Chrysler will offer two Pacifica models, an all-wheel drive version as well as a front-wheel drive model with traction control. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-wheel drive Pacifica model will be $32,980. The MSRP for the front-wheel drive model will be $31,230. Both prices include a $680 destination fee. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica arrives in Chrysler brand showrooms in the early spring of 2003. "With innovative packaging and proportions, Pacifica will follow in the prominent segment-busting footsteps of our original minivan and PT Cruiser," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President of Chrysler Marketing. "Pacifica firmly entrenches Chrysler brand in the premium segment of the market. More than 2.7 million people move in and out of minivans, SUVs and cars every year and Chrysler Pacifica is positioned to attract those looking for versatility and flexibility in an all-new proportion." Chrysler Pacifica offers unmatched versatility and flexibility with easy step-across entry and exit, first-class seating, three rows of seats, and fold-flat second and third row seats. Standard features include three-row side curtain air bags, an inflatable driver-side knee blocker air bag, four- wheel anti-lock disc brakes, speed control, AM/FM radio with CD player, full- length center console, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and the 250 horsepower 3.5- liter engine from the award winning Chrysler 300M. Optional features include an in-cluster navigation system, DVD Rear Seat Video(TM) entertainment system, Infinity(R) Intermezzo(TM) 5.1 digital surround sound system, six disc in-dash CD/DVD changer, Sirius(TM) satellite radio, UConnect(TM) hands-free communication, second row heated seats, power liftgate, power sunroof, and 17-inch chrome wheels. Pacifica will be offered in a variety of colors including Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal, Butane Blue, Inferno Red, Light Almond Pearl, Onyx Green, Satin Jade, and Stone White."

russklass

Chrysler had 3 Pacificas on display, 2 silver and one black.They were open for inspection & crawling around in.
Some observations:
Overall, very nice! "Swiss Army Knife" interior works well. Seating, controls etc. well done.
Show attendees were all over the display models, and the comments were almost universally positive.
A few dislikes:
The spare is carried exposed under the vehicle, and must be lowered from the inside rear compartment.
There is a prop rod instead of gas struts to support an open hood.
The single oval tailpipe is not polished.
Weight has balooned to over 4,600 lbs.
Availibility:
Best info I got; Production starts next week at Windsor, Ontario, should be in dealers by early March.
I'm going to order one!

nedzel

I stand corrected.

nedzel

Jesus was a carpenter. Here in New England, he'd drive a Ford F-350 pickup, standard cab, long-bed, 4WD, with a lumber rack on the bed, and a toolbox at the front of the bed. The mileage would suck, but he's gotta carry lumber and tools.

bargamon

Pacifica is in the 25k plus price range. A little more plus than one might like. I think you can get a fine Minivan in the 25k range.

At 32-37k what else can you get?

Honda pilot? Not exactly a rough and tumble SUV, in fact for most people the idea of all wheel drive is to stay ON the road. My ML320 is chock full of increadable off road capcity I never use.

Honda pilot is nice vehicle. It is taller and noisy. Ford explorer is also in this price range.

Sienna just announced its new version will come in 4wd. That would also put it in this range.

Granted, this is not like the light bulb being invented, but the mini van intro was also met with shrugs and it proved to be a demographic home run that saved the company.

Im going to guess 19 city and 24 hwy gas mpg. ITs a heavy car.

My hedonistic comment earlier was meant toward the higher end large 8cyl vehicles with 3 row seating. true there are many lower priced alternatives such as the Toyata Rav and, Mazda Tribute, etc, but they are not in the same target as family movers. Family of 4 with an expedition-suburban-excursion type vehicle averaging -10-13 mpg is excessive. Post 9-11 bunker mentality for safety demands these large trucks. But as time goes on and the social changes evolve, we could see a continued push into more environmentally friendly cars.

The Pacifica is not a hybrid or alternative fuel choice, but a step in the right direction. For some Folks.

bargamon

Very interesting specs and chart.

http://wwwsg.daimlerchrysler.com/GMS/CONTENT/FILES/498487Specifications2004ChryslerPacifica.rtf

sequoiasaurus

How was the third row seating? Specifically the headroom and legroom.

Thanks

I'll be getting my chance on thursday but curious to know your impressions.

sequoiasaurus

Very interesting chart you found. I wonder why thy didn't plot minivans?

Have you found anymore photos with the release of info today?

russklass

My 8-year-old climbed all over the interior and pronounced the third row seat comfortable-I didn't try it.
The seat is split 50/50, and folds flat into the floor.
The second row buckets fold almost flat, and a neat panel flips over from one side to cover the console.

topcut

apprx $33,000 starting point as I understand it for the all wheel drive ..excluding options...seems a bit pricey to me...you can get a Toyota Highlander 4x4 starting at about 28,000..for 5 grand would oppt for it...

russklass

I would have liked a lower price too, but consider what equipment is standard.
Think of it as a 300M w/all wheel drive and HID headlamps and the price seems more reasonable!

bargamon

Base price of Highlander Limited awd Sticker is almost 31k. With Equip similar to standard Pacifica, they are within a few hundred dollars of each other($34,400)

WE dont' have final specs, but Pacifica offers 3 row seating, premium seating for 4, is wider, and longer. Highlander does have curtain airbags just in door as add on option. Also does not offer the airbags for the knees.

The options I choose was to bring up the Highlander to pacifia standard equip. A base highlander with out leather, side bags, cd player would be in the price range you mentioned. ANd be a good value!

Should the pacifica error in its pricing the market will adjust accordingly.

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Optional Equipment $3,160 $2,582 $2,860
BE Side Airbags info $250 $215 $232
HD Heated Driver's and Front Passenger's Seats info $440 $352 $394
VD Vehicle Skid Control info $650 $559 $603
LD Limited Slip Differential info $390 $322 $355
TO Towing Prep. Package info $160 $128 $143
LA Leather Package info $1,070 $856 $959
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Destination Charge $510 $510 $510
Total $34,465 $30,497 $32,296
 
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ruski

A while ago, when they were talking about Pacifica prices around $25K, I thought to myself "yeah, right"

bargamon

Now what do you Think?

ruski

Now I think I was right.

beach15

I really couldn't picture them selling this for the $25k some of you originally thought. It has great styling, three rows of seats, and is very luxurious and loaded. The pricing as announced sounds perfect for this Chrysler crossover. Maybe a stripped down Dodge version could sell with a $25k base, but not the Pacifica.

rcf8000

According to what I have read, Chrysler WILL be bringing out a cheaper version of the Pacifica, base priced at $25K-$26K. That's about the starting point for Town & Countries--so it it reasonable to assume that a stripped-down Pacifica could sell for that.

sequoiasaurus

I just posted a couple of photos from the Detroit show. They are over the huge door jam and 3rd row seat. I'll be posting more over the next few days of my visit.

http://homepage.mac.com/jbowell/PhotoAlbum12.html

Unfortunately, I've scratched the Chrysler Pacifica off my list for now and probably for good. The 04 Sienna seems to be a better value.

More later.

ruski

some of those interior pieces look misaligned

nextmoon

I agree the doors are overly thick and probably equally as heavy. There might be some safety reasons for the thickness but it could be designed better with equal protection. The interior looks also rather snug for the estimated dimensions of width and length. Hopefully the will have one open to sit in for the NYC car show.

russklass

The door thickness accomodates some very roomy door pockets.
Remember, this is a 2-2-2 seating configuration.
I sat in the 1st & 2nd row seats, and thought they were quite roomy.
The Pacifica is still at the top of my new car list for Spring!

russklass

From a Chrysler message to dealers dated 1/13/03:
"The scheduled first date of production for the 2004 model year Pacifica is January 27, 2003"

rcf8000

So here they are ten days from start of production. Wouldn't you think they'd be able to give us something better than the "preliminary specs" on their web site? Surely the car design has been finalized at this point.

topcut

I have 2002 300M......So I don't need to think if the Pacifica as a 300M :)....I am thinking in terms of replacing a 99 Grand Cherokee....Thought if the Pacific would happen to come in at the 25K..everyone was talkking about ,,Might be a viable option...Don;t need all the scmuzzzzze on a second vehicle....want if more for the utilitarian facts....