Chrysler Pacifica

farout

We got our 07 Touring on Aug. 31st. We contacted Chrysler Service Contracts and we bought the Max Care LIFETIME WARRANTY MAX CARE too. I can't believe that Chrysler came out with the LIFETIME WARRANTY.

I really like the dual exhaust, it has a mellow sound much like a V-8. We are getting 24+ on the highway and 21+ around town. Heck this is much better than our Compass 4x4 was doing! This is one neat vehicle as far as we cantell so far.

My only real concern is how the AWD will do in the snow with a real m+s tire. The OE tires are good but not for our winters here in Missouri. I and putting on winter tires and then in Spring I will put them back on.
What kind of fuel mileage do you get?

farout

turbanski

I apologize for not responding sooner. First, your OE tires should do just fine in the winter. My 05 touring AWD came equipped with 19" Michelins. We live in western New York State (Buffalo area) which is well known for snow and ice. The pacifica is unstoppable in my experience. I downshift to third gear in heavy snow. Starting on a grade is also not a problem.
My fuel milage could be better. My current overall MPG is 17.7 based on what the computer is telling me.

See if you can get a refund on the warranty. I understand that the Chrysler lifetime warranty went into effect at the end of July. The main question is, does this apply to the build date or the purchase date?

farout

turbanski: The Lifetime was free on any new vehicle 2006, 2007, and 2008 if bought after July 28th. However buyers of these years can purchase the lifetime powertrain warranty for $750. until the 30th of this month. After that the cost does increase. We bought on Aug. 31st and we did get the Lifetime Powertrain warranty/ But we also bought the Lifetime bumper to bumper Max. Care that anyone can get from Chrysler Service Contracts with a 3 year no interest payment plan. Ours was $2,730. and with all that we just might never to need another vehicle in our Lifetime. We hope to live into our eighties, but that is in the hands of the Lord.
We got the 17" Michelins , but the tread is not for ice, or snow more than a light dusting, at least on our hill anyway s.
Our fuel mileage is a huge blessing! We are getting nothing less than 21 and we have see 25.9 once, generally on the open road its 24.3 +or-. I checked that for sure the 08 Pacifica only has a single tail pipe. I like the looks and the sound of the duel tail pipes. This engine has all the power I would ever need. So far we are very pleased.
By the way the Chrysler 300 is smaller inside and outside than the Pacifica! That really was something I did not know.

Farout

turbanski

Sounds like you are all set. I don't quite understand the tire issue. It is my understanding that these cars came through with all season tires (m+s). I also like the dual exhaust set up. I hope to pick up a left over 07 AWD before my lease runs out and take advantage of current incentives if Chrysler financial cooperates. My local dealer told me that Chrysler would not do a lease pull ahead over three months. I am getting close to that.

cole8808

Hi, all. I am considering an '04 from our local dealer here, but in researching it online I came across the exact car I test drove today. When I looked up the carfax, it showed that the vehicle had failed an emissions test earlier this year. This makes me nervous, as why would a 3 year old car fail an emissions test? Any ideas? Also, the car has been on the lot since July without selling so, though they list the car at $18,000 with 18,378 miles, the salesman is telling me he can probably get them to give it to me for $15,000. I test drove the car today, and it drove beautifully, BUT, the speedometer did not work! The salesman put it in the shop, and we are supposed to go back to tomorrow to continue the sales talk. I would love to buy this car, but am nervous as hell of buying a lemon. Any advice is deeply appreciated.

Thanks!

qbrozen

there are plenty of used Pacificas out there without spotty histories or problems. I would steer clear. You can't even be sure of the true miles on this one.

cole8808

Hi, thanks for the reply: could anyone enlighten me as to why the speedometer might not work? Is that an indication of electrical problems?

mrrogers

I am interested in replacing my 2006 Pacifica with a 2008 Pacifica LX. In reading the Edmunds review on the 2008, I see that the leather covered shift knob and steering wheel are no longer standard, but part of a leather seat option. Do you think that the dealer could swap the leather wheel and shift knob out on my 2006 to replace the vinyl wheel and shift knob in the 2008?

farout

mrrogers: A couple of things come to mind. The effort to remove and replace these things would be very costly. The other fact is the air bag might not work from one year to the other. The 2007 Pasifica has a $4000. rebate plus a $1000. dealer option discount makes a 2007 cheaper than a 2008. The 2007 has duel exhaust, and 2008 does not.
Talk to the dealer and see what they are willing to do. Vehicles are not moving real fast, except those with the Alifetime warranty. THE WARRANTY WAS A HUGE DRAW TO US, PLUS WE GOT THE CHRYSLER SERVICE CONTRACT. You can get a AWD Touring for what an base model would cost normally. Hope this helps, let us know how you make out.

farout

hfish1212

Message #1881 was deleted by Edmunds because it contained all the problems associated with this car. Chrysler has a little too much clout on this board I guess. Bottom line, don't buy this or any chrysler product because the cars and dealers are very bad.

turbanski

Perhaps message #2461 should be deleted as well.

caliberchic

Message #1881 was created in 2004 when we didn't implement a maximum time of 30 minutes to delete posts. It's entirely possible the poster deleted this post himself.

Of course if you feel that the information in that particular posts should be shared feel free to repost your opinions.

manningb

Hi,
I recently purchased a 2005 Pacifica and notice that the power outlet in the front and the middle sections are not working. I checked fuse#26 and there was non in place. Replace fuse and still nothing. Also, the former owner had a DVD and monitor install and these do not work either.. no power. I think the problem is related. Any ideas.
:confuse:

qbrozen

hmmm... well, its tough because you have no idea what the installers could have done. I would suggest to first check ALL the fuses. If they are all ok, my suspicion is that an auxiliary fuse has been installed somewhere.

PF_Flyer

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

A little fun on the Alternate Route as Dub Schwartz gives out an automotive award in the ongoing Ask Dub Schwartz blog entries.

dburcham

Im am considering purchasing an '04 Pacifica to replace my '03 Seabring.

The Seabring is a hunk of junk, looks nice but now it isnt even running. It only has 60k on it & to boot i drive about once a week. Previously a toyota owner i am not impressed with my American car experience so far.

I am seeing mixed reviews on the Pacifica.

Can anyone let me know if I should still consider or am I wasting my time with Chrysler?

farout

I do not know about the 04's but we have a 07 AWD Touring. So far it is the best built vehicle we have had. The ride is smooth as glass, and fuel is 21 to 24.3 mpg.
I would have it checked out with a Chrysler dealer, and if you can get a warranty for it.
The Pacifica is in it's last year of production so maybe that will give you some advantage.

farout

tigwylan

We purchased 04 used and extended warranty, which I recommend, if you get from dealer and mileage is not too high, as you will need it. We have had alot of little things go out on the car that adds up to alot of $$. Some covered under warranty some not. Any Chrysler product is "junk" as far as I am concerned. I tried to steer my wife away from it, but she had to have it, now she wishes she would have never purchased it. I have 95 Maxima with over 300K miles, never been in shop except for oil/brakes/tires. The Pacifica has been to the shop 6-8 times in 2 years costing us over 1800.00 that warranty didn't cover.

You might get lucky and get a good one, then again you may not. That is the problem with US built cars, depends on the moods of the over paid union employees that day that determines the type of car you may get.

dburcham

Thank you for the advice!

farout

I felt in fairness you needed to get a different view. With Chrysler Service Contracts there are several levels of protection from the basic powertrain, to the Max Care that is a bumper to bumper warranty. Each of us buys the extended warranty we think best fits our needs and potential for needed problems that might come up. Like all insurance you are betting that something will go wrong or by taking a lesser warranty, that not much or nothing will go wrong with the vehicle. ALL VEHICLE MAKERS OFFER THESE KIND OF EXTENDED WARRANTIES.
Personally I usually get the top of the line warranty and out of 13 new Chrysler vehicles I have used the free rental while its being serviced on all of the 13 vehicles, and about four times the warranty paid for itself. The Max Care Lifetime Warranty on our 07 Pacifica AWD Touring cost $2,730. NO one forces a warranty on you it is soley up to you.
It is my opinion that perhaps "tigwlan" should have considered purchasing a warranty with better coverage. Often when we wish we had made a better choice, we take our frustration out on the maker of the brand of vehicle that we feel did no measure up to what we expected.
As I stated IF you can purchase a extended Chrysler Service Contract with the Pacifica, I think it would be a good buy, if everything else meets you needs and requirements.
No matter what brand of vehicle my advice is buy that brands of extended warranty. For me if there is a lemon in a lot of 100 used cars I would most likely select the lemon, so I protect myself as much as possible, and I have not been left angry with the vehicle or the brand. I am a solid Chrysler made vehicle buyer, and I have found Chrysler easy to work with under most all conditions.
I hope this gives you more of an expanded vision of what you can do to make sure you select the most trouble free vehicle you can purchase. Good luck.

farout

cherylnfred

We bought a 2006 touring edition, front wheel drive, back in May. It was used, about 23,000 mi on it.

We recently discovered our first real complaint about the vehicle. We live in Wisconsin and a month ago we started getting our snows that stick around, real storms, etc. We've found that our pacifica will NOT go up the slight incline to our house with the road is snow-covered or slightly icy.

Every other front wheel drive vehicle we've ever had made this little hill no problem. But the Pacifica...no way! We are forced to go round the block and up a steeper hill that is just gravel, for the extra traction the gravel provides, and even sometimes that isn't cutting it.

With 2 young children, groceries & all that, we do not want to be stuck at the bottom of the hill. We went to the dealership and they just looked at the tires & said "they have plenty of traction" and acted like they had no clue why the car won't go up this hill other than (I quote) "It's winter...things are slick out there!"

How rude! We know that, we've lived in the Midwest our whole lives! That was a very annoying and thoughless answer!

We want to know if anybody else had encountered this trouble and if so, what did you do about it? Different tires (we have the Michelins)? Is it a flaw in the vehicle's weight distribution? Any ideas would help.

If we can't find a conclusion to this, we might sell it even at a loss. It's NO good to us if we can't go up a little hill, for crying out loud!

rodut

I heard that the last Pacifica was built in November, and that's it. It's discontinued, so they won't build it anymore.

Is this true ? It sounds unbelievable.

arewhyinoh

Wife is expecting our 3rd next week! Need to get a vehicle with 3 rows of seats. Anyone have an employee choice burning a hole in their pocket yet for 2007. Going in to lease a Chrysler on Monday and would love to use it!

mrrogers

I have a 2006 FWD Base Pacifica with 63,000 miles. I originally had the Goodrich all season tires, and I switched to Goodyear all season tires at 59,000 miles. I do not feel that either tire is great in the snow. I regularly travel to Detroit and Cleveland on business, so I see a fair share of snow.
I have a couple of suggestions:
1. Your Pacifica is equppied with an AutoStick function. The next time you are about to go up your snowy driveway, pull your shift lever back into AutoStick. A "1" will show up on your dash light rather than the normal "D" that you see when you are in Drive. Now before you attempt to go up the drive, bump the AutoStick to the right once to get a "2" to show up on the dash light. Then gently apply the gas and see if this helps.
2. If that does not help, I would suggest that you purchase a set of four snow tires to use in the winter. If you don't want the hassle of taking the all season tires off of your alloy rims, you can buy a set of steel rims to mount your snow tires on. Good luck!

sfeather11

Yes, Chrysler's new owners (Cerberus) made a decision to pull the plug on the Pacifica, Dodge Magnum, PT Cruiser convertible, and Crossfire. The last Pacifica rolled off the line in the Windsor assembly plant at the end of November...

sfeather11

Better hurry! Chrysler also announced to its employees that Employee Choice discounts will be terminated in early January. Employees can still buy cars at their usual discount, but only for themselves and immediate family. The traditional Friends program will continue at the normal discount...

qbrozen

I would blame the tires as well as the vehicle's weight. This is a VERY heavy car! So you are asking the front wheels to drag somewhere north of 4400 pounds up a steep, slippery incline. It will require very good tires for this task.

rodut

No discount can justify buying a discontinued Chrysler. The resale values will be close to zero.

As far as I am concerned, I will drive this one to ground, but never buy another Chrysler again. If everybody would do the same thing, Cerberus wouldn't be able to make Chrysler profitable. Even if they cut the expenses in half, but the revenue drops to zero, they obviously won't be profitable.

It's not financially wise to piss off your customers. Cerberus doesn't know that ?!?

Adios

waterdr

I live in WI too.

I think the suggestion to start in second gear is a good one. Most likely the problem is the tires. Is your car equipped with 19" tires by any chance? If so, that is also a problem. Not a fault of the car, but having bigger rims means having a much stiffer sidewall.

Just because there is tread does not mean that the tire is worth a crap in the snow. Mich. are known for being hard tires.

You may also want to check the pressure. Less pressure helps too, but don't go too low.

Go to www.tirerack.com and read reviews for the tire that you are currently using and see if their are complaints in the snow.

Jason5

I don't think so... Seems to me that Pacifica's will be produced through the end of the 08' model year.

kerri

My husband and I currently own a 2004 Nissan Armada. Love the car but hate the gas mileage. We are looking at something a bit more economical but will still hold our three children (13, 11, 6) comfortably. Is the Pacifica roomy enough, have good enough mpg to warrant buying? Also, I was told 2007 was the last production year - any truth to that?

qbrozen

2008 will be the last year for the Pacifica.

The Pacifica is quite comfy, so I think you'll be OK there. Nothing like a test drive with the whole family to truly decide, though.

Mileage is a different issue. With AWD, we get ~18 mpg in mixed driving (70% highway). FWD models do much better. Mine, however, is an '05 with a different engine and transmission than the current models. I believe the current one may not be more efficient, however, because, while it has 2 more gears, it is a bigger engine with more power.

lewis9

checked fueses power to seats no movement :confuse: :confuse:

nuruc7

the 2007's are rated at 18 city, and 24 highway, and that is what the AWD 4.0L models are listed as.

nuruc7

I would recommend trying to get a deal on the 2007's, i got mine for $19K and it was the last day of 2007. i have an 2007 AWD base model with the 4.0L, 6spd and Sirius.

onelord

Buying a pacific 07 touring leather and all the bells and whistles -- 26300 miles @15200.00 Great deal Just wanted to know if i should get the ext warranty from the dealer or online. If i get it from the dealer they will add it to my monthly payment. Is it cheaper to get it online?

maverick72

I try hitting the inside car button and even tried the keychain button and the lift gate doesn't beep and go up anymore. Has this happened to anyone and does anyone know how to fix it?

galneedshelp

I see you posted your question a while ago but was wondering if you ever figured out what the problem was. My Pacifica is doing the same thing. Thanks!

rlaw1

Our gas gauge does the exact same thing. Fill the tank back up and the fluctuating stops till it hits half full.
The problem comes and goes for months. We have an 04 pacifica canadian built in windsor. Anyone fix this problem?? Whenever I go to the dealership its a wasted half day and I find if I tell them the problem more likely to be resolved.

galneedshelp

I was telling my brother about the issue. As I was telling him about the problem, I told him that my car had been recently making a thumping noise every so often (sounded like my spare tire was loose). He thought that there is a wire harness (?) located near the fuel pump /spare tire(?) that may have jiggled loose. That might be why it periodically cuts the electrical to the dash causing the gas gauge to fluctuate so dramatically. He'll be looking at it this weekend--if we find out anything, I'll come back and post it. Obviously, I know nothing about cars!!

steelydanfan

Jason5, I don't know where you get your information , but if you got it from a Chrysler dealer , you can rest assured that they do not which end to back out first in the morning. I will bet that half of them still think the Pacifica is still in production .. I read in the business section of the Houston Chronicle that the last 2008 Pacifica rolled off the assembly line in Windsor, Ontario , Canada on Wednesday November 23rd, 2007.

vincef329

I'm terming the lease on my pacifica and wanted to jot a quick review of my 3 year lease experience. Overall the car has performed very well. Not even one minor problem worth noting. I got a good deal leasing my LX in 05 for around 20,000. I had the true base model in that funny green color. The vehical still handles and rides/runs like new with 27,000 miles. While the highway MPG is good for such a large car, the city is bad. This car was just to big for me, needing just a commuter car for myself. The only strange thing I noted was where the car had a rock chip, the metal quickly rusted. During the lease I had scraped something and by the time I got to the body shop a month later for the repair, that spot had rusted also. Advice: if you own one, keep up on touching up minor dings/scratches. Overall I was very happy with it. Unfortunately, I don't care for any new Chryslers, in style and fit/finish so I've gone to a VW product.
[non-permissible content removed] luck.

pogofile

My wife bought a new 2008 Pacifica Limited, with every option. Traded in a 2004 Limited with low milage. We want to keep up the service, and maximize the milage on the new one. What kind of synthetic oils are allowed, under warranty, for the first oil change? Any problems with using the K&N filter? What's the best way to protect the Alcantera seats from stains? And, where's the best place to buy the mud flaps, etc., that she wants to add? Thanks

pssimon

I have an original 2004 Pacifica, currently with over 115,000 miles. Reality dictates that within a year or so I'll have to replace it..... if not because it's worn out, then to hand off to my 19 year old daughter instead of buying her something else.

Consequently, I have started to pay more attention to what is available. I LOVE the flexibility of the Pacifica. It is exactly what I would buy again, had they not killed it off for the 2009 model year. It does everything I want, and is configured exactly the way I want. (just wish the MPG was better there too!)

Given that I am trying to find what is as close to a Pacifica as I can find. I like the Aspen, but it seems a lot bigger ( and thirstier ) than the Pacifica. Sure, the hybrid version is coming, but even that isn't a real change in mpg from the Pacifica. The Ford Edge looks interesting, but it's a Ford!

I am looking for some comments and some bright ideas as to what to do for my next vehicle.

All thoughts GREATLY appreciated.....

:confuse: ---Paul in Southern NJ :confuse:

qbrozen

what exactly is it about the pacifica you like? and are you only looking at new vehicles? There are lots of low-mileage used Pacs out there for dirt cheap.

To replace our Pac, which is coming to lease end soon, we just purchased a used Volvo XC90 2.5T. I had hoped mileage would be better than the Pac, but that's not proving true thus far.

steelydanfan

You mentioned the Ford Edge, and it is similar to the Pacifica, but it differs in one way...it has no third row seat. I would not slam Ford products these days, Consumer Reports just reported that the quality Ford owners report in their reader surveys has gone up in enough categories to where Consumer Reports is now putting some Ford models on their "recommended" lists. That is nothing to sneer at, coming from foreign-worshipping rag like CR.

Are you staying domestic? You might consider the GM trio of the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave . All three are similar to what the Pacifica used to represent , indeed , If I were replacing my Pacifica right now, the Saturn Outlook would get my nod. In a lot of ways, thos three are eerily similar to the departed Pacifica , and should do the job equally well, if not better in some ways.

I know the GM trios have 6 spd auto trannys, 275 HP, and manage the same city mileage and a little better on the highway. Up close, the Saturn Outlook seems a little bigger inside, or at least the visibilty is better........

Paul, domestically speaking, give the GM crossovers a look.........

joe29001

It would be hard to justify the extra $$ for fake oil. Chrysler doesn't require it and still offers a lifetime warranty. Switching to more expensive oil won't extend your oil-change intervals. Stick to conventional oil, change it every 3,000 miles, and your engine will be covered forever; you can't beat that.

pogofile

Joe, Thanks for the tip regarding oil. I use 'fake oil' in my Chevy LT pickup and my Mercedes for longevity.....forgot that my wife never keeps a car to 100,000 miles. Still wish I knew how to protect this seat fabric; she couldn't get the same dark grey she had in her last Pacifica; had to take tan to get all the options in the Limited and it looks as if it will be dirty by next week. Thanks again.

pogofile

My wife bought a 2008 Pacifica Limited two days ago. She traded in a similar 2004, for which we had purchased the Max Care 85,000 mile/$100 deductible coverage. Anyone have experience with 'cashing in' a partially used warranty?Even though the 2008 has a 100,000 powertrain warranty, she'd feel more comfortable with an extended bumper to bumper warranty on the new car. Please suggest the best warranty, and the best place to buy it. Thanks.

bapriebe

Sounds like you need to find another dealer. This is a well-known problem with a software fix. (Don't offhand know the TSB number but surely they can look it up. My dealer had no trouble finding it.) I had my '04 fixed for this in January 2006.