Chrysler Pacifica

1679111248

Comments

  • nedzelnedzel Member Posts: 787
    The Pacifica is a heavy vehicle and that's going to have a lot of effects, including reduced performance and mileage.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    I guess i would go back to the fact that the Audi Allroad and Mercedes AWD wagon weigh about 500-700 pounds less than the Pacifica. I know the Pacifica has a taller greenhouse, but that's about it. That alone does not make up for the porkiness.

    Seems to me an Audi Allroad fits the SPORTS tourer tag. SPORTS doesn't apply in a 4700 vehicle.

    So while the Pacifica as a package is really good overall, lets just agree to call it a good cruiser wagon and that's about it. Anyone who falls for the SPORTS tourer BS will be sadly disappointed. The utility of the vehicle is the positive about it, not anything related to PERFORMANCE.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Can't ever figure out how a 5500lb Tahoe/Expedition is a SPORTS utility vehicle.
    Nothing sporty about them.
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    I think the "Sport Utility" defines the activity one can do with the vehicle, not defining it as a "sports" car.

    As most know my opinon of the heafty proportions of the pacifica, I would define it as a family cruiser than sports car. Magazines often focus too much on handleing charactoristics than the utility of the vehicle. Car and Driver loves the bmw over almost any Mercedes. BMW are "drivers" cars. I agree, but when I went to look at the back seat and trunk of the 5 series, there was not much more room than found in the 3 series. The E-class offered a decent truck and back seat room. In reality, it became a better fit for what I needed. The Pacifica has no peer at this time, but its slower than most minivans, slower than most semi luxury sedans, slower than 11 passanger awd chruch van, and slower than most mid size SUVs. Fill it up with the family and some gear, passing may become problematic.

    I still have it on my short list and will drive it. I love the look, love the interior and from what I am reading, it is solid and well made. And my wife really likes it. Thats 60% right there! It would be hers! We are long from the days we let the "little lady" just pick the color!
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    comparing this vehicle to a 5 series bimmer or the Audi is not really fair

    it should be compared to other vehicles that can seat 6, like a minivan, certain SUVs, the Caddy SRX, and the volvo that has that [non-permissible content removed] rear facing rear seat

    the Caddy may be the fairest comparison, I guess - and isn't the SRX gonna cost 10k more?

    I need to seat more than 5, so the 5 series bimmer and the Audi don't work for me.

    I agree it can be better, but is it WORTH the price and better than the other vehicles in its class
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    god, I hope it's mopre fun to drive than my Grand Caravan (as that's what I am replacing some time in the next year)

    I compare it to the SRX and the XC90, but not sure what else yet
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    Its a 35,000 dollar Chrysler. No Chrysler should sell for over 25 grand so that alone means it should adhere to some sort of high standard.
  • indydriverindydriver Member Posts: 620
    B4Z: interested in your comment re: power loss of DC trans v. GM. Please expound. Do you have facts?

    RFB: could not disagree more. Try finding a large four door sedan with 250/250, leather, heated seats, computer info ctr, big stereo for 30K equal to the 300M. It doesn't exist. I've tried. The General competes with the Buick Park Ave Ultra for only $39,900 (and then you drive them both, and, well...no comparison). The Pacifica is a new niche and people are spending $40-50 for luxed out trucks call SUVs. People will vote with their wallets. The Pac will be a big success.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    Why should no Chrysler cost more than $25,000? This from a Taurus owner!
    A loaded Chrysler shouldn't cost more than $3,000 more than a Taurus? Get real!
    I'm surprised that Chrysler's top brand (Chrysler) costs consistently less than Ford's (Lincoln) and GM's (Cadillac).
    Show me another car with the room and features of a 300M for anywhere near $30,000!
    While I would love to see the Pacifica with 500 fewer pounds, and 50 more ponies, it's still a good value compared to what else is out there.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    Oh yeah, even though that dated 300M has a 30+ k sticker, I'd roll over in my chair laughing out loud if anyone was game enough to pay much over 26k for one these days.

    "room and faetures" hey Chrysler is moving in on GM territory!.....Room and features is the mark of excellence isn't it.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    There was a lot of discussion about this in the Intrepid R/T thread about 2 years ago.

    Also a guy on that thread dyno'd his Intrepid R/T and it put out 173 hp. It is rated at 242 hp.
    That is waaay more than the normal 20% reduction due to frictional losses,etc.
    If it had been a 20% reduction then it would have made 194 hp.

    The 300M has a power toweight ratio of 14.46.
    The Intrigue's is 15.91.
    Yet they post the same 0-60 time.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    The Pacificas started to arrive at the dealers today.
    Sat in a beautiful Lt. Green one, loaded to $40,300 without only the cargo group and HID headlamps.
    I played with all the toys, and came away very impressed.
    It had just come off the truck, so no test drive...bummer!
  • indydriverindydriver Member Posts: 620
    What were your impressions of the size, both inside and out? Like I said, I was amazed at how much larger it looks than the minivan in DC brochures. Over $40K, whew! Now that is opening the door to some pretty mean competition.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    How would you rate the quality of the interior, plastics, leather ,carpet ,etc?
    A cut above the standard domestic stuff?
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    I thought the build quality was excellent. Fit & finish as well as materials seemed top notch.
    Yes, its big! First impression is of the width and muscular stance.
    Only disappointments were prop rod for hood, and no polished tail pipe.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    40k for a Mopar?...............how much is the new Toaureg?
  • svevarsvevar Member Posts: 160
    What's the big deal about spending $40K for a Pacifica? Don't people buy $40K Town & Country's? Don't people buy $40K Grand Cherokees and Explorers? What about $40-50K Suburbans or Yukon Denalis?

    Though not an SUV, the Buick Park Avenue Ultra approaches $40K, and people buy that too.

    Considering all of its standard equipment, I believe the Pacifica is priced very competitively.
  • hayneldanhayneldan Member Posts: 657
    Touareg V6 base no options $35,475 V8 base No options $41,275. Accura MDX $42,500. You pay your money and take your choice. If sub 8 second 0-60 times are your thrill, there's always a BMW X5 at $67,495, or a Porsche Cayenne at $89,665.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    A Buick may MSRP at 40k, but no one will pay over low-mid thirties for one of those, unless they are stupid. A Park Avenue is only worth 50 cents less than a 300m in my opinion.

    After seeing the Pacifica today at the autoshow, I am convinced its way overpriced. I could see a sticker of around 32 being reasonable but anything approaching 35 or more appraoching 40 for this thing is reaching. Bless those folks that want to spend that kind of money on that. I have some charities called 'my checkbook' that I would like you to donate to.

    It also did not appear as spacious as its been billed to be.

    Of course not much of the rolling crap available for sale out there is worth over 30 grand.

    The Touareg didn't even do anything for me. So fun to just sit and watch the VW area....all sorts of yuppies fawning all over all the VW's. Nice cars, but man I coulda made a killing selling mochas over by the Passats and jettas and twaregh. I swore I was living in a J Crew catalog.

    Of course the first look my wife had of the Pacifica, she responded quickly with a very unflattering remark which I can't repeat here. I think the exterior design is fine actually, but I didn't like the interior. Mostly the dash...the 'big curve' over the instruments was a bit hokey and the dash itself is like a tall wall in front of the drivers seat.

    Then there's the whole thing of Chrysler playing Celine Dion loud on the speakers around all their cars, I think I'm gonna yack from all that Celine.

    oh, and also I don't think anyone would be crazy enough to spend 40k on an Exploder either.

    Bottom line is the Pacifica, despite its lack of sports, will most likely sell very well....riding the SUV / crossover wave, getting that group of buyers who is either moving away from minvans or truck based SUV's but still wants a third seat and wasn't lucky enough to get an MDX.

    I would advise all Pacifica shoppers to just go check out the Murano. NOW THAT THING IS THE DEAL. Acceleration, great interior, comfy seating, good cargo space, svelte looks......LOWER PRICE. No third seat? Too bad for the whiny kids....make em sit together, it builds discipline and cooperation skills. If they whine, pull the plug on the dvd player.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    except the Murano looks kind of like a pig after pit bulls chewed its head off. If that is the look you are going for, alright. But you can't blame others from being somewhat repulsed. Plus you get the same old gas sucking V6 Nissan puts in everything it makes.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    I guess I would disagree with your LOGIC....but we agree all have their own styling tastes.

    Nice visual, pit bull chews off pigs head......

    Gas sucking Nissan v6....hmmm they are getting about 20 mpg on the message boards for the Muranos, not bad for an SUV. I wonder what Pacificas numbers are in the mpg dept.

    Saw a stunning black Murano the other day. Maybe if I see a black Pacifica it will spruce it up a bit. The Pacifica at the show was a lighter color. Not a flattering color.
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    Shopping for a vette? Nice Redneck Sled!

    Love your takes on over spending. Youdah man!

    Sorry the whole thing is so upsetting to you.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    I strenuosly disagree with Reg's disapproval of the Pacifica. The Pacifica and the Crossfire are two of the nicest looking cars to come around.

    But lets not let this debate bring us to diss the Vette. No matter who buys it can do nothing to change the fact that it is the best pure driver's car for the money.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    the vette is a truly great car. The fact that it comes from GM is absolutely mind boggling.

    redneck sled....lol......naw, the corvette rises above that status. Might be fair to call a camaro or pontiac so.....

    Did you read my post, my wife was the one who said it was ugly. I think Pacifica looks fine for a big fat wagon. pretty decent.....but it won't win awards or cause people to pay list price or over to get one.

    Forced with a choice between an M3 and Vette....for 'pure drivers car' award.....wow that'd be tough.

    Chrysler is trying too hard trying to play with the big boys, as far as pricing. Nice for them to try and jack up the price, to see what dummies take the bait. But really the Pacifica would be a lot more successful if it were perceived as an 'under 30k' vehicle instead of 'over 30k'. Chrylser just doesn't have the esteem the big boys do.

    The Crossfire definitely lost soemthing in transition from show car to production. Lacks the panache. I saw the corssfire on the pedestal at the autoshow this wkd. Did nothing at all for me. Nice rehashed minimercedes.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    But my take on an M3/Vette contest is the cost. A tricked out M3 brings you into Z06 territory. Unless you really need that postage stamp back seat, Z06 has it all over the admittedly excellent M3.
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    The cross fire one of the few that is about 90% from the concept.

    I'd take a m3 over the vette because it does not screem "look at me".

    I find it funny to mention the collective car division "esteem" that Chrysler has a problem with costing a vehicle near the 4ok mark. VW has a 12cyl that will be over 80k.

    but if self esteem were not a problem, then many would not be needing a corvette?
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    vw is making a mistake with an 80k car, but still VW's brand image is much higher than domestics like Chrylser.

    Chicks will go drop 24k on a measly Jetta no problem, but its pulling teeth to get people to drop same said amount on most dodges and chryslers.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    they were not appropriate for our Town Hall discussions. Let's please quit the bickering... and get back the subject of this discussion. Okay? Feel free to email me in you have any questions or comments regarding this matter.

    Further off topic and/or heated messages will be automatically deleted.

    And now back to the subject of the Chysler Pacifica. Thanks!

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    VW's roots are the bug.

    Chryslers roots are the imperial, 300, new yorker etc.

    The 80's when the company was on life support about every product was K-Car based and image was at lowest.

    DC plan to eliminate Plymouth was to have dodge cover the low to mid level, chysler cover the mid to upper, and mercedes to take it from their.

    Its a sound strategy. Chrysler is in the future, not the past.

    Im not saying I will get the pacifica, but it will be a fine offering. On a new platform, the first designed under the new ownership, it represents the new company and they best not blow it! I called a small town dealer and they had 20 already preordered and 16 they will have for inventory. I have yet to see one or sit in one. I have read alot about it and look forward to creating my own impression after driving one.

    Chrylser does have a bad history of resale values and thus does not lease many. If they want to go upscale they need to address this. ITs a business expense for me, and won't pay 10% more on a lease because of low residual.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    An insightful post.
    I can't understand where VW is going with the luxury market offerings. It might have worked as a counter-culture thing in the dot com hayday, but not now. VW should stick with Audi for the high end market or create a new luxury brand.
    You're right on about Chrysler.
    I too am concerned about resale/residual value. With a 40K sticker on the Pacifica, the downside is pretty large, especially at 25-30K miles per year.
    Got to balance the emotion against reason!
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    in other words, one year old Pacificas that MSRPed at 40 will be selling on lots for 22,900
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    A Tucson dealer told me today that they expect to receive their first Pacifica in "a couple of weeks".
  • indydriverindydriver Member Posts: 620
    with any automobile. Its a pathetic investment any way you cut it. If you want resale value, buy a house. Buy a car because its a luxury to be able to afford one, let alone two or three. Find one you are so excited about, you can drive it for 10 years without getting tired of seeing it every morning. If the Pac is that vehicle, God bless you, that's what the game is all about. Drive it until it has zero resale value and you made a smart purchase.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    I agree, but there are at least 2 scenarios:
    #1, Work Vehicle:
    I drive 25-30K miles/yr, and need something I enjoy driving, has plenty of room, and at least a reasonable annual cost. 2 Taurus SHOs and 2 300Ms have performed admirably for the past 9 years, and I would hope the Pacifica could do so for the next 30-36 months.
    #2, Play Vehicle:
    Our 13-year-old Mazda Miata has been a joy! Still love looking at, and driving, it every summer. Paid $16,250 in July od 1989 and practically nothing on maintainance since. It's in showroom condition, and probably wouldn't bring more than $5,000 now, but it's not for sale. Thats value!
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    Wow!
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    Drove a loaded ($40K) Pacifica today and was very impressed!
    My concern about poor acceleration was mitigated, as the vehicle at least seemed to be a lively performer. It moved smartly from rest and accelerated smoothly.
    The ride is very good, and very quiet. The only intrusive noise was when the engine is operated in the higher end of the power band.
    I tried it thru some sharp curves and it carved thru smartly. Steering had a very good feel.
    Overall very impressive!
  • drummondvilledrummondville Member Posts: 1
    does anyone has pictures from the other color.

    You only see the jade and the silver on the net.
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    guys (and gals) - it is so tiresome to hear complaining about how the Pacifica doesn't perform and the like

    we ain't comparing the thing to a freakin Vette or M3, ok? I want something that is more fun to drive than my Grand Caravan, without sacrificing everything that my Grand Caravan gives me (e.g., seating for more than 4 and enough cargo space so I can take it camping).

    I know it's overpriced, but so is everything out there. Compare the Pacifica to other 6-seaters and then let's talk. Stop yanking the chain by saying "it doesn't have the power of the X5" or "it doesn't drive like an A6"

    no kidding!!! but those cars do not sit 6. It ain't that complicated. I want seating for the wife and 4 children and I don't want another minivan or a damned Suburban.

    Maybe I just keep my nmoney in my pocket and drive the van for another year to see how the XC90 and the Pacifica and the Cadillac SRX shake out, but please put the worthless comparisons on other message boards.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    Right on, Al!
    Straight line acceleration is but one element of performance.
    In my short test drive I found the Pacifica did well in all aspects of performance: acceleration, braking, ride, steering, comfort, quietness, features and overall feel.
    Compared to what else is out there, I still think the Pacifica is a good choice.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    First of all, Town Hall welcome all views as long as they're posted within accordance of our Member Agreement Guidelines.

    The thing to do here is stick with issues (about the Pacifica) that you'd like to discuss, and completely ignore messages that irritate you. Keep in mind that responding to unwanted posts will only bring more unwanted posts.

    To Everyone - A couple off topic posts have been deleted. A little comparing is okay, but let's not forget that the main focus of this discussion should be about the Chrysler Pacifica.

    If you want to respond to someone's off topic question/comment, you can always ask them to join you in a more appropriate discussion or respond to their post by email. Okay?

    Bottom line: Unless you want to be writing with disappearing ink, stick to the topic of this discussion.

    Thanks!

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    sorry if my post was off-color or off-topic - what did I say that was wrong?

    well, forget about that

    but can someone please compare the Pacifica to similarly-situated (?) vehicles? It seems tofit a niche that no one else wants - seats more than 5, AWD, not a minivan or a truck....
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    In my mind the Cadillac SRX is the most similar vehicle to the Pacifica. I've pretty much narrowed my consideration to those two. Some might consider the Volvo XC90 or the Acura MDX to be direct competitors.
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    rcf: I agree - I can't think of any other fair comparisons. There's a Honda with a third seat, correct? The Pilot, maybe. Can't recall if that is built on a truck platform, however. Does the MDX have a third-seat option?
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    The Honda Pilot has a third row seat, as does the MDX. However, I don't consider the Honda to be at all equivalent to the Pacifica. (e.g. the Pilot has a column shifter; sunroof is not available)
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    yeah, so leaving the Pilot out of the comparison makes sense

    though it makes more sense to keep the Pilot in the comparison mix than it does to compare the Pacifica to a 5 series BMW wagon or any of the Audi products, perhaps

    again, the "driver" for me is the passenger capacity

    I'm nervous about the Volvo and The Caddy and the Pacifia, given that this is the year of intro for them - I hope my Grand Caravan holds out so I don't have to make this decision until we have more data
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    If passenger capacity is the "driver" the Pilot seats 8, and it seats 5 without anybody having to crawl into the rearmost seat.

    I think the Pilot is valid competition, but then I won't buy a car with a sunroof (takes up too much headroom) and I could care less where the shifter is mounted.

    The Pilot is also quite a bit less expensive, topping out at $33,000 with leather and nav.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    I have ruled out the Pilot and MDX because of the higher center of gravity and the fact that you have to climb up into them. I also require either a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel or adjustable pedals, which neither the Pilot or MDX provides. Since I don't intend to go off road, I don't need the extra ground clearance that the MDX and Pilot provide. I also require memory seats, which I think the Pilot doesn't offer.
  • russklassrussklass Member Posts: 389
    ...this time for 20 miles over a mix of freeway, country roads, urban streets and one long, steep, 2 lane winding hill.
    The semi-loaded ($38,000)Pacifica performed admirably, even conquering the hill with enthusiasm.
    I'm convinced! Now if I can just find the one I want...
  • indydriverindydriver Member Posts: 620
    Good to hear first hand information from someone who has actually driven one! Anyone worried about the cost can wait six months and buy it at invoice less a rebate. But you can't blame a manufacturer of anything for wanting to profit off a new creation.
  • bargamonbargamon Member Posts: 302
    I don't think there is anything wrong with discussion regarding various media comments about its performance. Sick and tired about relevent discussion and being nervous about a caddy and volvo are your opinions and well put.

    The fact the pacifica has a 4 speed tranny is relevent, and its lack of effiecentcy is relevent. We welcome these subjects as do any test drivers whom comment on actual real time driving experience, until we can test drive ourselves. We'll know soon enough.

    Russ, what is your opinion of the third row? Is it tight or valid 3rd row?
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.