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My FWD gets the Chrysler official MPG numbers. But that happens during the summer though.
During the winter, especially if driving it on many short trips, when the engine is cold most of the time, all bets are off on any car, Pacifica included. Add AWD, with all those cold parts and transmission liquids, and things will be worse. That's why people report MPGs all over the chart. Also the time spent in traffic jams is very variable for different people.
Writing down a number would mean nothing to you. What matters is that in OPTIMAL conditions (summer, highway, low speed, FWD, heated car, etc) I get Chrysler's official MPG numbers.
It should be enough space, but you don't want to put a 4 and a 10 year old on the same bench !
I have not checked my mileage yet, but you might check out the Edmund's real world MPG for the Pacifica. Good luck!
I know the car has a lot going for it, especially the interior. I really really wanted that car. But, my common sense prevailed and I decided I needed something reliable and safe above all else.
Did I make a mistake? Some of you sound really happy with your Pacificas and others are filing suit under the lemon law? In the meantime, I'm still car shopping.
People with problems complain. People without problems say nothing. We have a 2005 Pacifica bought new in Sept of 2004 with 10,000 miles. Only problem was a broken window regulator. I just took it on an 800 mile trip where it either snowed or rained the entire time. Very nice to drive, sure footed and solid feeling.
I don't know how many people had the issues that you refer to, but I bet the actual percentage is very very small, they are just vocal. Also, it seems that some of the stalling problems may be due to using 87 octane instead of 89 octane. If you calculate 10,000 miles and 17 mpg = 588 gallons. Times 10 cents /gallon = $58.8 you would have saved by using the cheap gas. Obviously you can manipulate these numbers, but if you are looking at a $25k-$35k vehicle, this really is small change.
rodut
By the way, I don't believe stalling and Octane go together either. By coincidence, my Pac did stall w. 87. But their is still, very rare, and "idle stumble" w. 89 octane. Not too worried about it, I'll take it in when I get a chance.
We have a 1 year old Pacifica with no problems. We also have a 1999 Intrepid purchased 6.5 years ago which has the 3.2L engine (baby to the 3.5L) that has had two out of warranty repairs (trans sensor, wheel bearing) for about $450 at the dealer and two in warranty repairs (window regulator, windshield washer reservoir) for about the same amount of money. This car is great and very solid. I had a 1992 Grand Caravan which went 170,000 miles and the only real work that it needed was front axles.
Like I said before, when you spend some time in the "problem and solution" forum, one can't help but worry. I now only go in there if I really have to. I'm enjoying this car. I'm also getting a little more involved in the servicing as well, especially since the engine bay, and underneath, is so nicely designed for easy service. Just installed a fumoto valve for easier oil changes.
The only solution I found with Pacifica was to move the lumbar support as far to the rear as possible. That would allow your butt to move to the rear, so it will keep your back more vertical.
P.S.: That works if you have lumbar support adjustment on the Base model. I don't know if you have it.
So far, I love my Pacifica. It looks great and rides great. I was headed to buy a Honda or Toyota minivan but wasn't all that excited about the idea of driving one or the price of the vans. This is a great alternative. I haven't had it in the shop yet but so far so good. It is a good size for my family of 4.
I have a question. I leave the headlights turned on which they will go off after 90 seconds. Why then do I get the "ding, ding, ding" when the door is opened? I can't find anything about this in the manual.
This includes the six-speed automatic and other changes...!
I see nothing wrong with the 3.5, if they would just couple it to a 5-speed (heck, i'll take the 6-speed if they simply MUST use it).
I want better pickup AND better mileage. I'm sure a 6-speed 4.0 liter would solve one of those issues, but I doubt it would get better mileage.
I hope its not the old 4.0 from the Jeep division.
And why use the 3.8? Isn't that the same engine in the BASE pacifica last year that had only 210 hp?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I have read that others have had problems with their Pac gas gauge indicating low fuel, the dial plunges to "E", it "Dings", and then bounces back up to a correct reading. Has anyone found a successful solution??? The "Dinging" is nerve racking. help.
We're trying to get away from the mega-topics to make it easier for folks to find the information they need.
Chrysler Pacifica: Starting/Stalling Problems
Chrysler Pacifica: Electical/Lighting Problems
I've googled and found a couple but nothing that great.
Thanks!!
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"#918 of 984 New Forumite by redwingsfan Dec 08, 2004 (5:43 pm)
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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.
Months later, still no problems. Now have 17,000 miles on the Pac and wife's still loving it. The local 5 * is great - no problems at all with anything we've wanted or needed.
--------------------------------------
27500 miles and still no problems.
As I can find any info on this subject .
Do you know where I can find some illustration on this radio removal subject??
Any Idea?
Sincerely Thanks
With a used car, it's buyer beware, so maybe a salvage yard or you can try ebay for new headlight assemblies.
Question: Do you live in a sunbelt state like Florida or Texas? Try to find a garage for your new Pacifica, it will thank you!!
I would like to see her with an FWD for mileage purposes, but she is looking at a used '04 AWD with about 25,000 miles on odometer. I am concerned about the AWD gas/economy mileage, as this particular car shows 14.2 avg on car's onboard mileage calculator. This seems really poor, although it is possible that current owner is just doing city driving. Does this 14.2 represent typical mileage on AWD version. Is mileage significantly better on FWD version?
I am also curious about drive quality of AWD vs FWD. Does AWD have more trucklike characteristics.
Also concerned that this is an early '04. built in 03/03, so I am concerned about early production issues? ...I try to avoid "first year" issues with new models.
I would appreciate any input that others might provide....
IMO The AWD Pac is a very, smooth driving automobile. It is definitely more car-like than truck.
As far as first year quality, you would have to read through this forum and others. My feeling is that there were some "teething" probs. w. the 04. Some of those probs. carried over into 05 and 06 Pacs as well, ie stalling probs. However, despite the chatter in these forums and others, I still don't think the Pac is a bad car. I'm sure you can do a background check on that particular vehicle for more info. I purchased an 05 AWD Pac w. hopes of skipping the first years probs. that come w. new designs. So far, it's been a pretty satisfying experience at 6000 miles. But from what I've read, there are some very satisfied 04 owners out there.
Get her to drive both and she may see the differences herself and prefer the FWD.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I still have a tough time actually believing those accounts, though. I mean, 2 vehicles so similar from the same manufacturer, yet they manufacturer claims they are completely different .... hmmmmm...
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
So here in the Pacifica group, you'll see discussion titles like:
New Pacifica Owners - Give Us Your Report
Chrysler Pacifica: Audi & Entertainment Systems
Chrysler Pacifica: MPG-Real World Numbers
Chrysler Pacifica: Starting/Stalling Problems
Chrysler Pacifica Test Drive - What Did You Think?
just to name a few.
I'll be pulling posts from this discussion as new ones are created and directing you to the proper discussions as things get posted here that should go elsewhere.
So before posting in the general discussions here, check the discussion list to find the topic you're going to post about. If you don't see one on the list, please feel free to add a discussion to the list. We can shine it up after the fact if it's not quite right
Thanks in advance for your help on this. Old habits are hard to break, but this should help everyone find thier way around here in a more efficient manner.
If you have any comments or suggestions for the Pacifica forum, please feel free to click on my username and drop me an email!
AUTOMOTIVE WRITER
Wednesday, Jul. 19 2006
DETROIT — Although the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, with its available 250-hp V-6, could hardly be described as under-powered, Chrysler officials have concluded that Pacifica’s groovy new hood deserves to cap a few more ponies. Boasting a mild redesign, which includes new headlights and hood grooves — or “strakes,” as Chrysler likes to call them — the 2007 Pacifica features a
freshened look. The real news, however, is the primary powertrain, which includes an all-new, 4.0-liter V-6 that boasts 5 more horses and 15 additional pounds feet of torque
compared to the 3.5-liter V-6 it replaces. “It’s the most powerful naturally aspirated V-6 engine in the Chrysler Group lineup,” said Tom LaSorda, president and CEO of Chrysler Group. I call that engine part of the “primary” powertrain because the ’07 Pacifica, available in base, Touring and Limited trim, does offer a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V-6
backed by a four-speed automatic, but you can only get it on the price-leader, front-wheel drive base model. Everything else — base all-wheel drive, Touring front- and all-wheel drive and Limited front- and all-wheel drive — gets the new 4.0-liter, 255-hp V-6, which couples exclusively to an equally new six-speed automatic. The additional two cogs that six-speed brings to Pacifica’s drivetrain get the
most out of the slight increases in power and torque that the new 4.0-liter provides. A quick spin around Chrysler Group’s Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Ground test track revealed a Pacifica that’s notably quicker off the line, thanks in
large part to that shorter first gear. It’s not quite as lively accelerating at speed, mainly due to the lofty 4,200 rpm that must be achieved to take advantage of the full complement of 265 lb.-ft. of twist. Even so, passing
ooomph is plenty adequate in this family friendly ride, despite a curb weight that can reach close to 2.5 tons in the top-of-the-line Limited. Available in five-, six- or seven-passenger versions, 2007 Pacifica upgrades also include standard all-row side-curtain air bags on all models and Daimler-Chrysler’s Electronic Stability Program stability control system for the entire line.Since it debuted as a 2004 model, Pacifica has always been a stylish family hauler and a great alternative to an SUV for those who need plenty of cargo and passenger-hauling capability. Its new drivetrain and safety hardware just make it all the better.