Family Future: Chrysler Pacifica (2007)

As a car manufacturer, Chrysler has always been a trendsetter whether it is by design or concept. In the 80’s, they were the first to introduce the multi-purpose vehicle or MPV with the Dodge Caravan. In the 90’s, they brought back retro back to the mainstream with the PT Cruiser and the Plymouth Prowler. Heck, they even pioneered the idea of building a regular run American super car in the Dodge Viper. And just two years ago, the uniquely styled, rear-wheel drive 300C brought hip back to Detroit. With such an impressive resume, where does the Pacifica fit in? It was the first true “crossover vehicle”.

Though there are those who’d rather prefer driving an MPV, there are some who consider SUVs or sport utility vehicles as the new family car. The crossover vehicle seeks to combine the best qualities of both. However, it seems that traditional SUV sales are beginning to decline. Along with a maturing MPV market, it seems that the crossover is the new segment bright spot, selling in the tune of 3 million vehicles annually. And who was it again who beat everyone around the bush?

Of course, being the first doesn’t always mean being the best. So, it’s rather fortunate for Chrysler that they managed to get everything right with the Pacifica the first time around. Designed before the 300C, the Pacifica looks closer to the Crossfire sports car than the full-sized sedan. For instance, the hood contains vertical slats, said to emulate a yacht’s power board. And then there is the numerous chrome bits sprinkled around. Despite the sweeping roof design and several hard creases, there’s no way you can deny that the Pacifica’s a huge vehicle. That said, it’s a handsomely done huge vehicle.

The Pacifica’s huge exterior should equally echo a huge interior, and it does. The accommodations are generally kingly with more than luxurious leg, shoulder and head room. Perhaps the only weakness is the third row, where despite sliding the second row completely forward, produces merely adequate knee room. Equally odd with the Pacifica is its 2+2+2 seating configuration. It sort of makes sense since some owners would prefer to make the Pacifica into a pseudo-luxury car, but for the typical family it lessens this car’s flexibility by a lot. Equally limiting is the luggage space with all the seats up. The weekly grocery shopping can be quite difficult especially if the entire family decides to go. However, with the third row folded flat, it can produce a wide grin on hardcore furniture lovers.

At P 2.850 million, the Pacifica Touring is handsomely appointed with almost everything as standard equipment. Airbags (7 of them), anti-lock brakes, parking sensors, wood grain paneling and leather seats are given at this price range but the Pacifica ups the ante with powered front seats and tailgate; adjustable pedals; tire pressure sensors; stability control; auto on/off headlamps, a Bluetooth hands-free system and even a high-fidelity stereo/6-disc/DVD/MP3 Infinity sound system with 8 speakers. Interior is nicely built and well finished as well.

With such an impressive list of standard features as well as vast interior space, it can make you feel as if the Pacifica was designed more as a home rather than an automobile, but it’s assuring that Chrysler has equally invested in making an impressive driving experience. At its foundation is a uni-body platform with independent suspension on all corners. Certainly no sports car, the Pacifica still feels planted and surefooted enough through sweeping bends, with only the numb steering working against it. And when the weather gets worse, the Pacifica has the added security of all-wheel drive.

There’s nothing lacking with the Pacifica’s pace thanks to a 4.0-liter V6 producing a healthy 253 horsepower. The engine’s highly refined and quiet except when the throttle’s nailed where a muscle car note bellows through the cabin thanks to twin exhaust pipes. Despite the Pacifica’s hefty 2,068 kilogram curb weight, the engine does its job well. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed automatic that’s every gear as smooth, refined and quick responding as the engine it’s attached to. Overall economy is equally commendable with 5.0 km/L in the city and around 9.0 km/L in the highway. Unfortunately, overtaking in the Pacifica is still difficult not because of the lack of pace, rather because of the poor visibility especially the blind areas at the third quarter, and this despite of the extra large side mirrors.

Although the Pacifica has some blind spots, at least it can be said that the company behind it doesn’t suffer from it. Aside from the silly seating arrangement, the Pacifica actually does most things quiet well. From a line-up perspective, if you really need a people mover, there’s the Town & Country. If you want a large luxury sedan, there’s the 300C. The Pacifica? It’s somewhere in between offering equal doses of style, utility and performance. Though some people maybe confused on what the Chrysler Pacifica truly is, it’s a trendsetter in more ways than one.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos by Ulysses Ang