The Chrysler Pacifica is one of a growing number of what the industry calls crossover vehicles that combine attributes of sport utilities, wagons and minivans. Chrysler calls the Pacifica a sports tourer, suggesting sport-utility DNA, although it doesn't really look like an SUV crossover. However you see it, and whatever you call it, we think the Pacifica is a terrific family vehicle.
Pacifica is available with two or three rows of seating, for five or six passengers. The five-passenger base model has two bucket seats in front with a split folding bench in the second row that seats up to three. Six-passenger models swap the middle-row bench for two flat-folding bucket seats, and add a 50/50 split bench in the rear, for six-passenger capacity. Most models are configured to seat six and offer 79.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all the seats folded, which is more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee is rated to carry.
Pacifica has four sedan-like doors on its sides but a liftgate in back similar to what you'd expect on an SUV or minivan. Inside it's roomy and comfortable, whether upholstered in fabric or leather. Getting in and out is easy.
In its mechanical layout, Pacifica more resembles a minivan than anything else, except that it's been enhanced throughout with Mercedes-Benz engineering, including a complete rear suspension borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class sedan.
On the road, Pacifica is smooth and quiet. All-wheel drive is available, making it a good choice for the snow country. The ride is smooth and supple, and the four-wheel antilock (ABS) disc brakes do a good job of bringing Pacifica to a smooth stop. Pacifica is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds.
Pacifica excels in safety, with five-star front and side-impact ratings and a four-star rollover rating from the federal government's NHTSA, and "best pick" from the insurance industry's IIHS. Side curtain airbags designed to provide head protection are optional, and we recommend ordering them.
Pacifica was introduced as a totally new vehicle for 2004. For 2005, Chrysler expanded the lineup to include an entry-level, five-seat version. For 2006, all models come with the more powerful 3.5-liter overhead-cam V6. (The old pushrod 3.8-liter engine is gone.) The 2006 Pacifica lineup also gets new Signature Series models that combine popular options with a unique look, at a discounted price.
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