The Chrysler Pacifica helped launch a trend that those in the car business call crossover vehicles. Crossovers are supposed to combine the best attributes of sport-utility vehicles, sedans and minivans, and the Pacifica still does that as well as any, at very attractive prices. This year, it does it better than it ever has.
For 2007, the Pacifica benefits from fairly substantial changes, starting with a smoother, more powerful V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Its styling has been subtly updated, and previously optional safety equipment, including side-curtain head protection airbags and electronic stability control, is now standard on all models. Perhaps best of all, prices have actually been lowered.
Pacifica has four sedan-like doors and the wide rear liftgate you'd expect on a sport-utility vehicle or minivan. Inside it's roomy and comfortable, whether upholstered in fabric or leather. Getting in and out is easy. It rides like a sedan and handles well for a vehicle of its heft, and it's more enjoyable to drive through suburbia than just about any truck-based SUV. On the highway, it's smooth and quiet.
The Pacifica line offers a range of models, from well-equipped to luxury-class with all the bells and whistles, and it's available with two or three rows of seating. 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 folding bucket seats, and add a 50/50 split bench in the rear. Either changes from people mover to cargo hauler in a matter of seconds, and in both cases maximum cargo capacity exceeds that in the typical mid-size SUV.
The Pacifica has earned outstanding scores in government crash tests. All-wheel drive is available, making it a good choice for snow country. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds, which is more than enough for personal water craft, dirt bikes or a camping trailer. And despite its versatility, no one will be embarrassed driving a Pacifica to black-tie event and leaving it with the valet. It's stylish and handsome, and it doesn't fit easily in any particular mold.
Bottom line: The Pacifica is roomy, versatile, pleasant to drive and nice to look at. Our test model had all the essential safety equipment, all-wheel drive, a powerful, great-sounding stereo and rear-seat DVD video, and it still didn't break $30,000. However you see it and whatever you call it, we think the Pacifica makes a terrific family vehicle.