When first introduced, the Chrysler Pacifica generated many favorable comments. Reviewers and owners praised its comfort, room, flexibility, ride and handling. They did not, however, become overly enthusiastic about engine performance. “Adequate,” was about as generous as reviewers got when talking about the 3.5-liter V-6. Then, in an effort to create a less costly version of the Pacifica, the company reconfigured standard equipment, the seating and substituted a 3.8-liter V-6.
Forget that this engine was larger than the original 3.5-liter V-6. It was also less powerful; 215 horsepower vs. the 3.5-liter’s 250. The new price point proved to be attractive, however, and Pacifica sales increased.
Now, Chrysler has taken a step in addressing the issue of power. For 2007, Pacifica buyers have the option of stepping up to a 4.0-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is a welcomed boost in performance and, in our testing, no real decline in fuel economy.
For this review, Chrysler loaned us a Pacifica in middle-of-the-line Touring trim. In addition to the newly available 4.0-liter V-6, it also had all-wheel drive and just about every option, save for a sunroof, known to man. The list of extras included a slick navigation system that projects the map and directions onto the center of the speedometer face. The location is perfect for the driver but hard on a front seat passenger who might want to participate in navigation. Also, the size of route numbers and street names is small, a reflection of the available area inside the speedometer’s half circle. This complicates use by drivers in the bifocal generation.
Obviously, the first order of business when reviewing a car with a new engine is to check out its performance. The good news is that the Pacifica with the 4.0-liter V-6 is much livelier and more responsive than the 3.5-liter model. It is not, however, as refined as some V-6s, though it was not objectionable, either, even on full-throttle acceleration. Once warmed, the six-speed automatic was a paragon of smooth-shifting virtue. During the warm-up period, however, it delivered a harsh shift or two when going from first to second.
On the road, the transmission was eager to downshift in response to the driver’s demand for midrange passing power, though it did not always select as low a gear I would have liked. Here, the AutoStick manual override worked quickly and easily.
Set on cruise control for a steady 65 miles per hour on I-84 through the hills of Willington, this newest and most powerful Pacifica downshifted only occasionally, and never beyond fifth gear. The previous Pacifica, equipped with the 3.5-liter engine and a four-speed automatic downshifted far more often – and far more noticeably. The old Pacifica took nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. This newest version makes the same dash in just 7.9 seconds. It is almost hard to believe the difference, since the new engine is rated at only five horsepower more than the 3.5-liter and engine – 255 vs. 250 – and torque is only up from 250 to 265 pound feet.
Still, there is a considerable difference in performance. Perhaps it is the combination of the new engine and the new six-speed automatic.
As for the rest of the Pacifica, it is pretty much as it was. The base model features two-row five-passenger seating, the 3.8-liter V-6, front-wheel drive and a sub-$25,000 starting price, despite having a long and impressive list of comfort and convenience items. Add all-wheel drive to the base model and Chrysler substitutes the new 4.0-liter V-6 for the 3.8. This 4.0-liter engine is standard on all Touring and Limited models. Also standard on these vehicles is six-passenger seating using three rows, each set up for two people. The front and second row seating is adult friendly, roomy and supportive. The third row is for children, since both access and room would be difficult for adults.
The ride is supple and controlled. The handling is balanced, predictable and forgiving though in no way sporty. Noise levels are nicely controlled.
Rear visibility is decidedly limited. Our review car had a backup camera which was part of the optional navigation system. This solves that problem nicely.
Our Touring model started at $29,950, plus $730 in destination charges. To this, Chrysler added an options package with heated front and rear seats, fog lights, automatic dimming rearview mirrors and a long list of additional comfort and convenience items. Also in our car were the already mentioned navigation system, an Infinity audio upgrade, rear seat DVD player and a parking alert sensor in the rear. The bottom line: $37,065.
EPA ratings are 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. I managed 17.6 miles per gallon in my week with the vehicle. Compare that to the 17.0 miles per gallon that I recorded with the original Pacifica equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 that I reviewed back in July of 2003.
Comfortable, roomy and flexible, the Pacifica is also now a livelier performer, thanks to the new 4.0-liter V-6. If not sporty, it is certainly rewarding to drive.
