2006 Chrysler Pacifica: Crossing Over from Van to SUV
Summary
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. 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. 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.
Full Review 2006
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. Pacifica was introduced as a totally new
vehicle for 2004. For 2005, Chrysler expanded the lineup to include an
entry-level, five-seat version. The 2006 Pacifica lineup also gets new Signature
Series models that combine popular options with a unique look, at a discounted
price.
Trims and Styling 2006
The 2006 Chrysler Pacifica lineup includes four trim levels: base, Touring,
Touring Signature, and Limited. Limited is built only with all-wheel drive
(AWD); the other models are offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. All
models are powered by the same 3.5-liter overhead-cam V6 rated at 250
horsepower. The base Pacifica ($25,165) and Pacifica AWD ($27,825) come standard
with two rows of seating, dual-zone air conditioning, 200-watt Infinity audio,
all the usual power assists, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel,
leather-wrapped shift knob, eight-way power driver seat and four-way power front
passenger seat, 17-inch steel wheels, four 12-volt outlets around the cabin, and
a lot of other family friendly amenities. Options for the base Pacifica include
a cargo convenience package, the fancy six-CD changer with multiple CD
capabilities, leather seating, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
The Touring model ($28,365) upgrades to three rows seating, a 10-way power
driver's seat, automatic climate control and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Touring
Signature FWD ($34,055) and AWD ($36,585) upgrade with two-tone leather
upholstery with unique embossed wings, an in-dash GPS navigation system, Sirius
Satellite Radio (with a free first-year subscription), heated seats, a two-tone
instrument panel and unique door trim panels and interior accents. Satin silver
accents highlight the leather shift lever. On the outside, Signature models are
distinguished by W. P. Chrysler signature badges, a limited selection of colors,
and chromed 17-inch wheels.
Limited AWD ($36,685) features a monochrome exterior. Front seats are heated.
Also standard are side curtain airbags, a power sunroof, automatic-tilting
mirrors, ParkSense rear park assist, power adjustable pedals with memory, a tire
pressure monitor, power liftgate, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3,
DVD audio, DVD video, DVD-R and DVD-RW capability. Chromed 19-inch wheels
complete the package. Options include a 385-watt Infinity Intermezzo sound
system with eight speakers ($700); Chrysler's Uconnect wireless hands-free
communication system with Bluetooth technology ($275); navigation/global
positioning system ($1,695); DVD video rear-seat entertainment system ($990);
six-disc CD/DVD changer ($555); Sirius Satellite Radio ($195), which includes
the first 12 months of service; and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
($550).
Safety features that come on all Pacificas include dual multi-stage frontal
airbags; driver-side inflatable knee bolster; three-point seatbelts at all
seating positions; front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters; and child
safety seat anchors. Side curtain airbags are optional ($595). Traction control
is available only on the Touring FWD and Touring Signature FWD only ($175). A
tire pressure monitoring system is optional ($70) on Touring.
Pacifica is loaded with Mercedes-Benz parts and technologies, including a
complete rear suspension system borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class sedan.
Styling and Interior Features
Climbing into the Pacifica is easy because it sits relatively low to the
ground. Wood, brushed aluminum and quality soft-touch materials create an
attractive ambiance.
The bucket seats are thick, deep and supportive; and fit even a 6-foot,
4-inch adult like the proverbial glove. All four doors feature map pockets and
cup holders. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is thick and chunky and has a
relatively small diameter. Redundant controls for the cruise control and sound
system are conveniently integrated into the steering-wheel spokes.
The GPS navigation system is programmed and run by a circular switch panel
to the right of the steering wheel.
There's a nice analog clock on all but the base model for quickly telling time.
The second-row seats in Touring and Limited models are as handsome as the front
seats. Each seat can be folded flat individually, to handle lengthy cargo and a
third occupant at the same time
The five-passenger model uses a bench seat in the second row that seats two
or three. The second-row bucket seats that come on six-passenger models operate
similarly, but the bucket seats leave a gap in the middle. The five-seat model
offers more cargo space than the six-seater, with 92.7 cubic feet of space
versus the six-passenger's 79.5 cubic feet. The third-row seats in Touring and
Limited fold down 50/50 and disappear to create a flat floor for large cargoes.
First Drive 2006
The Chrysler Pacifica handles more like a car than a sport utility. The
3.5-liter V6 that comes on all 2006 Pacifica models is powerful and has lots of
torque. The all-wheel drive, on models so equipped, works transparently and
helps the Pacifica sail through corners like a sports sedan, rain or shine.
Under normal conditions, the all-wheel-drive system sends all of the power to
the front wheels. The AWD models use a viscous coupling in the center
differential and an open differential at the rear. The isolated front and rear
subframes, the long wheelbase and wide stance really help to deliver a quality
ride. Four-wheel-disc brakes and Michelin Pilot all-weather tires easily
overcame the substantial weight of the Pacifica, providing safe and sure stops.
ABS comes standard, allowing the driver to maintain steering control under panic
braking.
First Conclusions 2006
The Chrysler Pacifica is a versatile vehicle. Chrysler combined the best
traits of a car, an SUV, and a minivan to create yet another new automotive
niche, the "sport tourer'' says
theAutoChannel.com It accelerates quickly with its powerful 3.5-liter V6 and
it corners reasonably well, which makes it enjoyable to drive. "This unique
vehicle is a nigh-perfect long-distance transportation device for four people
and their luggage" adds
OnWheelsInc.com Upper-level models are luxurious and practical, while the
more basic five-passenger model offers a good value.