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.