• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2005 Chrysler Pacifica Preview

Ford Freestyle Poses a Serious Threat to Pacifica Sales

Im a big fan of the Pacifica, which will hardly be news to those who read my diatribes often. I like its styling, interior quality, packaging and handling characteristics the most, and have been fairly vocal about how it could be improved. The engine is powerful enough, but it needs more than four forward gears for the heavy machine to make the most of it.

Its also hardly news that Chrysler Group fumbled the cars launch. Slick TV ads featuring Grammy winning jazz vocalist Diana Krall in Canada and Canadian-born and raised Celine Dion in the U.S., did little to pull value conscious buyers into Chryslers dealerships. Those that showed up were met by an extremely well designed crossover SUV, so fully featured that it was priced beyond the reach of the

Its no secret that Chrysler dropped the ball during the launch of the Pacifica, but now it is selling well and should perform even better with a full lineup of models. The Limited (shown) is now added to the mix. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

brands traditional clientele.

Chrysler responded quickly by offering a de-contented version featuring front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive and cloth upholstery instead of leather. The price came down and sales went up, even of the top-line model. Currently its one of the more popular luxury crossovers available.

Now, with Ford preparing its new Freestyle crossover for a full-scale assault

ith the introduction of the value-added 5-occupant Pacifica, the previous base model has been renamed the Touring. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

on North America, Chrysler will introduce a new value-added 5-occupant version of the Pacifica, at a reduced MSRP of $24,995. The Pacifica is also available with all-wheel drive for $27,975, where it receives the 250-hp 3.5-liter engine as standard equipment. The previous base model has been renamed the Touring, and starts at $28,250. Add all-wheel drive to the Touring and it will set you back $31,050, while the top-tier Pacifica Limited is available for $36,995.

"The addition of the new Touring model to the family really gives Pacifica customers a wide range of dynamite products well beyond the SUV,"

The new 5-seat Pacifica Highline will be powered by the same 215-hp 3.8-liter V6 that comes as standard equipment in the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

commented Jeff Bell, Vice President-Chrysler and Jeep. "With an entry level model priced below $25,000, the six-passenger Touring model and the premium Pacifica Limited, Chrysler offers new levels of refinement, safety and comfort at a great value."

The new 5-seat Pacifica comes with front-wheel drive powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 that comes as standard equipment in the Chrysler Town & Country minivan, where it makes 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The engines high torque should be well suited to the Pacifica, due to its hefty curb weight and 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Pacifica also receives next-generation multi-stage driver and

The new Touring model keeps the 2004 Pacificas 250 horsepower 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine and front-wheel drive configuration. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

front-passenger airbags, drivers side inflatable knee blocker, occupant classification system, 4-wheel independent suspension equipped with premium 5-link rear suspension, 4-wheel ABS brakes, a Sentry Key theft deterrent system, and remote keyless illuminated entry. When the new second row folds flat, 92.2 cubic feet of cargo space is made available.

The new Touring model keeps the 2004 Pacificas 250 horsepower 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine and front-wheel drive configuration as standard, while offering 17-inch aluminum wheels and 3-row 6-passenger seating. Folding down second and third rows provides 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The same goes for the all-wheel drive Touring model, next in the Pacifica lineup. Now priced at $31,050. The Pacifica Touring gets new

The U.S. Government gave Pacifica its highest crash test rating of five stars for both front- and side-impact when equipped with optional side-curtain airbags. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

optional equipment, including rear park assist (late availability) and 19-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo