Chrysler Pacifica: Generations Overview

The Chrysler Pacifica went on the conveyor identical to the concept, which is extremely rare. Serial production started in January 2003 at a plant in Windsor (Ontario). The company has invested nearly $460 million to launch the new model.

The cabin of the 2003 Pacifica has three rows of seats, two in each, for six passengers - an innovation that Chrysler is proud of. The seats in the second row are no less comfortable than those in the first. And so a rather big interior seems even larger because of the abundance of light - the roof of the Pacifica is made almost completely of glass.

Under the hood of the first-generation Pacifica is a 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine with a capacity of 250 horsepower, paired with an AutoStick automatic transmission with sequential shifting. Both are borrowed from the Chrysler 300M sedan. The pedal assembly is adjustable. Suspension is independent self-leveling, front multi-link, rear - MacPherson. The minivan has 255/50R19 wheels.

The Pacifica's versatile chassis design allows it to be equipped with both front- and all-wheel drive transmissions. In the latter case, the buyer receives a comfortable six-seat car with a full set of airbags, an audio system with a CD player, cruise control, and alloy wheels.

The basic equipment of the Chrysler Pacifica includes a braking system with four ventilated disc brakes and an anti-lock system, a tire pressure monitoring system. The additional equipment includes:

• surround sound DVD system, 
• CD / DVD changer, 
• tailgate lift servo drive, 
• sunroof.

In March 2006, an updated Chrysler Pacifica line appeared in the US showrooms. The manufacturer offered several body options, various types of transmission, and equipment packages. The car was produced in eight body colors.

The main feature of the Pacifica is the interior 2 + 2 + 2 layout of the Touring and Limited trims, and the basic version is equipped with five seats. The 2006 model year has two types of engines - the base 3.8L V6 12V (210 hp, 323 Nm) for front-wheel drive versions and the 3.5L V6 24V (250 hp, 339 Nm) for the Pacifica Touring FWD and all 4WD versions.

The equipment of the most expensive Limited model includes an automatic all-wheel drive system, ABS and TC, leather trim, wood panels, 19-inch chrome wheels, a multifunction steering wheel with a combined leather and wood trim, eight airbags, including side curtains, parking sensors, and double sunroof.

The Pacifica minivan is a product of Chrysler, but the designers of the Mercedes company participated in the Pacifica exterior development, as it is a single Daimler-Chrysler concern. The car received a rather European appearance, unlike other Chrysler brand cars. 

For the 2009 model year, Daimler Chrysler has prepared an updated Pacifica with an improved and revised 4-liter V6 engine and a new six-speed gearbox.

The power reaches 255 hp at 6000 rpm, and the torque is 360 Nm at 4200 rpm. The new gearbox improves engine efficiency by 30%, increasing low engine speeds and allowing faster acceleration from the start. In addition to the new aluminum engine, the Pacifica received:

• an independent suspension, 
• a stability control system, 
• an electronic throttle control mechanism, 
• traction control, and parking sensors with a rear-view camera,
• side and curtain airbags around the cabin, two-chamber airbags in front, and an additional one that protects the driver's knees. 

The second-generation Pacifica minivan was awarded five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact tests and four stars for rollover resistance. As before, the lineup includes the Chrysler Pacifica Touring station wagon available in both front- and all-wheel drive versions and a variety of trim levels.

The appearance of the Chrysler Pacifica remained easily recognizable: traditionally shaped headlights, built-in fog lights, a wide chrome trim on the front of the hood, three clear lines on the grille, and the winged Chrysler logo soaring above it. For the second-generation Chrysler Pacifica, the company has developed nine fashionable body colors.

Various equipment packages include:

• an immobilizer, 
• a multifunctional steering wheel, 
• dual-zone climate control, 
• bluetooth, 
• an infrared port for wirelessly connecting voice-activated phones. 

Seats are upholstered in leather or YES Essentials®, a patented material that does not absorb odors, makes it easy to remove stains, and does not electrify. The gear knob can be leather or wood. Standard packages include heating, power, and adjustment of everything that can be heated, adjusted, or moved, and a 6-disc radio/MP3/CD changer. Additionally, you can install eight speakers, a subwoofer, a navigation system, and a DVD player with 8-inch screens for passengers in the rear seats. As well as add a tire pressure sensor, the data of which is displayed on the monitor. When you buy a used Chrysler Pacifica in Indianapolis, the chances are high that the previous owner has already installed all the necessary equipment. 

The Chrysler Pacifica won’t be discontinued. Throughout its history, the minivan has been receiving stellar reviews and it is always in high demand, whether new or pre-owned. The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best minivans in the US market and will be here for years to come.

The world premiere of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan, which replaced the popular Chrysler Town and Country model, took place at the 2016 auto show in Detroit. The developers amazed the automotive community with modern design solutions, a spacious interior, and a capacious luggage compartment. An efficient engine range, a hybrid version, and high-tech equipment guaranteed this model the highest popularity among Indiana buyers.

At the Chicago Auto Show in February 2020, FCA introduced the updated Chrysler Pacifica 2 minivan, which during restyling not only received a more modern appearance and equipment but also acquired all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica features a revised front end and sports LED headlights as standard. Of the changes at the rear, the buyer will appreciate a new bumper and other lights interconnected by a diode jumper, plus renewed wheels.

As for the cabin, the main innovation is the appearance of the fifth-generation Uconnect multimedia system. The latter boasts a 10.1-inch display and an Android-based operating system. The automaker claims that the performance of the complex has become five times faster.

During the restyling of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, the automaker increased the number of USB connectors in the cabin to twelve, while the FamCam option also became available for the minivan. The latter is a camera installed in the passenger compartment, the lens of which is directed to the rear seats and transmits the image to the central display, which simplifies the observation of passengers (children) sitting in the gallery.

The Limited configuration received a new central tunnel between the front seats, which offers a lower shelf and a more spacious box. Also, from now on, customers can order a monocab in a luxurious Pinnacle design, and there are already pre-owned versions in the market. The interior is trimmed with natural Nappa leather and has a box increased by 12 liters with a soft cover-armrest between the front seats and branded pads on the second row.

The appearance of an all-wheel drive transmission did not affect the possibilities of transforming the interior of the updated 2021 Chrysler Pacific. In particular, the Stow’n Go system is still offered for the car, thanks to which you can fold down the second and third rows to form a flat floor.

The line of power units for the model during the restyling has not changed. By default, the minivan relies on a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 with a capacity of 291 hp and a nine-speed automatic. In addition, the minivan can still be a hybrid, where this engine is derated to 264 hp and supplemented by two electric motors for 86 and 116 hp, as well as an electromechanical variator.

The hybrid version has a 16 kWh traction battery that can charge from a wall socket. The hybrid Pacifica minivan can travel up to 32 miles on one electric traction with a total driving range of 520 miles. 

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD has a simple transmission with a multi-plate clutch that connects the rear wheels if necessary. The signal to activate the all-wheel drive can be the front wheels slipping, a sharp press on the gas pedal, or even turning on windshield wipers. Plus, the model has an imitation of differential locks using brakes.

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the most user-friendly models in its class on the market. Plenty of safety and infotainment features, easy-to-move Stow'n Go seats that help maximize cargo space, and a comfortable interior make the Pacifica a universal family vehicle. However, this car does have a few shortcomings, including a 9-speed gearbox that seems to shift slowly in certain situations. Most drivers likely won't notice this, and the Pacifica will have no problem keeping up with competitors. But if you want to get your own driving experience – you are always welcome at Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis, for a test drive.