Road Test
Wrap-Up
Why We Bought It
How It Drove
Inside the Cabin
Summing Up
Changes to the Chrysler Pacifica Since 2004
Ups and Downs
Recalls and Problem History
Dealer Service Reviews
Why We Bought It
With more than our share of minivans and SUVs in the long-term fleet, we were eager to put Chrysler's self-described "segment buster" into our rotation. After all, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was touted as offering all the chief advantages of an SUV, a minivan and a touring sedan in one vehicle. With our curiosity piqued, the order was given to procure a Pacifica.
We went whole hog with our Pacifica, choosing an all-wheel-drive model and getting pretty much every option in the book. Among the high-end features we enjoyed were heated seats for the first and second rows, navigation system, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, an upgraded Infinity audio system with a six-disc CD changer and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
The bottom line on the window sticker read $41,170. We put no money down and settled on a two-year, 35,000-mile corporate lease with a monthly payment of $861.20 (most consumers can expect a substantially lower monthly payment).
How It Drove
By and large, there were two prevailing sentiments toward the Pacifica in this regard. The ride/handling equation was a strong character trait, with many editors describing the Chrysler as carlike and comfortable.
"For better or worse, the Pacifica handles like a particularly nimble minivan," Senior Editor Erin Riches wrote in the logbook. "Nicely weighted steering and relatively sharp reflexes around turns are balanced against a sizable turning radius and a fair amount of body roll around said turns. Throughout it all, the ride remains soft and absorbent, making this crossover an agreeable companion for almost any kind of driving."
Acceleration, however, didn't earn the same level of respect. Around town the Pacifica was fine, even feeling brisk as it stepped away from stoplights. But when challenged with maintaining speed on steep grades or when saddled with a full payload of passengers (it seats six in three rows), performance suffered.
Road Test Editor John DiPietro elaborated in his notes: "I find the Pacifica's performance to be fair to good. Good when no heavy demands are made of it, such as when tooling around town where it feels peppy and smooth up to maybe two-thirds throttle. But it rates only fair when some big thrust is needed for decisive maneuvering through traffic or when merging into the fast-moving freeway crowd. Deck the gas in these scenarios and there's more noise than acceleration."
John determined that the chief culprit was the Pacifica's portly status. "Although the output of this V6 (250 horsepower, 250 pound-feet of torque) is certainly respectable," he wrote, "it's got to move something that weighs nearly 400 pounds more than a new Lincoln Town Car. When you're talking about a vehicle that weighs 4,700 pounds, a V8 is pretty much a necessity."
Once up to speed on the open road, however, the Pacifica settled into a nice cruising mode. On a trip from L.A. to Las Vegas, the Chrysler was at home on the high-speed interstate run. With a 75-mph speed limit on the wide-open stretches of desert highway, we tempted fate and set the cruise control at 85.
From John's trip log: "The Pacifica was happiest in this environment, judging by its unruffled and quiet demeanor. Some uphill grades took the wind out of its sails, as the tranny downshifted, the revs jumped up and the engine made a racket in an effort to maintain speed. But for the most part, this is a fine vehicle for quietly gobbling up interstate while keeping the occupants comfortable."
Deceleration was deemed damn impressive by editors, as the Pacifica stopped from 60 mph in just 122.2 feet — performance a sport sedan could be proud of. Pedal feel was regarded as progressive if a bit soft.
Against EPA estimates of 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway, we averaged only 15.8 mpg — no doubt a byproduct of our lead-footed ways and the Pacifica's pudge.
Inside the Cabin
The interior's strong points include the comfy seats that strike a pleasant balance between firm support and plush cushioning. Having both the front- and second-row bucket seats heated is a luxury that was appreciated by all, including one staffer who was nursing a sore back.
Two editors handled the driving chores on our Vegas trip, one who stands 5 feet 5 inches and another who is 6 feet even, and both were able to find an ideal position behind the wheel, thanks to the power seat adjustments, tilt wheel and power-adjustable pedals.
The user-friendly navigation system got high marks as well. "Having the [navigation] display right in the gauge cluster is a score for Chrysler, and the buttons just to the right of it are logical for the most part in location and function," said John. Editors also liked that the display didn't wash out on sunny days, like some center stack-mounted units do.
However, one staffer noted that, although the driver-centric navigation display struck him as a good idea, this location makes it impossible for your front passenger to help out with navigation on longer road trips.
Although Chrysler claims that the Pacifica offers three rows of luxury seating, we learned that's not entirely true. The first- and second-row captain's chairs are plush and supportive, but the third row is essentially just a small bench cut in half and offers merely tolerable accommodations for children or small adults.
And if that third row is in use, cargo room is on the small side for such a large vehicle. Manager of Vehicle Testing Kelly Toepke recalled: "With the third-row seat occupied, there is very little cargo space. We could hardly fit everyone's jackets back there. When it got warmer outside we put five jackets in the far back to get them out of the way, but every time the rear hatch was opened, one or two jackets would fall out."
Flip the seats down, and it's another matter. One staffer was able to haul a large television home from Best Buy. From the logbook: "We were worried about whether the small rear hatch opening would be able to accommodate such a large box, so we folded both rows of seats and hoped for the best. The third row requires nothing more than pulling the latches and pushing the seat backs down, while the second-row seats fold by simply lifting a lever. To make up for the space between the two chairs, carpeted panels unfold from the seat backs. Although the load floor isn't completely flat, there was plenty of room to slide in a new 32-inch idiot box without a problem."
Summing Up
After his last turn at the helm, John's final statements echoed the staff's: "Chrysler markets the Pacifica as a crossover that combines the advantages of a minivan, SUV and touring car. The all-wheel-drive version is geared toward foul-weather driving, not trail bashing, which in the real world should be enough for most SUV intenders. The seating position isn't quite as high as a true SUV's, which means that it's easier to get in and out, but doesn't have the same 'command of the road' feel. And yes, the driving dynamics are impressive for such a big vehicle. On a long trip, the Pacifica is a great touring companion."
But trying to be all things sometimes doesn't work. John continued, "To me, the Pacifica is more of an oversize minivan that isn't as space-efficient as the real thing. And the big blind spots created by the chunky D-pillars make parallel parking a heart-thumping experience. Yes, our Pacifica is loaded to the gills, but it's just too expensive and heavy. And our long-termer's multiple unscheduled visits to the dealer service department certainly didn't make for a hassle-free ownership experience. Nor did the customer service we received at the dealers measure up to its $40-grand price tag.
"If I were in this market, I'd face up to the fact that I needed a real people mover, not a hybridized crossover."
True Market Value at service end: $21,610
Depreciation: $18,627 or 46% of original paid price
Final Odometer Reading: 33,965
Best Fuel Economy: 20.7 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 9.9 mpg
Average Fuel Economy: 15.8 mpg
Total Body Repair Costs: None
Total Routine Maintenance Costs (over 24 months): $759.93
Additional Maintenance Costs: None
Warranty Repairs: 8
Non-Warranty Repairs: 1
Scheduled Dealer Visits: 2
Unscheduled Dealer Visits: 3
Days Out of Service: 5
Breakdowns Stranding Driver: None
Changes to the Chrysler Pacifica Since 2004
2005 — Chrysler divides the lineup into four new trim levels. Offering buyers a lower-priced Pacifica, the new base model gets a less sophisticated 210-hp, 3.8-liter V6, while midlevel Touring and upper-end Signature and Limited versions retain the smaller but more powerful 3.5-liter V6. Rear park assist becomes optional.
Ups and Downs
Ups: Comfortable and mostly quiet cabin for four, touring sedan ride and handling qualities, excellent safety scores.
Downs: Hefty curb weight blunts performance on steeper grades and when carrying a full load, limited cargo room when all seats in use, spotty reliability on early models, lousy fuel economy and resale value.
The Bottom Line: Smaller families seeking style and an agreeable blend of performance and luxury should be pleased with the Pacifica. But a rash of problems on early-production models prevents us from giving a whole-hearted endorsement.
Recalls and Problem History
Recalls:
1. Potentially ill-fitting (and hence potentially leaky) fuel line. Fixed via the addition of a secondary retention clip, per recall C34.
2. Potentially faulty powertrain control module (PCM) that could cause the vehicle to stall while warming up. Corrected by reprogramming the PCM, per recall D15.
Problems:
1. At approximately 9,000 miles, the remote liftgate switch stopped working. Replaced under warranty.
2. At approximately 15,000 miles, we noticed a ratcheting/cracking noise from the front end. Transfer case replaced under warranty several visits later.
3. At approximately 17,000 miles, the power rear liftgate stopped working. Repaired under warranty.
4. At approximately 25,000 miles, we noticed a distortion in the front dash speakers and the climate control display fading in and out. Both replaced under warranty, though at times the speakers still crackled.
5. At approximately 29,000 miles, we noticed a strange odor from the driver seatbelt. Replaced under warranty.
Dealer Service Reviews
Long Beach Chrysler-Jeep, Signal Hill, Calif.
October 2003We received an oil and filter change, as well as a tire rotation and brake inspection. Service was satisfactory.
Buerge Chrysler-Jeep, Los Angeles, Calif.
1. January 2004
Our long-termer's faulty power rear liftgate diagnosed and repaired. Service was satisfactory.
2. January 2004
When Road Test Editor John DiPietro went to pick up the Pacifica after the dealership called to say it was ready, he was shocked to see the total bill, which read $372.67. John surmised that the service department had gone whole hog on the "profit enhancers" when the busy editor who dropped off the Pacifica asked for an 18,000-mile service without emphatically stating that we didn't want Buerge's package deal. Scanning the three-page bill, John noticed a charge of $214 to flush both the automatic transmission and fuel injectors and $41 for a throttle body cleaning. Neither of these maintenance items is called for in the owner's manual at this mileage interval.
Rightfully feeling that this was absolutely ridiculous (servicing the transmission and fuel system at just 17,315 miles?!), John told the cashier he wanted to talk to the service manager, but he was not available. Our road test editor then told the cashier he wasn't going to pick up the car until he cleared this up with the service manager the next day.
The next day, Road Test Editor Brian Moody took up the fight. With a cool demeanor, Brian expressed our displeasure to the service manager. Although the manager explained that they had given our Pacifica the "dealer-recommended service" for this mileage interval, Brian echoed John's sentiments and questioned the need for the $255 flushing/cleaning of the tranny and fuel systems. Ultimately, Brian's logic prevailed and Buerge's service manager agreed to remove all the charges associated with the extraneous service items. The final tally was a much more reasonable $97.15.
3. February 2004
The Pacifica had a faulty transfer case replaced, a process that ultimately took three full days. When we brought the car in for the appointment, we were told they were too busy and would have to come back the next day. After leaving the car there the next day, we got a call in the afternoon stating that the replacement transfer case had been damaged and that they would have to order another one. A week and a half later another transfer case came in and we had it installed without incident. Needless to say, this was not a satisfactory service experience.
4. December 2004
At about 29,000 miles, we had an oil change and filter service performed, as well as a tire rotation and brake inspection. Additionally, the front brake pads were replaced and the rotors resurfaced. Service was satisfactory.
5. February 2005
Had the driver seatbelt replaced under warranty due to an odd odor it emitted. Service was satisfactory.
La Brea Chrysler-Jeep, Los Angeles, Calif.
1. June 2004
We brought the Pacifica in for its 24,000-mile service (oil and filter change, tire rotation and cabin air filter change) and also asked them to check out a knocking sound the engine produced under load.
We were again pressured to ante up for the "dealer recommended" service package, which included a myriad of unnecessary repairs. We said no thanks, oil change only please, per the owner's manual. Once everything was written up, our service advisor asked us if we needed a shuttle ride — very odd since we had just witnessed him confirm the free rental deal on the phone. We politely said we'd prefer to take our complimentary loaner car. He then directed us to the nearest Enterprise Rent-A-Car, with a promise of a free rental. An hour or so later we pulled out of the Enterprise lot in a rolling-ashtray of a Toyota Corolla, billed to Chrysler.
Later that day we returned the horrifying Corolla to Enterprise, and made the trek to La Brea Chrysler to find our Pacifica ready to go. Then we saw the bill — all $185.84 of it. Scanning the receipt, we noted that $29.02 went to the oil change, a whopping $63.50 for the air conditioning filter and — the real kicker — $89 for "engine analysis." Apparently, in an effort to diagnose the knocking sound from the engine, the technician drove the car around the block (literally) and plugged in the scanner to see if there were any fault codes (there were none). This cost us $89. "But isn't our car still under warranty?" we asked. It is — but since the tech 'couldn't duplicate condition' we were stuck with the charge, said the service advisor.
So much for Chrysler's Premium Care Plan.
2. July 2004
At about 25,000 miles, we had the center dash speaker and climate control display replaced under warranty. Service was satisfactory.
What Consumers Say
"I now have 30,000 miles on my Pacifica and I couldn't be happier. Passenger comfort and ease of entry, especially for older parents, is unmatched by any other vehicle. The Pacifica has enough power to get me up to a minimum of 65 mph on any freeway onramp and enough to sustain 75 mph in autostick up a steep grade. The memory seats and pedals make switching drivers a breeze. And knowing you are driving one of, if not the safest car on the road is very comforting. I also like the option programming most electronic functions (auto door lock, etc), the extremely smooth ride, large cargo area with rear seats down, ease of entry, command view while driving, solid feel and great brakes. It always starts on first turn over and has run perfect. As far as improvements, I'd like to see the option of a rear view camera like the RX 330, larger rear glass area, larger numbers and symbols on audio controls, a custom ice box to fit behind the front center console, lighted cruise control buttons, improved ease of latching seat belts, rain sensing windshield wipers." — B25Nut, December 29, 2004
"Yes, this is our first Chrysler product. We were almost frightened out of buying it by relatives, but overall I am pleased with our Pacifica. We will have owned it one year in November. It has been easier to drive than I expected; it just takes a little getting used to the blind spots and being more aware of your surroundings. I would definitely buy another one if Chrysler changed the 2nd row seating to accommodate 3 passengers. My favorite features are the DVD system and power liftgate, although I do use it manually most of the time. We also love the preset seat settings. The biggest problem has been a clunking noise from either the suspension or steering. Dealer can't figure it out and it is annoying." — angel3, September 14, 2004
"We bought our AWD Pacifica in order to get to our new house in the Catskills. It's a fantastic ride. Styling and quality are the best I've seen in an American made car. Last weekend we had our first AWD test with heavy snow at night and a deer jumped out in front of us - the AWD and antilock brakes worked beautifully and slowed us down without skidding. The navigation, heated seats and power lift gate are all phenomenal, as is the power liftgate (which I initially didn't think we'd use that often, but comes in rather handy). Also think highly of the navigation system which is always spot on and the heated seats which are perfect for those below freezing mornings. A little more engine power, more storage space when full of passengers and better side and rear visibility would make this a continued best seller for Chrysler." — JMA, December 22, 2004
I am not nearly as impressed with the vehicle now as I was 9 months ago. In the past 15,000 miles. The motor knocks upon starting, ticks constantly. When backing up with the wheel fully cranked to the right something in the front makes an awful clunking noise. The low tire pressure warning stays on permanently flashing and chiming even though no tires are low. The topper...I average 12-13 mpg in town and 14-15 on the highway, a far cry from what the sticker says. Although I like the nav system, HID headlights and DVD system, I don't feel that all of the good points outweigh the bad at this point. — byjulius, October 2, 2004
How It Drove
Inside the Cabin
Summing Up
Changes to the Chrysler Pacifica Since 2004
Ups and Downs
Recalls and Problem History
Dealer Service Reviews
Why We Bought It
With more than our share of minivans and SUVs in the long-term fleet, we were eager to put Chrysler's self-described "segment buster" into our rotation. After all, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was touted as offering all the chief advantages of an SUV, a minivan and a touring sedan in one vehicle. With our curiosity piqued, the order was given to procure a Pacifica.
We went whole hog with our Pacifica, choosing an all-wheel-drive model and getting pretty much every option in the book. Among the high-end features we enjoyed were heated seats for the first and second rows, navigation system, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, an upgraded Infinity audio system with a six-disc CD changer and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
The bottom line on the window sticker read $41,170. We put no money down and settled on a two-year, 35,000-mile corporate lease with a monthly payment of $861.20 (most consumers can expect a substantially lower monthly payment).
How It Drove
By and large, there were two prevailing sentiments toward the Pacifica in this regard. The ride/handling equation was a strong character trait, with many editors describing the Chrysler as carlike and comfortable.
"For better or worse, the Pacifica handles like a particularly nimble minivan," Senior Editor Erin Riches wrote in the logbook. "Nicely weighted steering and relatively sharp reflexes around turns are balanced against a sizable turning radius and a fair amount of body roll around said turns. Throughout it all, the ride remains soft and absorbent, making this crossover an agreeable companion for almost any kind of driving."
Acceleration, however, didn't earn the same level of respect. Around town the Pacifica was fine, even feeling brisk as it stepped away from stoplights. But when challenged with maintaining speed on steep grades or when saddled with a full payload of passengers (it seats six in three rows), performance suffered.
Road Test Editor John DiPietro elaborated in his notes: "I find the Pacifica's performance to be fair to good. Good when no heavy demands are made of it, such as when tooling around town where it feels peppy and smooth up to maybe two-thirds throttle. But it rates only fair when some big thrust is needed for decisive maneuvering through traffic or when merging into the fast-moving freeway crowd. Deck the gas in these scenarios and there's more noise than acceleration."
John determined that the chief culprit was the Pacifica's portly status. "Although the output of this V6 (250 horsepower, 250 pound-feet of torque) is certainly respectable," he wrote, "it's got to move something that weighs nearly 400 pounds more than a new Lincoln Town Car. When you're talking about a vehicle that weighs 4,700 pounds, a V8 is pretty much a necessity."
Once up to speed on the open road, however, the Pacifica settled into a nice cruising mode. On a trip from L.A. to Las Vegas, the Chrysler was at home on the high-speed interstate run. With a 75-mph speed limit on the wide-open stretches of desert highway, we tempted fate and set the cruise control at 85.
From John's trip log: "The Pacifica was happiest in this environment, judging by its unruffled and quiet demeanor. Some uphill grades took the wind out of its sails, as the tranny downshifted, the revs jumped up and the engine made a racket in an effort to maintain speed. But for the most part, this is a fine vehicle for quietly gobbling up interstate while keeping the occupants comfortable."
Deceleration was deemed damn impressive by editors, as the Pacifica stopped from 60 mph in just 122.2 feet — performance a sport sedan could be proud of. Pedal feel was regarded as progressive if a bit soft.
Against EPA estimates of 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway, we averaged only 15.8 mpg — no doubt a byproduct of our lead-footed ways and the Pacifica's pudge.
Inside the Cabin
The interior's strong points include the comfy seats that strike a pleasant balance between firm support and plush cushioning. Having both the front- and second-row bucket seats heated is a luxury that was appreciated by all, including one staffer who was nursing a sore back.
Two editors handled the driving chores on our Vegas trip, one who stands 5 feet 5 inches and another who is 6 feet even, and both were able to find an ideal position behind the wheel, thanks to the power seat adjustments, tilt wheel and power-adjustable pedals.
The user-friendly navigation system got high marks as well. "Having the [navigation] display right in the gauge cluster is a score for Chrysler, and the buttons just to the right of it are logical for the most part in location and function," said John. Editors also liked that the display didn't wash out on sunny days, like some center stack-mounted units do.
However, one staffer noted that, although the driver-centric navigation display struck him as a good idea, this location makes it impossible for your front passenger to help out with navigation on longer road trips.
Although Chrysler claims that the Pacifica offers three rows of luxury seating, we learned that's not entirely true. The first- and second-row captain's chairs are plush and supportive, but the third row is essentially just a small bench cut in half and offers merely tolerable accommodations for children or small adults.
And if that third row is in use, cargo room is on the small side for such a large vehicle. Manager of Vehicle Testing Kelly Toepke recalled: "With the third-row seat occupied, there is very little cargo space. We could hardly fit everyone's jackets back there. When it got warmer outside we put five jackets in the far back to get them out of the way, but every time the rear hatch was opened, one or two jackets would fall out."
Flip the seats down, and it's another matter. One staffer was able to haul a large television home from Best Buy. From the logbook: "We were worried about whether the small rear hatch opening would be able to accommodate such a large box, so we folded both rows of seats and hoped for the best. The third row requires nothing more than pulling the latches and pushing the seat backs down, while the second-row seats fold by simply lifting a lever. To make up for the space between the two chairs, carpeted panels unfold from the seat backs. Although the load floor isn't completely flat, there was plenty of room to slide in a new 32-inch idiot box without a problem."
Summing Up
After his last turn at the helm, John's final statements echoed the staff's: "Chrysler markets the Pacifica as a crossover that combines the advantages of a minivan, SUV and touring car. The all-wheel-drive version is geared toward foul-weather driving, not trail bashing, which in the real world should be enough for most SUV intenders. The seating position isn't quite as high as a true SUV's, which means that it's easier to get in and out, but doesn't have the same 'command of the road' feel. And yes, the driving dynamics are impressive for such a big vehicle. On a long trip, the Pacifica is a great touring companion."
But trying to be all things sometimes doesn't work. John continued, "To me, the Pacifica is more of an oversize minivan that isn't as space-efficient as the real thing. And the big blind spots created by the chunky D-pillars make parallel parking a heart-thumping experience. Yes, our Pacifica is loaded to the gills, but it's just too expensive and heavy. And our long-termer's multiple unscheduled visits to the dealer service department certainly didn't make for a hassle-free ownership experience. Nor did the customer service we received at the dealers measure up to its $40-grand price tag.
"If I were in this market, I'd face up to the fact that I needed a real people mover, not a hybridized crossover."
True Market Value at service end: $21,610
Depreciation: $18,627 or 46% of original paid price
Final Odometer Reading: 33,965
Best Fuel Economy: 20.7 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 9.9 mpg
Average Fuel Economy: 15.8 mpg
Total Body Repair Costs: None
Total Routine Maintenance Costs (over 24 months): $759.93
Additional Maintenance Costs: None
Warranty Repairs: 8
Non-Warranty Repairs: 1
Scheduled Dealer Visits: 2
Unscheduled Dealer Visits: 3
Days Out of Service: 5
Breakdowns Stranding Driver: None
Changes to the Chrysler Pacifica Since 2004
2005 — Chrysler divides the lineup into four new trim levels. Offering buyers a lower-priced Pacifica, the new base model gets a less sophisticated 210-hp, 3.8-liter V6, while midlevel Touring and upper-end Signature and Limited versions retain the smaller but more powerful 3.5-liter V6. Rear park assist becomes optional.
Ups and Downs
Ups: Comfortable and mostly quiet cabin for four, touring sedan ride and handling qualities, excellent safety scores.
Downs: Hefty curb weight blunts performance on steeper grades and when carrying a full load, limited cargo room when all seats in use, spotty reliability on early models, lousy fuel economy and resale value.
The Bottom Line: Smaller families seeking style and an agreeable blend of performance and luxury should be pleased with the Pacifica. But a rash of problems on early-production models prevents us from giving a whole-hearted endorsement.
Recalls and Problem History
Recalls:
1. Potentially ill-fitting (and hence potentially leaky) fuel line. Fixed via the addition of a secondary retention clip, per recall C34.
2. Potentially faulty powertrain control module (PCM) that could cause the vehicle to stall while warming up. Corrected by reprogramming the PCM, per recall D15.
Problems:
1. At approximately 9,000 miles, the remote liftgate switch stopped working. Replaced under warranty.
2. At approximately 15,000 miles, we noticed a ratcheting/cracking noise from the front end. Transfer case replaced under warranty several visits later.
3. At approximately 17,000 miles, the power rear liftgate stopped working. Repaired under warranty.
4. At approximately 25,000 miles, we noticed a distortion in the front dash speakers and the climate control display fading in and out. Both replaced under warranty, though at times the speakers still crackled.
5. At approximately 29,000 miles, we noticed a strange odor from the driver seatbelt. Replaced under warranty.
Dealer Service Reviews
Long Beach Chrysler-Jeep, Signal Hill, Calif.
October 2003We received an oil and filter change, as well as a tire rotation and brake inspection. Service was satisfactory.
Buerge Chrysler-Jeep, Los Angeles, Calif.
1. January 2004
Our long-termer's faulty power rear liftgate diagnosed and repaired. Service was satisfactory.
2. January 2004
When Road Test Editor John DiPietro went to pick up the Pacifica after the dealership called to say it was ready, he was shocked to see the total bill, which read $372.67. John surmised that the service department had gone whole hog on the "profit enhancers" when the busy editor who dropped off the Pacifica asked for an 18,000-mile service without emphatically stating that we didn't want Buerge's package deal. Scanning the three-page bill, John noticed a charge of $214 to flush both the automatic transmission and fuel injectors and $41 for a throttle body cleaning. Neither of these maintenance items is called for in the owner's manual at this mileage interval.
Rightfully feeling that this was absolutely ridiculous (servicing the transmission and fuel system at just 17,315 miles?!), John told the cashier he wanted to talk to the service manager, but he was not available. Our road test editor then told the cashier he wasn't going to pick up the car until he cleared this up with the service manager the next day.
The next day, Road Test Editor Brian Moody took up the fight. With a cool demeanor, Brian expressed our displeasure to the service manager. Although the manager explained that they had given our Pacifica the "dealer-recommended service" for this mileage interval, Brian echoed John's sentiments and questioned the need for the $255 flushing/cleaning of the tranny and fuel systems. Ultimately, Brian's logic prevailed and Buerge's service manager agreed to remove all the charges associated with the extraneous service items. The final tally was a much more reasonable $97.15.
3. February 2004
The Pacifica had a faulty transfer case replaced, a process that ultimately took three full days. When we brought the car in for the appointment, we were told they were too busy and would have to come back the next day. After leaving the car there the next day, we got a call in the afternoon stating that the replacement transfer case had been damaged and that they would have to order another one. A week and a half later another transfer case came in and we had it installed without incident. Needless to say, this was not a satisfactory service experience.
4. December 2004
At about 29,000 miles, we had an oil change and filter service performed, as well as a tire rotation and brake inspection. Additionally, the front brake pads were replaced and the rotors resurfaced. Service was satisfactory.
5. February 2005
Had the driver seatbelt replaced under warranty due to an odd odor it emitted. Service was satisfactory.
La Brea Chrysler-Jeep, Los Angeles, Calif.
1. June 2004
We brought the Pacifica in for its 24,000-mile service (oil and filter change, tire rotation and cabin air filter change) and also asked them to check out a knocking sound the engine produced under load.
We were again pressured to ante up for the "dealer recommended" service package, which included a myriad of unnecessary repairs. We said no thanks, oil change only please, per the owner's manual. Once everything was written up, our service advisor asked us if we needed a shuttle ride — very odd since we had just witnessed him confirm the free rental deal on the phone. We politely said we'd prefer to take our complimentary loaner car. He then directed us to the nearest Enterprise Rent-A-Car, with a promise of a free rental. An hour or so later we pulled out of the Enterprise lot in a rolling-ashtray of a Toyota Corolla, billed to Chrysler.
Later that day we returned the horrifying Corolla to Enterprise, and made the trek to La Brea Chrysler to find our Pacifica ready to go. Then we saw the bill — all $185.84 of it. Scanning the receipt, we noted that $29.02 went to the oil change, a whopping $63.50 for the air conditioning filter and — the real kicker — $89 for "engine analysis." Apparently, in an effort to diagnose the knocking sound from the engine, the technician drove the car around the block (literally) and plugged in the scanner to see if there were any fault codes (there were none). This cost us $89. "But isn't our car still under warranty?" we asked. It is — but since the tech 'couldn't duplicate condition' we were stuck with the charge, said the service advisor.
So much for Chrysler's Premium Care Plan.
2. July 2004
At about 25,000 miles, we had the center dash speaker and climate control display replaced under warranty. Service was satisfactory.
What Consumers Say
"I now have 30,000 miles on my Pacifica and I couldn't be happier. Passenger comfort and ease of entry, especially for older parents, is unmatched by any other vehicle. The Pacifica has enough power to get me up to a minimum of 65 mph on any freeway onramp and enough to sustain 75 mph in autostick up a steep grade. The memory seats and pedals make switching drivers a breeze. And knowing you are driving one of, if not the safest car on the road is very comforting. I also like the option programming most electronic functions (auto door lock, etc), the extremely smooth ride, large cargo area with rear seats down, ease of entry, command view while driving, solid feel and great brakes. It always starts on first turn over and has run perfect. As far as improvements, I'd like to see the option of a rear view camera like the RX 330, larger rear glass area, larger numbers and symbols on audio controls, a custom ice box to fit behind the front center console, lighted cruise control buttons, improved ease of latching seat belts, rain sensing windshield wipers." — B25Nut, December 29, 2004
"Yes, this is our first Chrysler product. We were almost frightened out of buying it by relatives, but overall I am pleased with our Pacifica. We will have owned it one year in November. It has been easier to drive than I expected; it just takes a little getting used to the blind spots and being more aware of your surroundings. I would definitely buy another one if Chrysler changed the 2nd row seating to accommodate 3 passengers. My favorite features are the DVD system and power liftgate, although I do use it manually most of the time. We also love the preset seat settings. The biggest problem has been a clunking noise from either the suspension or steering. Dealer can't figure it out and it is annoying." — angel3, September 14, 2004
"We bought our AWD Pacifica in order to get to our new house in the Catskills. It's a fantastic ride. Styling and quality are the best I've seen in an American made car. Last weekend we had our first AWD test with heavy snow at night and a deer jumped out in front of us - the AWD and antilock brakes worked beautifully and slowed us down without skidding. The navigation, heated seats and power lift gate are all phenomenal, as is the power liftgate (which I initially didn't think we'd use that often, but comes in rather handy). Also think highly of the navigation system which is always spot on and the heated seats which are perfect for those below freezing mornings. A little more engine power, more storage space when full of passengers and better side and rear visibility would make this a continued best seller for Chrysler." — JMA, December 22, 2004
I am not nearly as impressed with the vehicle now as I was 9 months ago. In the past 15,000 miles. The motor knocks upon starting, ticks constantly. When backing up with the wheel fully cranked to the right something in the front makes an awful clunking noise. The low tire pressure warning stays on permanently flashing and chiming even though no tires are low. The topper...I average 12-13 mpg in town and 14-15 on the highway, a far cry from what the sticker says. Although I like the nav system, HID headlights and DVD system, I don't feel that all of the good points outweigh the bad at this point. — byjulius, October 2, 2004
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