Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Touring FWD SUV. Brother John just drove down from Oregon for a family event in their Pacifica so I asked how they like it.
“It’s been a great car and we take it on most all family trips, unless we’re pulling a trailer then we use the Dodge Ram 3500 diesel”. John and I owned an automotive repair shop in La Canada, CA for 12 years after 8 years of brake system manufacturing. I trusted John’s opinion when it came to the mechanical stuff and I always bought the cars John endorsed and this is the best testimony I could ever give for readers to test drive this Chrysler.
Parts – US/Canadian 83%, Engine and Transmission – US.
Assembly – Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – 300, Aspen, Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country.
… and speaking of privacy glass I can’t help but wonder what weirdo is housed in that blackened car I see on our highways. Are they ugly or simply very insecure, criminals and gang bangers. Surely if they were celebrities they would be in a limo. Oh well – I guess it doesn’t matter anyway since I never have time to people watch at 70 mph.
Handling & Performance:
Performance is brisk and responsive but I did notice subtle acceleration surges that annoyed me. And I was not impressed with the fact that the parking brake light stayed on (on one occasion) even though I had fully released the brake. The brakes are also a bit on the grabby side but with only 3,000 miles on the car both of these issues would go away with a few more break in miles.
Styling:
I think it is first class styling and is one of the most beautiful SUV’s on the market at “Any” price.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Of all in class this is one of the most affordable and delivers a lot of value for your purchasing dollar.
Conveniences and comfort:
No complaints at all.
Consumer Recommendation:
You may recall that one of my personal vehicles is a Dodge Ram 3500 with 265,000 miles. I tell it like it is and although I had some things to pick on them about, Chrysler sits in my driveway and OVERALL they are good products fairly priced.
And if I haven’t mentioned it, I have a new best friend. My diesel mechanic Darrin (first time I’ve used him thanks to my neighbor Buddy B.) but I was very pleased. I let him figure the problem out and my contacts at Chrysler did some research and came up with the same diagnosis that fixed the issue. If you want to know more about his repair shop in Burbank contact me and I’ll be happy to share his company and phone. The easiest way is to email me at joe@atthewheel.com.
Recognized Competition:
Chrysler Pacifica $24-36,000, Mazda CX-7 $24-28,000, Lexus RX 350 $37-39,000, Audi Q7 $40-60,000, Ford Freestyle $26-31,000, GMC Envoy $27-37,000, Buick Rendezvous $25-29,000, Cadillac SRX $37-43,000, Volvo XC-90 $36-49,000, Nissan Murano $28-32,000, Subaru B9 Tribeca $30-33,000, Acura MDX $40-48,000, BMW X5 $46-55,000, Saturn Outlook $27-32,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Dodge Durango $26-36,000.
Good News:
Quick, great styling, well priced, roomy family SUV, decent fuel economy.
Bad News:
Jerky acceleration and grabby brakes.
Standard Equipment:
4.0 liter 253 horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front air bags and side curtain bags in all rows, driver side knee bolster air bag, Electronic Stability Program, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brake system, auto stick trans, cruise control, information center, theft deterrent, load leveling, tire pressure monitor and warning signal, climate control with air filtration, power windows and locks, tilt steering wheel, wheel mounted audio controls, stereo with CD changer, 200 watt amplifier , 6-passenger seating, 10-way driver and 4-way passenger power seats, remote keyless entry with security alarm, sunscreen glass, power heated mirrors and rear window wiper washer. Options: Nav with back up camera $1995.00, Entertainment group 2 for 8” video rear, SIRIUS radio, wireless headphones and video remote controls $1185.00, Power liftgate $400 and Stereo upgrade for 6-disc in dash CD/DVD & MP3 $555.
Gas Stats:
$2.69/ Gal avg. Mar. 15, ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
16 City and 24 Highway MPG
MSRP $27,300.
