Chrysler has introduced brand new niche called sports tourer
in the form of 2008 Chrysler Pacifica in Spring 2008. It became
more apparent, as the information arrived for our 2008 Chrysler
Pacifica review, that Pacifica combined the passenger carrying
ability of a car with the cargo space of an SUV/minivan. An
all-wheel drive model that seats six with a disappearing third
seat for carrying cargo is first to come off the production
line. The Pacifica has a load leveling rear suspension, four-wheel
antilock brakes, power adjusted pedals with memory and is
powered by a 250 horsepower (250 LB-ft of torque) version
of the Chrysler 300M 3.5 V6, connected to an AutoStick four-speed
automatic.
Generously endowed with standard features described in our
2008 Chrysler Pacifica review, we see that there has been
no amenity excluded:
| Leather-trimmed
seats in first and second rows with seat-mounted armrests |
| 10-way
power driver's seat |
| Heated
first and second row seats |
| Second
row bucket seats with fore-aft, recline, and fold-flat
capabilities |
| Full-length,
first and second row center console with storage and cup
holders; cell phone holder in first row |
| Six-passenger
seating in three rows (2+2+2) |
| Second
and third row individual seats fold to create flat-load
floor |
| Third
row: easy access to the 50/50 bench |
There will eventually be a front-wheel drive version of the
Chrysler Pacifica with traction control, in addition to the
all-wheel drive model. Aside from the motor, Pacifica is fairly
unique in that it shares very few common parts with other
Chrysler or Mercedes models. A good convenience feature is
the roof line of the Pacifica, set so you don't have to step
up or climb into the vehicle. The interior of the Chrysler
Pacifica combines elegance and practicality, from the positioning
of the navigation system to the wood accents on doors and
dashboard.
Ergonomics within the passenger area also show some forethought
with easy to locate seat controls on the door, rear controls
for ventilation and audio functions, and a rear hatch moves
up and down under power. The appearance of the interior is
conservative and understated. Passenger seats are easily entered
and exited while the third seat folds flat for excellent cargo
storage.
Chrysler adds to the comfort level of its passengers by providing:
| Memory
seats |
Lumbar
support |
| Thigh
support |
Heated
seats |
| Adjustable
pedals |
Dual
cup holders |
| Storage
area |
Adjustable
air outlets |
Safety is an all-important area we include in our 2008 Chrysler
Pacifica review. Three-row side curtain air bags deploy to
provide full-side window protection help keep passengers safe.
Handling and stability are addressed in the 2008 Chrysler
Pacifica with a wide track, while steering and ride are adjusted
to optimally maintain sports car like cornering and handling.
Seat belts, air bags that deploy at various levels and sensors
complete the Chrysler Pacifica safety picture. New in the
Pacifica, is the Chrysler inflatable knee blocker which helps
reduce lower leg injuries in a crash.
After reading and viewing our 2008 Chrysler Pacifica review
and photo, we recognized that this is no ordinary vehicle.
The Pacifica is an effort to design a safe, sporty vehicle
that is luxurious yet practical. Looking our Chrysler Pacifica
photo, we can appreciate the fabulous styling and attention
to detail. Next step for anyone who is interested in a sporty
yet practical touring vehicle would be to test drive a new
2008 Chrysler Pacifica to see if it is the new car of your
dreams.
