[TommyTJ]

Hello Pacifica forums,

As you guys can see from the title I am looking for a new Family minivan for my new little family. I have been a lover of Chrysler for many many years. I was fortunate enough to buy my first Chrysler Crossfire 5 6 years ago and I have never wanted a different vehicle since. Now, my wife and I are about to bring a child into this world and the Crossfire just isn't going to do the job anymore.

I have been looking online at the thousands of options I have when it comes to minivans and I'm finding it pretty hard to make a final choice. So I thought, why not stick to Chrysler? being as I love the design and build of the Crossfire their minivan must be brilliant for a minivan.

So guys, In terms of a family minivan what are your thoughts?? where would you rate it between 1 and 10? What are your favorite things about the Pacifica? and what are your least favorite? Really looking forward to speaking with you all and getting our perfect family vehicle! Any other information that you guys need just message below and I will be sure to add it on.

Thanks

 

[kjosker]

Thoughts On The Pacifica

I'm a 17 Pacifica owner; bought it for all around use, carrying my wife, daughter, and her two kids.

So when it was family vehicle time, my only criteria was sliding side doors, and that narrowed the field down considerably. I shopped them all, and settled on the 17 Dodge Caravan, mostly due to value for dollar. Went to the dealer, and talked mini-vans, and he pointed out the Pacifica. I said "OK." He gave me a set of keys, and let me test drive one.

As a big guy, the first thing I noticed was ease of entry, and driver's seat comfort. With the front seat all the way back, the second row seats still had more than adequate legroom. Then I noticed fit and finished, and I realized that Chrysler-Dodge really makes a well designed and put together product.

The dash was nearly identical to my '15 Scat Pack, which is a big plus, as it helped in knowing all the electronic features. At my age, that's no small thing. So two more things popped up as "must-haves," those being the 8.4N radio and the entertainment option with it's two second row screens. So comparing the Pacifica with the Sienna, and Odyssey, and a couple of others, I decided upon the Pacifica Touring L Plus, which my dealer had in stock with the options I wanted. I would have factory ordered it if he hadn't.

So with having it for four months and 5000 miles, I am completely satisfied, as are the wife and kids. We use it for day to day running around, and long distance trips. Drove from Delaware to Missouri a couple of weeks ago, and it was very comfortable, and economical. I attained a steady 31 highway mpg.

Bottom line, the Pacifica compares well with similar vehicles, surpassing most, and cost wise, is an excellent value. I can't tell you how many times while driving it, I think to myself, "These Chrysler guys really know what they're doing."

 

[II Kings 9:20]

I've owned 3 Odysseys, 1 Sienna, and 5 MDX. The Pacifica drives as well (if not better than any of them). The styling caught my eye (even the bland but attractive '18 Ody isn't close) and the drive sold me. It appears that MPGs are a few short of Ody (with a 6 spd but the 3 cyl mode really shines on the freeway, I imagine the 9 spd (same ZF tranny as Pacifica) an Honda's own 10 spd will be a bit better). I love the way the Pac drives, they nailed it. I live the large digital speedo and comprehensive info like oil and trans temp, amps, coolant temp, oil pressure but the tach and speedo are like Jake from State Farm; hideous. Horrible blue back lit (the worst color for the retina-Audi and BMW use red/orange which produce no retinal stimulation and they're just ugly for the sake of being ugly. Fortunately, the only thing you look at is the digital speed meter. They need to step into the new millennium and offer a fully configurable TFT cluster with options for color back lighting. The 8.4 U connect is simply stellar and if only the gauges could mimic the U Connect rather than a '79 Dodge St. Regis, I'd be thrilled. I don't have to look at the rental car front end (I could change it) but I have to eyeball those gauges daily even though I try not to. Honda gauges by comparison are nothing special and look about 30 years old but they're bland and not offensive. That's all personal taste and the world according to IIK920. Below is not based on preference.

I chose the Touring so I lack turn signal mirrors, some of the drive assist/safety tech like LDW, BLIS, auto braking, rear cross traffic (Honda is including full safety tech on all but the entry level LX models as standard) and I have the rental car front end and awful 40 year old tech "halogen reflector headlights" which should be outlawed but I knew all of that when I bought it and would do it again today with the same deal ($9K off MSRP at $23,580). FWIW, my $40K Volvo has the same crappy headlights.

What I didn't know was that the delightful keyless start does not alert you if you walk off with the engine running as Honda has done since 2013. It chimes inside for passengers who remain but externally, it won't alert you. Several (including my wife and my salesman's wife) have left theirs running only to return with shock and awe to a car at idle. This is dangerous for a number of reasons. Google Keyless start dangers for more info. I, and perhaps others, have contacted FCA for a software update and they seem genuinely concerned and are looking into it. That is the only glaring flaw. My '15.5 Volvo S60 has the same flaw so this is not unique to FCA. Toyota and Ford have pending class action for CO deaths from keyless cars left running in garages with no warning or auto shut off. Here's a thought, what not have the computer shut the car off in a certain time (15-30 min max) if it's running, in park (maybe if the driver's belt isn't buckled). This is already a feature of remote start. Very simple software that currently exists.

 

[kellyk82]

I've had my 2017 Pacifica for 11 months. I love it, but it's been in the shop for the past 10 days because it shut off while driving. They have no idea why it happened (twice). If you do a search, you can find the thread where we're discussing this issue. Personally, having small children myself, I'm not driving it until they can fix this issue.

 

[Badge56]

My advice: Go to YOUTUBE.com and look at all the video reviews. Some from ordinary people, many from top of the line CAR people. They are unanimous... Pacifica 2017 is the best mini-van on the market. It even equals or bests the new 2018 Honda Odyssey that could have beaten it but did not. I am waiting to get mine.

 

[OCPacifica]

While I enjoy my Pacifica Hybrid... mostly for the plug-in hybrid part... if I had to buy a gas minivan, I would go for the Sienna SE for 2 reasons:

1. More stylish
2. More legroom for 2nd row passengers

 

[II Kings 9:20]

While I enjoy my Pacifica Hybrid... mostly for the plug-in hybrid part... if I had to buy a gas minivan, I would go for the Sienna SE for 2 reasons:

1. More stylish
2. More legroom for 2nd row passengers

Acceptable in 2017 is just that. Others (Pacifica/Ody) are top rated. Hopefully none of us will ever find out if this would make a difference.

2017 Toyota Sienna

 

[Mike17Pac]

Never ceases to amaze me how people can have such different tastes. For my part I find the front end of the Pacifica to be classy in an elegant, understated sort of a way, not like some modern Japanese models that seem to be trying a bit too hard. I also find the tach and speedo to be well designed and pleasing to the eye.

 

[OCPacifica]

I guess I was spoiled with the interior space of the Sienna which is important on long road trips. We've owned an Odyssey, 1 pre 2010 Sienna and 2 Sienna SEs and now the Pacifica Hybrid and it wasn't even close as to how much more roomy the Sienna is.

Maybe the gas version with the 2nd row StowNGo seats has more leg room but in the hybrid, my kids really complain about the lack of space in the Pacifica. One good thing, they can't put their feet up on the back of ours seats anymore.

 

[papapacifica]

I guess I was spoiled with the interior space of the Sienna which is important on long road trips. We've owned an Odyssey, 1 pre 2010 Sienna and 2 Sienna SEs and now the Pacifica Hybrid and it wasn't even close as to how much more roomy the Sienna is.

Maybe the gas version with the 2nd row StowNGo seats has more leg room but in the hybrid, my kids really complain about the lack of space in the Pacifica. One good thing, they can't put their feet up on the back of ours seats anymore.

I had a 2011 Sienna Limited which I absolutely loved until some dumb lady rear ended us on the highway. I think the Pacifica gets some space back by offering the stow and go storage. We love the being able to hide all the kids gear in the stow and go compartments.

How come you change vans so often?

 

[mickeyboat]

We have had many vans over the years starting with a 1969 VW camper van. We still own a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country Limited. We love our Pacifica gas. Until Chrysler gets all the bugs worked out with the Hybrid, which they will, I would hold off buying a Hybrid. We are getting better than advertised gas mileage with our Pacifica. I am a really big guy, over 300 pounds and I bought the Pacifica Limited as it has plenty of room for me to drive and or sit in the 2nd row. This was not true of the Honda, Toyota or Kia van. We use one of the stow and go floor storage bins for a spare tire as our Limited came with a vacuum cleaner that takes the spare tire storage space at the rear. I would highly recommend the advanced technology safety package. It could save your life. It has already prevented what could have been 2 serious accidents caused by other drivers.

 

[papapacifica]

We have had many vans over the years starting with a 1969 VW camper van. We still own a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country Limited. We love our Pacifica gas. Until Chrysler gets all the bugs worked out with the Hybrid, which they will, I would hold off buying a Hybrid. We are getting better than advertised gas mileage with our Pacifica. I am a really big guy, over 300 pounds and I bought the Pacifica Limited as it has plenty of room for me to drive and or sit in the 2nd row. This was not true of the Honda, Toyota or Kia van. We use one of the stow and go floor storage bins for a spare tire as our Limited came with a vacuum cleaner that takes the spare tire storage space at the rear. I would highly recommend the advanced technology safety package. It could save your life. It has already prevented what could have been 2 serious accidents caused by other drivers.

I'm also lacking the spare tire with the limited. Care to explain how you got a spare tire in one of the stow and go?

 

[invaderc1]

I was a never-minivan guy, and now have two kids. Loving our PacHy. We have put in 3/4 of a tank in over 900 miles, so getting great mileage. My wife uses it more than I do, but I enjoy driving it on nights and weekends for errands or trips. I loved driving my escape, and still do, but the PacHy is a blast to drive, especially for a minivan. Where are you at OP?

 

[OCPacifica]

How come you change vans so often?

Well, the first Sienna we owned and was 2003 to 2010. The rest were leased, the Sienna SE was 2010 to 2013, the Odyssey was 2009 to 2012 and the 2nd Sienna SE was 2013 to 2017 which was replaced by the PacHy.

I used to be a truck guy but ever since that first Sienna and the sliding doors, I can't imagine driving anything else. That's one big thing for the Pacifica over my other vans, it drives really well.

I'm thinking the gas version of the Pacifica might have more 2nd row legroom than the hybrid.

 

[mickeyboat]

I'm also lacking the spare tire with the limited. Care to explain how you got a spare tire in one of the stow and go?

Easy buy the ultra compact spare tire for the Pacifica. Cheapest price about $300 from Amazon. It ships from a Chrysler dealer. Free shipping if Amazon prime and no sales tax. Fits perfect in stow and go storage. It comes with a lot of crap you do not need like mounting hardware to put it on left rear side where vacuum is unless you plan to remove vacuum. If you go that way you will have to buy a piece of plastic panel from Chrysler that is made for non Limited vans. Spare comes mounted tire on rim with jack and lug wrench which can be made to fit in the foam on the back side of the rim (stored up). You need the air compressor that comes with the Limited (and the sealing gunk which you no longer need). The spare has collapsible side walls leaving mostly just the tread area above the rim, hence ultra compact. All this fits in stow and go hole with a bit of room to spare for some tools in the 4 corners.

 

[mickeyboat]

One thing I forgot to mention about the Pacifica is the really really good handling and acceleration. Car magazines give it great handling and acceleration reviews, better than some sports cars.

 

[stuart]

Got the 17 Ltd 8 seater Pacifica with birds eye cameras, 20 Harmon Kardon speakers, tow package, Mopar all weather mats, full entertainment package, vacuum....actually it has everything.

We have a 4,3, 18 month old and my wife runs a home based daycare. You can easily load up 5 car seats and two adults. Access to the third row even with car seats in second seating position is a piece of cake.

Great mpg, it's been flawless and having had Town and Country before there is no comparison.

Bit of a hassle removing headrests in second row so car seats fit better (see article on how to do this on this forum) but there is no better family vehicle in my humble opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bond007]

While I enjoy my Pacifica Hybrid... mostly for the plug-in hybrid part... if I had to buy a gas minivan, I would go for the Sienna SE for 2 reasons:

1. More stylish
2. More legroom for 2nd row passengers

Being in the minivan market myself, I couldn't disagree more with the first point. But as we all understand, looks are subjective .
Yes it seems to have more space and seats are more comfy in Sienna.

 

[II Kings 9:20]

Never ceases to amaze me how people can have such different tastes. For my part I find the front end of the Pacifica to be classy in an elegant, understated sort of a way, not like some modern Japanese models that seem to be trying a bit too hard. I also find the tach and speedo to be well designed and pleasing to the eye.

Beauty is in the eye... and I agree the Pacifica has a very elegant and classy front end for all but the LX and touring which have a totally different front and look low budget rental. I've thought about replacing the front end when I take the bumper off to replace the poor halogen reflector headlights headlights with projector beam xenons.

Here's my idea of elegant gauges.

Being in the minivan market myself, I couldn't disagree more with the first point. But as we all understand, looks are subjective .
Yes it seems to have more space and seats are more comfy in Sienna.

Looks are indeed subjective but that Sienna was beat with an ugly stick. Stow N go seats are not as comfy as regular seats.

 

[II Kings 9:20]

Never ceases to amaze me how people can have such different tastes. For my part I find the front end of the Pacifica to be classy in an elegant, understated sort of a way, not like some modern Japanese models that seem to be trying a bit too hard. I also find the tach and speedo to be well designed and pleasing to the eye.

Take a look for your self and perhaps you will cease to be amazed. Which looks more classy and elegant?