The 2004-2006 First-Generation Chrysler Pacifica (CS / Citadel)

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Chrysler Pacifica front After only two years of delays, the Chrysler Pacifica appeared in Spring 2003 as a 2004 model. Combining the practicality and handling of a car with the space of a low-roofed minivan or SUV, the Pacifica features "step-across" height, which means you neither climb up nor climb down to get in; you simply sit down into the seat.

Sales of early models was poor, as they were fully loaded and could cost over $40,000. Lower-priced versions seem to be selling better. There are two basic versions, one with six seats and a third fold-flat seat, and another with just two rows of seats which will appear around 2004. Both all wheel drive and front wheel drive are available. (In the second generation, prices start around $25,000; the Limited with FWD is about $34,000 and that includes a lot of features.)

The Chrysler Pacifica was developed in 30 months at a cost below $1 billion. Production began in early 2003 at the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant. While it is built in the same plant as Chrysler and Dodge minivans, there are several differences aside from sheet metal to accommodate a different engine, the fold-flat seats, and the additional options.

Common repairs

At this point the Pacifica seems to be very reliable with few, if any, real weak points. Be sure to use the correct transmission fluid and oil grade - see the owner's manual - do not use “generic” or “ignore them, I know what’s best” grades.

Sometimes the front power seat or memory seat feature can fail due to a static power discharge. Fixing it requires adding a jumper wire to ground the power seat module. This is not something many people will want to do themselves, but a dealer can do it in about 45 minutes - and it should be done for free as per TSB 08-039-05. This only affects Pacificas made between January 19, 2004 and June 30, 2005.

General Chrysler Pacifica information

Chrysler Pacifica back Powered by a 250 horsepower (250 lb-ft of torque) version of the Chrysler 300M 3.5 V6 [most models; some base models have a 3.8 liter V6 instead], connected to an AutoStick four-speed automatic, the top-end Pacifica has a load levelling rear suspension, four-wheel antilock brakes, power adjusted pedals with memory, and:

* 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
* Easy step-in height
* Power liftgate
* Dual-zone automatic temperature control
* Auxiliary fan for rear seat passengers
* Rear cargo bin storage

Electronics and Gizmos

* Integrated in-instrument cluster navigation system
* DVD entertainment system with drop-down video screen and wireless headphones
* Infinity® Intermezzo theater-style 5.1 surround sound digital audio system
* UConnect™ hands-free communication system
* SIRIUS satellite radio, prepped for Mopar installation
* Comprehensive memory system (radio, driver seat, pedals, and exterior mirrors)
* Universal garage door opener
* Steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control and radio)
* Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with programmable features

There is, as of 2005, a base model Pacifica with far fewer options, and a 3.8 liter minivan engine that has better grunt but less horsepower - so it may be more satisfying in day to day traffic but not so much on all-out acceleration.

The design team leader told us (at the New York Auto Show) that, while it has a rear suspension design similar to the Mercedes E-Class, few if any parts are shared. The design team leader told us (even when pressed) that the Pacifica, as it now stands, had little in common with any other car produced by the DaimlerChrysler empire, aside from the engine [which makes us wonder, since it does same to share a basic structure with the minivans]. We asked whether it borrowed any Mercedes suspension parts, and apparently it has less parts sharing than other new Chrysler vehicles (e.g. the LX). We're not sure how accurate his information was, given that the Pacifica is pretty clearly based on the minivans, sharing almost identical dimensions.

The Pacifica's interior is completely different from any other Chrysler vehicle, and combines elegance, practicality, and room for telematics - indeed, a navigation system will be available from the outset, cleverly placed right in the middle of the instrument panel. The version on display featured all wheel drive, though reportedly a front wheel drive version will also be available. Strips of wood - real or false, we couldn't tell - accent well defined doors and the dashboard. The navigation system does not dominate the car, but it also doesn't show as much information as most. We did, we must say, truly and sincerely appreciate the fact that the navigation system does not interfere with the audio system! In most navigation systems, the audio system has to be integrated in to save space, making it difficult to operate the stereo without losing sight of the road.

chrysler pacifica interior The few minivan style touches included a movable (we think) center console, and rear controls for ventilation and audio functions. The rear hatch moves up and down under power, just like it does in the Caravan, and we would be surprised if the all wheel drive system did not also borrow from the Grand Caravan.

The controls and center stack all seemed sensibly designed and attractive to look at. Seat controls are on the door, where they are easier to locate.

The appearance throughout the interior is surprisingly subtle and pleasant (surprising only because Audi's Freeman Thomas was let loose in the Chrysler design studios, and we'd normally expect garish TT-style aluminum knobs everywhere).

In Chrysler's words:

The Chrysler Pacifica's driver-oriented instrument panel is enhanced with dynamic lines, accelerating curves and robust surfaces. The ignition switch is conveniently located on the instrument panel, which is designed with precise, flush-fitted surfaces and features satin silver accents, completing the vehicle's high-quality appearance.

A wood accent is used on the instrument panel and continues on the top of the doors into the second-row seating area. The shifter knob is leather-wrapped with a chrome accent. The shifter bezel is finished in the same silver accent as the door trim and instrument panel bezels.

The instrument cluster features an integrated navigation system directly in the driver's view. The technology is referred to as "thin film transfer display," which makes viewing the navigation information as easy as viewing the speedometer. Navigation controls are flush, easy to reach and conveniently located on the instrument panel to the right of the cluster.

Both first- and second-row seats are chair-height, giving occupants a strong sense of security and command-of-the-road while providing excellent ingress and egress. For versatility, second and third row seats conveniently fold flat. And for ultimate first-class travel, passengers seated in the second row will enjoy the comfort and convenience of heated captain's chairs.

Power controls are conveniently located on the door panel where the driver and passenger may adjust memory seats, lumbar support, thigh support, adjustable pedals or heated seats. In addition, Chrysler Pacifica features a continuous, full-length center console complete with dual cup holders, storage area and adjustable air outlets. A flip-down, roof-mounted DVD screen is available to rear seat occupants and a theater-style surround sound audio system comes complete with eight Infinity® speakers, bringing movies and music to life.

Safety

Mike Donoughe, Vice President-Family Vehicle Product Team, cited safety features such as "The first-class seating position, cockpit-style controls, all-wheel-drive and sport-sedan handling help the driver avoid accidents. If a crash does occur, safety systems such as the three-row side curtain air bags help keep occupants safe. We set stringent internal safety targets right from the beginning of development and carried them all the way through production."

"Chrysler Pacifica is one of world's first vehicles to offer a three-row side curtain air bag, that will be standard equipment on the vehicle which goes on sale in the spring of 2003. The ceiling-mounted side curtain air bag deploys downward and provides full-side window coverage. The air bag was tested to the voluntary standards set by the industry's Side Air Bag Technical Working Group. In addition, Chrysler Group engineers also used the 'pole test,' which mimics accidents such as hitting a telephone pole or tree, to evaluate the side air bag sensing system. These types of accidents may be severe because the crash forces are concentrated in a relatively small area of the vehicle."

chrysler pacifica safety features

"Chrysler Pacifica meets Chrysler engineers' strict criteria for handling and stability. The unique sports tourer package is designed with a wide track for optimal handling and stability. Although the Chrysler Pacifica is taller than most passenger cars, its suspension, steering and ride are calibrated to achieve sport sedan cornering and handling qualities.

"Chrysler Pacifica does not share components, but it does share a common rear suspension design architecture with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class," Donoughe said.

Chrysler Pacifica's advanced restraint system encompasses the seat belts, air bags and sensors to optimize occupant protection in the event of a crash. In addition to the side curtain air bag, Chrysler Pacifica also provides the first Chrysler inflatable knee blocker. Located just below the steering column, the knee blocker helps to reduce potential leg injuries in a crash. It also aids in appropriately positioning the driver to get the full safety benefit of the total restraint system.

Enhanced multi-stage driver and passenger air bags deploy at various levels based on the severity of the crash. Two charges in the air bag module are triggered separately. A minor impact will trigger a low-power deployment while a severe impact will deploy a more high-powered discharge in order to optimize occupant protection. The sophisticated driver air bag works in conjunction with the energy-absorbing steering wheel, patented steering column and inflatable knee blocker to provide supplemental restraints in frontal or near-frontal impacts.

Safety was reinforced in styling, with an ironic twist: Joe Dehner, Director of Design, said, "With Pacifica, we revisited the proportions of glass to sheet metal. We wanted the side profile to be two-thirds sheet metal and one-third glass. More sheet metal and less glass communicates an armored, protective quality to the consumer." In short, visibility, which increases safety of the occupants and, probably to a greater degree, of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists, is lessened in order to convey safety to the owner.

Electronic gizmos

UConnect, Chrysler Group's hands-free, in-vehicle communication system, makes its debut as a factory-installed option on the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. UConnect focuses on personal mobility, convenience and affordability.

Using Bluetooth, communication is driven through a user's personal mobile phone, and works both inside and outside the vehicle. Like OnStar, the system allows the audio to be heard through the radio speakers, while a microphone is in the mirror. The user's mobile phone may then be placed wherever the user chooses within the vehicle. Conversations may be continued upon entering or exiting, without disrupting the call. Calls may be linked to UConnect within 30 feet of the vehicle. The system includes voice dialing, an audio address book, mute, caller ID (with the phone number of the caller showing up on the radio display), three languages, the ability to recognize up to five phones, and the ability to work with different carriers.

Chrysler Pacifica specifications

Specifications have been moved! Visit them by clicking here!

Note - we have a Pacifica forum! Drop by and post!

Also note our Pacifica review!

The original Pacifica page

Long ago, we suggested that, since most SUV buyers seem to use them as commuter or family vehicles, it might make sense to simply disguise a minivan as an SUV. Then the clever automaker could simply mark up the price and hire a macho celebrity, such as Paul Hogan, to sell it. (To be fair, this was hardly an original thought, since Subaru had done it with their Legacy station wagon.) GM did just that with the Aztek and Rendezvous. Chrysler was going to do the same...but, apparently, stopped at the last minute and changed quite a bit of the Pacifica, giving it a rear suspension resembling the Mercedes E-class and making many other changes, so it is on its own platform (for real, we are assured) - and, by the way, is also not a reshaped Mercedes.

Production is due to start at the Windsor, Ontario minivan plant in 2002. (Pacifica tooling is currently being installed at Windsor Assembly Plant. However, the remainder isn't due for install until April. Then they'll be running metal runs for crash testing until early 2003. You won't see a production vehicle until then. Thanks, Jeff!)

The Pacifica is powered by the 3.5 liter V6, and will be available with both front and all wheel drive (it would normally use front wheel drive but all wheel drive would be available on demand). Prices are reportedly set around $25,000 with six-passenger seating, including two rows of bucket seats and adjustable pedals.

The Citadel concept car (DCX image)

The Citadel concept used a hybrid powertrain similar to that projected for the Durango and Ram hybrids of 2004. It also featured dual sliding rear doors and a retractable cargo door, just like a minivan, for easy wheelchair or cargo access.