2007 Chrysler Pacifica - still looks great, inside and out

The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica made its informal public debut, thanks to photos at allpar.com - http://www.allpar.com/model/cs.html - which show an attractive vehicle inside and out.

Fortunately, Chrysler designers apparently took a light touch on the Pacifica; they could have gone much farther. The main problem with the Pacifica is not its looks, which are remarkably striking for what is basically a slightly-restyled minivan body with a completely new interior; nor is it the functionality, which is superior to just about any truck-based SUV in that price class for those who don’t need to tow and haul; nor is it the quality, which has reportedly been quite good. I think the main problems have been getting people to realize it exists and getting people inside one. People who see it, generally love it. People who drive it generally like it. Getting people in, once again, is Chrysler’s big problem - just as it was with the Neon and early Intrepid. Then they can be pleasantly surprised.

Of course, test numbers that make the Pacifica seem lethargic don’t help; nor does the moderately disappointing gas mileage, the result of using a rather nice car engine in a heavier, larger vehicle than it was presumably designed for. Putting in a six-speed automatic (for quicker off-the-line acceleration coupled with better gas mileage) and reworked 3.8 liter engine should help the second generation, along with a few other “keeping up with the Joneses” changes.

In the end, we’re happy to see that although the interior is getting more of that chunky feel Chrysler thinks we want, it still is at least a little warm and attractive (compared with, say, the 300), and the exterior remains quite nice. Take a look for yourself and see if you agree.