2008 Chrysler Pacifica

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By  Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

2008 Chrysler Pacifica LX
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The resident car enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests from around the Web and compiled those opinions in this conclusive review of the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 Pacifica and have added driving impressions and observations where needed, to help you understand the basic features of the Pacifica and to help you decide if it's the right car for you.

Likes:
- Six-passenger seating
- Available features
- Five-star crash protection
- Six-speed automatic

Dislikes:
- Poor city fuel economy
- Dated styling inside
- V-6 groan
- Already discontinued

The Chrysler Pacifica pioneered the large crossover segment among American car companies -- but it's getting the axe after the 2008 model year.

A six-passenger vehicle derived from Chrysler's last-generation minivans, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica still has its virtues. Mostly, they center on its roomy interior. Those six seats are comfortable and offer plenty of surrounding leg and head room. The driver seat has 10-way power adjustment; the second and third-row seats fold flat to create a huge cargo area.

Outside and in, the Chrysler Pacifica is a good-looking machine from many angles, but it's a little squat compared to the newest crossovers from Buick and Mazda. It has front-hinged doors, not the sliding doors of a minivan, so it's not quite as easy to clamber in and out as in, say, a Chrysler Town & Country. The interior has better finishes than the newest Chryslers, but it's beginning to look its age, too.

Chrysler's six-passenger crossover wagon received a new 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 253 horsepower last year; the base front-wheel-drive versions still get a smaller 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V-6. The new 4.0-liter engine replaces the previous 3.5-liter engine and is teamed with a six-speed automatic. (Base V-6 versions get a four-speed automatic with AutoStick manual shift function.) We like the new transmission but both V-6s have a case of the groans. Fuel economy is 14/22 mpg with the bigger engine, while Buick's Enclave gets 16/22 mpg with a better-sounding engine and an extra seat inside.

Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered. The Pacifica's long, low, and wide package gives it a solid grip on the road with either. The suspension soaks up the road bumps, yet the driver maintains a clear sense of road feel.

Side air curtains and stability control are standard equipment on all models; a knee-blocker airbag is also standard, as is dual-zone air conditioning. Safety ratings for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica are five stars for front and side impacts.

A rear back-up camera system is optional on Touring and Limited models, and a larger, eight-inch video screen has been incorporated into the available rear seat entertainment system. Heated seats, DVD navigation, and a premium Infinity Intermezzo surround sound with eight speakers and subwoofer are on the options list, along with Bluetooth.

The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica isn't long for this world, but still offers good interior seating and flexibility.

Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, also consider:

- Mazda CX-9
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Buick Enclave
- Toyota Highlander

The crossover trend is producing a wide range of family-friendly wagons with all-wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse have inoffensive styling, big V-6 power, and seating for at least seven, while the Buick Enclave and Mazda CX-9 take the sexy approach, with styling and interior features.

Buying Tip:
Already discontinued as Chrysler tries to turn around its business, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica could be a strong bargain in the showrooms. If minivans turn you off, it's worth a drive--but make sure to also sample GM's superior crossovers like the Buick Enclave, as well as the good-looking Mazda CX-9.