2008 Chrysler Pacifica Review

By  Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Touring
Enlarge Photo

2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA STYLING | [7 out of 10]

Kelley Blue Book: "fresh and contemporary"
MyRide.com: "The Pacifica doesn't look like anything else on the road"
Edmunds.com: "chiseled good looks"

Most reviewers agree that the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is a good-looking vehicle, but one that’s starting to seem a little stale.

The Pacifica, Chrysler's first crossover vehicle, is "stylish and handsome" according to MyRide.com. They also note that the Chrysler Pacifica "doesn't fit easily in any particular mold." Those who seek a minivan are impressed by its "ease of use, layout and features" while those seeking an SUV will appreciate the car's style most of all. The Pacifica "has a more rugged, appealing (and less socially branding) appearance than most minivans."

In blurring these lines, the Chrysler Pacifica has succeeded, according to Edmunds.com, in appealing to a vast variety of customers. Those who seek a wagon, a minivan, or a sport-utility vehicle could find merit in the Pacifica's overall appearance. This 2008 Chrysler is also more "stylish" and has "better-handling" than the "typical people mover" and still manages to have room for six passengers.

TheCarConnection.com's experts like the Pacifica for its overall shape. The lower height, though, looks a little awkward from some angles, especially when compared to a regular minivan or one of the sleek new crossovers from GM, such as the Buick Enclave. The interior has a better shape and execution than the most recent Chryslers, but is showing some age.

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica won't woo the die-hard SUVers, nor will it sway minivan aficionados. But those without a specific vehicle preference may find the good looks of the Chrysler Pacifica hard to ignore.

Conclusion: The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is a good example of the first generation of crossover vehicles: handsome, but not as suave as the newest in its class.

2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA PERFORMANCE | [7 out of 10]

MyRide.com: "drives more like a minivan than an SUV or sedan"
Cars.com: "passing power with uplevel engine"
Edmunds: "mileage is slightly worse than large crossover SUVs"

Even though most reviewers agree that the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is a solid vehicle, there are better options out there that more fully live up to the "crossover" title.

According to Cars.com, "solidity and stability have always been Pacifica hallmarks." This year, the Chrysler Pacifica received a new 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 253 horsepower; the base front-wheel-drive versions still get a smaller 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V-6. The base engine and its "four-speed automatic" don’t make for thrilling performance in the Pacifica, which "tips the scales in SUV territory." To be brief, "it came up short in the passing lane."

Other reviewers were generally positive. The "the carlike handling from its Mercedes-Benz-sourced suspension inspires more confidence than typical minivans and truck-based sport-utilities," reports Edmunds.com, which also noted that the "steering feedback is solid and precise." However, handling over bumps tended to be a bit lackluster. Mileage was also just a tad "worse than large crossover SUVs like the Saturn Outlook and Mazda CX-9."

All weather conditions fared well for testers. Those at MyRide.com attested to the "confident handling in the dry weather of California's wine country, swooping into curves with the accelerator floored." But it also made "quick work" of the snowy weather in the Midwest. To navigate through frosty conditions, "all a driver has to do is a keep a light, steady foot on the gas pedal." MyRide.com additionally notes that the all-wheel drive "take[s] care of the rest" by "sending power to the tires that are gripping best."

All in all, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica performed well, but it lacks pickup, and gas mileage may be an issue for some. TheCarConnection.com's experts felt that the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica made for a stable ride that provided the feel of an SUV, but with some occasional harshness.

Conclusion: Even though the Chrysler Pacifica was one of the first in the crossover realm, there are other options that provide more energetic pickup and greater passing power without fully entering SUV territory.

2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA COMFORT AND QUALITY | [8 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "comfy buckets and plenty of knee- and elbowroom"
Kelley Blue Book: "shows how good an interior can be"
Edmunds: "Spacious comfort for four"
Cars.com: "poor fittings and cheap controls"

While the overwhelming majority of reviewers felt the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica made for a comfortable ride, a few complaints--particularly involving body roll and bounciness--stand out.

The Chrysler Pacifica is quite roomy, providing "first-class travel," according to Car and Driver. The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is wider than the Chrysler minivan, has four "conventional" doors, and merges the sedan and minivan. However, this merging has come at the cost of some of the interior space normally associated with vehicles of this type: "tight legroom in the third row means it is best used for small children only," Edmunds warns.

The other seating is ample, with room for five on the Pacifica LX base model and room for six in the Touring the Limited models. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to optimize versatility,

Kelley Blue Book notes that you should "look elsewhere" if you're seeking "V-8 power or the tall ceiling and overall interior space of a SUV or minivan." This car may be spacious, but it's not that spacious. If you really need the room of a minivan, you're probably better off getting a minivan. However,
Kelley Blue Book raved about the Pacifica's interior, noting that "plastic trim has been kept to a minimum, and what plastic there is has a rich, high-quality feel." However, Cars.com does not agree, having had serious problems with the vehicle's "build quality."

"Gaps in the dashboard panels, center storage bin and door locks" stood out like a sore thumb to the Cars.com reviewers, who noted that such obvious design flaws are "not what you want in a car that costs 35 large."

But they were not down on all of the 2008 Chrysler model's quality. In fact, the "electroluminescent gauges and door-mounted seat controls [felt] genuinely upscale" and the "simulated wood and aluminum trim" were found to be "inoffensive."

TheCarConnection.com sees the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica as an overall quality success. And where it lacks in roominess, i.e., that pesky third row, it makes up for in high-class comfort.

Conclusion: Even though some of the fittings were less than perfect, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is generally on the up and up.

2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA SAFETY | [9 out of 10]

Kelley Blue Book: "rear end can seem as if it's stitched to the pavement"
MyRide.com: "a good choice for snow country"
Edmunds.com: "five stars in the government's frontal-and side-impact crash tests"

When it comes to safety, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is tops, scoring consistently high on crash tests and providing drivers with the security they deserve and desire.

With intuitive safety features, the Chrysler Pacifica includes side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist, according to Edmunds.com. It is no wonder then that this 2008 Chrysler performed well in both frontal and side-impact crash tests, scoring five stars. Likewise, the Institute for Highway Safety gave an earlier model of the Pacifica a rating of "good for frontal-offset crash protection."

For additional safety, a rear backup camera is available.

High marks on crash test ratings and a confident handling experience put this one on the top of the list.

Conclusion: The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is a vehicle so well-equipped with safety features, you can feel confident toting the kids around in it.

2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA FEATURES | [9 out of 10]

Kelley Blue Book: "On paper, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica seems like a good idea"
Edmunds.com: "a relatively upscale, well-appointed choice"
MyRide.com: "a very versatile vehicle"

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is filled with features and options sure to keep even the most gadget-happy consumer enchanted.

Reviewers agreed that the Pacifica excels in providing numerous standard features even on base models. MyRide.com liked the climate controls, "especially the automatic system, which includes Auto Hi and Auto Lo options," making for a comfortable environment at all times. They also appreciated the analog clock and the ease with which the time could be read. Another nifty feature is the ability to "program convenience functions such as auto-locking, auto-headlights, lock notifications (horn, lights, nothing), door lighting and so on to tailor the car to particular tastes." This puts a great deal of customizability in the car owner's hands. MyRide.com notes the fact that other cars "require a trip to the dealer to reprogram these settings," which really adds a touch of convenience to this 2008 Chrysler model.

Edmunds.com called the Chrysler Pacifica "a relatively upscale, well-appointed choice." Heated seats, DVD navigation, and a premium Infinity Intermezzo surround sound with eight speakers and subwoofer are on the options list for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, along with Bluetooth and a DVD entertainment system.

Kelley Blue Book is not as quick to jump on the Pacifica bandwagon, however, noting the model "seems like a good idea" but only "on paper." They admit the 2008 Chrysler comes with a "long list of standard features and optional all-wheel drive," but if you don't absolutely need that third-row seat, you should look to the Dodge Magnum, "which offers the same roomy wagon-like interior but delivers better performance and more eye-catching styling."

Even so, the multifunctional Chrysler Pacifica is a good choice for those who like the versatility of a crossover vehicle.

Conclusion: There are plenty of a features to satisfy everyone in the family, but if you're unhappy with other aspects of the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, you can find these features elsewhere.

Arrange a test drive, get free price quotes, or read local dealer ratings for 2008 Chrysler Pacifica: