The minivan not only revolutionized the way families approached transportation but also caused the automotive industry to stop and pay attention. When the first minivans debuted in the 1980s, they answered the need for an adaptable, family-friendly car. While there may be some debate over how the minivan came to pass, there is no denying that the original Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan paved the way for the minivans of today.
When the minivan was first introduced, its unique design—which included a flat floor for flexibility, sliding rear doors for simple access, and a boxy shape that maximized inside space—appealed to a variety of drivers. It didn’t take long for the minivan to cement its place in automotive history for these features and the ability to fit a large number of passengers and cargo into the space. Now, more than 40 years later, Chrysler continues to lead the way in minivans with the dynamic Pacifica, offering practicality, a comfortable interior, the latest driver-assist safety features, and the technology that today’s families crave. Your used Chrysler dealer will be happy to show you a Pacifica and go over the many features that might make this the right vehicle for you.
The Making of the Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica
With the success of the first minivans, automakers went to the drawing board, delivering more and more options for families to consider. Over time, much like other vehicle types, the minivan’s design and functionality began to shift with the needs of its drivers in terms of appearance, functionality, and performance. And while there may have been a slight bump in the road as the popularity of SUVs and crossovers increased, the minivan revolution continues today.
It should be noted that the original Pacifica wasn’t a minivan at all. In fact, it was a crossover SUV that was introduced in 2004. It debuted with a bang, giving drivers a mix of a minivan and an SUV with comfortable seating, a smooth ride, and the latest technology. It also offered a unique, streamlined appearance. However, it only had a short run of four years, putting the vehicle and the Pacifica name on the back burner.
Eight years later, Chrysler debuted a brand new Pacifica. This model replaced the Chrysler Town and Country minivan, surprising drivers and the automotive industry with its bold new look, advanced technology, and smooth ride. Chrysler wasn’t finished, however, as it introduced the Pacifica hybrid one year later, giving families an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance or space. It was the first plug-in hybrid in its class.
Since its return, the Pacifica has earned high praise from the industry, winning awards for its safety features and technological advancements. The minivan has received over 170 honors, including recognition from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022.
The Chrysler Pacifica’s history demonstrates the adaptability and tenacity of a car that has faced and overcome design challenges and an evolving set of priorities from buyers. From its beginnings as a crossover SUV to its victorious comeback as a contemporary minivan, the Pacifica has demonstrated that perseverance and a dedication to serving the needs of families can result in long-term success.
Family-Friendly and Functional
Since the Pacifica’s return, it has been a leader in its class, making it an excellent option for families, whether purchased brand new or used. It can seat up to eight passengers, depending on the seat configuration. Those seats offer a stow-and-go feature that is perfect for increasing cargo space, improving its functionality even more. The Pacifica also offers a powerful 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine, which gives the driver responsive handling and a stable ride. The interior is quiet, with an intuitive design.
Pacifica: Touring
The base Touring trim is only available with front-wheel drive. Its seating configuration allows for up to seven passengers and has a towing capacity of 3,600 lbs when properly equipped. Standard features include heated front seats, separate controls for rear heating and cooling, a power-adjustable driver seat, and a remote start. It also offers safety features such as blind spot warning and forward collision mitigation. You will enjoy wireless phone connectivity with compatible phones.
Pacifica: Touring L
The next trim in the lineup gives you the option of all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. It also has a seating capacity of seven and heated front seats. In addition, you’ll enjoy perforated leather upholstery, which is perfect for easy clean-up, and 18-inch wheels for added traction. Like the Touring trim, it offers blind spot warning and forward collision mitigation, among other safety features. Access to your favorite apps through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is easy with the Uconnect 5 Infotainment System.
Pacifica: Limited
Like the Touring L trim, the Limited trim gives you a choice between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. You’ll also enjoy added comfort with ventilated seats for you and your front-seat passenger, with the addition of second-row heated seats. Technology gets a boost in the Pacifica Limited with your ability to use your voice to control the temperature, entertainment system, and navigation.
Pacifica: Pinnacle
The top-tier Pacifica Pinnacle continues to let you choose between all-wheel or front-wheel drive. In addition, you and your passengers will enjoy both heated and ventilated seats. The Pinnacle also offers added comfort for longer road trips with an eight-way direction control driver’s seat that reclines, adjusts for height, offers lumbar support, and more. Comfort is also found in the premium leather seating and the ability to start your Pacifica with your compatible smartphone when using the available app. More important for your rear passengers, however, is the rear entertainment system that allows them to play Blu-ray and digital media. Voice activation helps you gain access to your favorite apps while keeping your eyes on the road. In addition, the Pinnacle has a built-in navigation system to help you easily get to your destination.
Pacifica Safety Standards
The Pacifica not only offers a variety of trims that provide you with family-friendly features, functionality, and comfort, but it also gives you the most standard safety and security features in its class. The first of these is the Emergency Vehicle Alert System. This system lets you know when an emergency vehicle is nearby so you can safely navigate to the side of the road. It works for vehicles that are approaching from behind, as well as those that are stopped ahead of you.
You’ll also enjoy the confidence of Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Brakes and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Brakes. Both systems scan the road ahead and alert you to changes in traffic or objects entering your lane so you can react appropriately. If you cannot respond in time, the system applies the brakes to help you avoid an accident.
Other helpful safety features include Lanesense Lane Departure Warning With Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring to assist you when driving. Each feature supports you by alerting you when you sway too far to the sides of your lane or by letting you know when it is unsafe to change lanes due to a vehicle in your blind spot.
Finally, parking lots have never been easier to navigate than they are with the Chrysler Pacifica. Parksense Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross Path Detection let you tackle busy parking situations with ease by helping you safely reverse into a parking spot or assisting you when reversing by scanning for vehicles or pedestrians approaching behind you.
These are just a few of the many safety features you’ll find across the Pacifica lineup, helping you and your passengers get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. Your local used Chrysler dealer can review each of these safety features with you and answer any questions about the Pacifica.
Check out the Chrysler Pacifica Today
Renowned for its innovative features and family-friendly design, the Chrysler Pacifica is a sleek and adaptable minivan that makes a name for itself in its class. With its stylish design and roomy interior with three rows of seating, the Pacifica is an excellent vehicle for transporting you and your family wherever you want to go. In addition, the Pacifica sets itself apart with its cutting-edge safety features, intuitive infotainment systems, stow-and-go storage, and more. If you’re looking for a dependable and well-equipped minivan, you should check out what the Pacifica offers today’s modern family.
