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I have driven the Chrysler Pacifica minivan in the form of a handicapped accessible version in BraunAbility and VMI conversions. I was comparing it to other brands of handicap vans, i.e. Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, in order to decide which one to buy. The Pacifica is definitely the most attractive of all the minivans. It truly IS a beauty!
After much comparison and consideration I have decided to purchase the Pacifica as it is ultimately the most comfortable to drive, it has the most generous hauling capacity for my power chair, and it has the most user friendly modern features with great sound production in the entertainment system. The handling in corners is good without a lot of body roll, and acceleration/braking were excellent. I am not a fan of the gear shift dial. That is weird! I would like to have paddle shifters in order to give me more control over gearing choices during certain driving conditions. As with all handicap conversions, the Pacifica has a high degree of road noise, but it is the least noisy of all the handicap minivans I have driven. I haven’t driven a non-converted version of the van, so I can’t comment on road noise in the stock vehicle. My biggest complaint about this van is ingress and egress. The windshield pillar is very sloped which makes getting in and out of the vehicle a challenge. The first time I tried to get in I hit my head on the pillar. One has to develop a “technique” for getting into and out of the van without knockin’ the noggin! The room provided for a mobility power chair or scooter is THE best in class, bar none. The third row seat is far more comfortable in the Pacifica than in any other minivan, although I still wouldn’t want to sit there for a long trip. But then again I am a broken down ol’ lady! Maybe for kids it would be okay. It is nice being able to slightly recline that seat for comfort. The head rests on the third row seat tilt too far forward and are annoying. This makes it necessary to tilt the seat back rearward in order to get the head rests from pushing your head forward. The same is true for the head rests on the driver and front passenger seats.
Bottom line is I am looking forward to owning the BEAUTIFUL Pacifica, however, I am a bit concerned about long term reliability. Chrysler has a long-standing history of overall poor quality and reliability. Perhaps the Pacifica will be the turnaround in Chrysler’s quality control reputation. I have read several horror stories about transmission and entertainment system problems. I just hope my experience with the van will be a good one.
Fuel Type: Gasoline
City MPG: 19
Highway MPG: 28
Stock: KR597409
Drivetrain: FWD
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
Engine: 3.6L V6 24V MPFI DOHC
VIN: 2C4RC1BG3KR597409
Mileage: 13,275
Call: (866) 541-5043
