I purchased the 2005 Pacifica Touring model in November 2004. The vehicle is an everyday driving vehicle for my wife. We did the usual test drives of the Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition and various minivans. They were all good quality vehicles and would have made good choices but did not really do anything to stand out and make either one of us take notice.

We decided to make a trip to a local dealership and test drive yet another minivan. As an after thought we decided to test drive a Pacifica. The model we decided to test drive was a black 3.5L FWD Pacifica Touring model. The vehicle's attractive lines immediately caught our eye. The car's sticker price was listed at approximately $32,500. We took the vehicle on a test drive and were very happy that we did. The car handled better then any we had test driven thus far. After a trip home to research the vehicle on line, I returned to the dealership to purchase the vehicle that we had tested. Within an hour we were able to negotiate a price of approximately $25,000 after rebates.

The vehicle had most of the extras including side curtain airbags and a driver side knee airbag. Six disk CD changer and DVD player (without the screen which will be an aftermarket purchase). It came with a whole host of options, many of them standard. I did not opt for AWD as it is not needed in most of sunny Arizona's driving conditions. I also did not feel a need for the Navigation system. The Pacifica integrates the navigation system into the center area of the speedometer and to be honest it looks great. I just couldn't justify the price tag for something I really wouldn't use.

The influence of Mercedes on the interior of the car (sport tourer as Chrysler calls it) is immediately apparent. The leather seats are extremely comfortable. The intuitive seat adjustments are mounted on the door as they are in the Mercedes. Both my wife and I were able to adjust the seats and feel completely comfortable within seconds.

The vehicle has 3 rows of seats. The first two rows are extremely comfortable bucket seats. In the first two rows there is a large, almost identical center console dividing the bucket seats. The center console has two excellent drink holders (I love drink holders they are an absolute must) and a large storage compartment. The only difference in the two consoles is that the second row center console has manual controls to manipulate the heating and cooling vents for the second row. The seats are large and comfortable. Each of the second row seats is equipped with the anchor system used by the newer car seats. They make installing a very secure car seat quick and easy. Getting into the third row took some practice. Two levers marked (1) and (2) controlled the seats movement. Pulling lever one on the second row bucket seat folds the seat in half. Pulling lever two causes the seat to flatten further and move to the front of the vehicle. This allows an average size adult (me) to easily maneuver into the third row. The third row is a bench seat and while comfortable for two average size adults not nearly as much so as the first two rows. Third row head room can be a little tight if you are in the 6 foot or taller range.

The vehicle's dual climate controls are fantastic. They are easy to understand and positioned so that both the driver and passenger can manipulate them with equal ease. Now that we have the dual climate control I don't know how we survived without it. I keep mine at about 60 degrees and my wife keeps hers at 70. Now everybody is comfortable.

The Pacifica has a very good Infinity sound system. The speakers carry both high and low notes very well and the sound remains clear even at high volumes. I enjoy turning the music up and tend to feel a need to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo and speaker system. I will not be upgrading the stereo or speakers in the Pacifica.

I have read in Edmunds as well as MSN Autos that the Pacifica's is slightly underpowered and they would like to see a 5 speed automatic instead of the current 4 speed automatic. I disagree with that analysis. I have driven the Pacifica on both streets and highways. The power is more then adequate to merge onto highways and to pass as needed. I have driven the car from the Phoenix metro area to Flagstaff with the cruise control set on 80. The engine responds perfectly and without laboring even in the steepest mountain climbs. I have been happy with the gas mileage thus far. With the aid of the Pacifica's trip computer I have determined that I have been averaging approximately 17.3 miles per gallon.

The Pacifica handles far differently then any SUV that I had tested. The steering feels tight and it drives like a vehicle much smaller then its actual size. The Pacifica’s suspension is based on the Mercedes E-Class suspension. The car maintains a very smooth ride, easily more comfortable then any vehicle that I have previously owned.

A couple of extras that I enjoy are the automatic power lift gate. Not really needed but it comes in handy when your hands are full. The feature is available by both the key fob as well as a button mounted above the rear-view mirror. A second row of buttons above the rear-view mirror allows you to program and open up to a total of three garage doors or security gates. There is also a unique looking analog clock positioned near the center of the dashboard. It is not really needed because of the digital time located on the face piece to the stereo but creates a very cool unique look.

There is one small modification I would like to see on the Pacifica. The doors open adequately but it would be helpful if the could open a few inches wider to assist in placing and removing children into car seats.

Amount Paid (US$): 25000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: Pacifica Touring