2006 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Awd on 2040-cars

Intruduction

When all-American Chrysler "merged" with German conglomerate Daimler Benz, it seemed an unlikely combination. So it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the first product to emerge a mix of minivan, wagon and sport-utility known as the Chrysler Pacifica.

The Pacfica's sleek lines certainly don't scream "mommy-mobile," but look inside and there are more than enough seats to qualify it for carpool duty. Combine this with the Pacifica's luxurious appointments and high-end options, and it's easy to see why this tall wagon is so hard to wedge into any one specific category. Loaded all-wheel-drive versions can push $40,000. to run squarely against luxury-branded vehicles like the MDX and RX 330, a challenge Chrysler feels that its upscale crossover is up to.

Acceleration with the 3.5-liter V6 is swift and smooth, the vehicle moves out quickly. The ride is quiet and comfortable, handling is certainly nimble for a large vehicle. Inside, the Chrysler Pacifica has an attractive two-tone color scheme accented by faux wood and aluminum. Limited's second row features captain's chairs that provide nearly as much comfort as the front seats. A surprisingly accommodating entry height makes getting in and out of the Pacifica a breeze. the Limited's two-passenger third row is suitable for children. Plus, there's cargo space behind the third-row seats, all the rear seats can be folded into the floor when you need more space, opening up to 92.2 cubic feet.

Pacifica's combination of upscale amenities, sharp handling and nontraditional styling. Add to that an elevated driving position, supremely comfortable seats and top-notch safety scores and you have an attractive package for any family of five or six. 

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The Chrysler Pacifica Limited is AWD only,  three-row six-passenger seating (with second-row captain's chairs); automatic climate control and a 10-way power driver seat. Limited models showcase monochromatic exterior, 19-inch wheels, heated leather seats, a power moonroof and a power liftgate. Entertainment options include an upgraded 385-watt Infinity audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. An innovative DVD-based navigation system is offered with the screen mounted in the instrument cluster for easy viewing by the driver.

Powertrains and Performance

Pacifica Limited is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which makes 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. four-speed automatic transmission. AWD models have a simple but effective viscous-coupling center differential, and the system has the ability to send up to 90 percent of the power to the front or rear wheels if the conditions warrant it.

Safety

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. Side curtain airbags for all three rows and a tire-pressure monitoring system are optional. The Chrysler Pacifica Limited achieved a perfect five-star sweep in front- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA (when equipped with the optional airbags). In addition, the Pacifica was named a "Best Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its frontal offset crash test.

Interior Design and Special Features

Limited Pacifica models can seat up to six people, and the seats are arranged in three rows of two. The Pacifica's second- and third-row chairs can be tumbled easily to fold flat into the floor, maximizing level loading space with an extra storage bin under the cargo area.

Driving Impressions

The 2006 Chrysler Pacifica limited AWD delivers a confident over-the-road feel that most minivans and SUVs are hard-pressed to match. The steering provides solid feedback, and the suspension imparts a sense of surefooted control that borders on fun. We're not going to go too far out on a limb and call it "sporty," but for a vehicle that's specifically designed for family duty, it's surprisingly entertaining. 

Exterior

Tires and Wheels

• Chrome alloy wheels, -19 x 7.5 in. wheels, -Steel spare wheel, -P235/55R H tires,- All season tires, -Underbody mounted spare tire, -Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Variable intermittent wipers, -Rear defogger, -Rear window wiper, -Roof rack, -Power glass sunroof

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 79.3 in., -Height: 66.5 in., -Length: 198.9 in., -Ground clearance: 5.9 in., -Front track: 66.0 in., -Rear track: 66.0 in., -Wheel base: 116.3 in., -Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 13.2 cu.ft., -Maximum cargo capacity: 79.5 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 3500 lbs.**, -EPA interior volume: 143.9 cu.ft., -Drag Coefficient: .35 Cd, -Curb weight: 4788 lbs.

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.5 L, -Cam type: Single overhead cam (SOHC), -Cylinders: V6, -Valves: 24, -Torque: 250 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm, -Horsepower: 250 hp @ 6400 rpm, -Turning circle: 39.8 ft., -Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: all wheel drive, -Viscous center differential, -Transmission: 4-speed shiftable automatic

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension, -Multi-link rear suspension, -Four-wheel independent suspension

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas, -Fuel type: regular unleaded, -Fuel tank capacity: 23.0 gal., -Range in miles (cty/hwy): 345.0/460.0 mi., -EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 15/20 mpg

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS, -Front, rear and third row head airbags, -Child seat anchors, -Remote anti-theft alarm system, -Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes, -Rear door child safety locks, -Engine immobilizer, -Front fog/driving lights
• Auto delay off headlamps, -Dusk sensing headlamps, -2 front headrests, -2 rear headrests, -Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, -Front seatbelt pretensioners, -Electronic brakeforce distribution, -Front height adjustable headrests, -Rear height adjustable headrests, -Tire pressure monitoring

Interior