Before people started getting the taste for crossovers and SUVs, those in the market for a family-oriented machine had a simple choice to make: wagon or minivan. When it comes down to minivans, Chrysler has the most know-how in the business. As expected, the newest minivan from Chrysler doesn’t disappoint.
Consumer Reports bought a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and put it to the test. It may come as a surprise to you, but the 9-speed automatic transmission is “a lot better” in the minivan compared to other products made by Fiat Chrysler. That’s something of a revelation considering that the Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade and Cherokee, and Fiat 500X have been recalled because of this particular slush box.
The first product developed from the ground up by Fiat Chrysler since Fiat and Chrysler became best friends forever is 250 pounds (113.4 kilograms) lighter than the Town & Country. The weight reduction translated into better fuel economy, first and foremost. For those who want more frugality than what the 3.6-liter V6 can offer on its own, the Hybrid can go up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) without sipping fuel.
As for downsides, the second-row Stow ’n Go seats are sacrificed because the hybrid powertrain of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid eats up a lot of space. On the other hand, the regular model is praised for the space and quality it offers, as well as for all the clever features and the satisfying driving experience.
Consumer Reports has one big problem with the all-new Pacifica, though. More specifically, “reliability deamons.” The peeps at Fiat Chrysler have churned out lots of problematic products in recent years, which is why reliability is an open question that could put some prospective customers off.
If you overlook the Fiat Chrysler Group's reliability woes, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica can hold its head up high in the minivan segment. Better still, it is slightly cheaper than the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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