2007 Chrysler Pacifica

2007 Chrysler Pacifica
By Olivia Vizachero

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Although I’ve been given such advice many times, I have to admit it was the first thing I did after being handed the keys to the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD. Although I was definitely a fan of the vehicle’s gorgeous Marine Blue Pearl Coat exterior, the crossover’s appearance couldn’t help but remind me of a minivan. Being a young college student, it wasn’t exactly the look I was going for.

But, as I came to learn, right after opening the Pacifica’s driver door, first impressions are often incorrect.

As I peered inside I was shocked to lay my eyes on the gorgeous suede and leather bucket seats. As they were looking extremely inviting, I immediately jumped in.

Quickly finding the conveniently located ignition, in the dash, not hidden behind the steering wheel, I turned the key and hit the road. As I headed down the highway, I was overjoyed to notice the Pacifica’s moon roof. Immediately opening it, I let in the sun along with the crisp fall air. Quite comfortable, I was then able to explore that the rest of the Pacifica had to offer.

Aside from the interior’s luxurious look, the first thing drivers will notice about the Pacifica is how it handles the road. As I put the pedal to the metal, I was more than amazed to see how well the Pacifica hugged the road. With the 6-speed automatic transmission, the crossover is capable of safely handling speed, which is why the Pacifica’s speedometer ranges from 0-160 mph. While hitting higher speeds, drivers will notice that the ride remains quite smooth.

Although some consumers may believe there is nothing impressive about a high-end vehicle offering its passengers a bounce-free ride, the Pacifica is in a class of its own. Those who drive the Chrysler Pacifica will find themselves feeling as though they are floating over the asphalt. Surpassing my expectations, the Pacifica glided over the roughest railroad tracks without even dislodging my iTrip, a common occurrence in many other automobiles.

Also, unlike other vehicles, the Pacifica assures that each and every accessory has a place of its own. The perfectly placed outlet, into which I plugged my iTrip, allows drivers to charge MP3 players or cell phones without having their electronics interfere with the rest of their driving experience.

Although driver’s wont have to worry about their belongings flying all over the crossover’s interior due to turbulence, everyone, at some point or another, is forced to stop unexpectedly. Unfortunately, while ladies probably wont be able to grab their purses before they empty out on to the floor, they won’t have to fret over any other messes. This is due to the brilliantly designed front seat cup holders. Never again will drivers cry over spilt milk, or in my case, coffee. Even when those driving the Chrysler Pacifica slam on their breaks to avoid running the red light they didn’t notice because their caffeine has yet to kick in, their drinks will stay securely positioned in the protective cup holders.

Fortunately the Pacifica isn’t only designed to protect beverages when drivers are forced to slam on their brakes. With the extremely innovative Brake Assist, a power booster that allows for maximum braking in emergencies, drivers are able to safely come to an immediate stop. Parents or pet owners will be amazed at the Pacifica’s braking capabilities that ensure the most precious cargo always remains safe.

The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD focuses its cautious characteristics in a much different area as well. Many car consumers were amazed when the automotive industry released sensor technology that beeped to inform accident-prone drivers of nearby objects they could not see when reversing. Taking such a helpful device to the next level, Chrysler engineers included an Obstacle Detection System. By viewing a small screen located in the Pacifica’s dash, drivers are now able to see what lies behind them. Displaying the picture received from a camera located in the Chrysler’s rear bumper, the screen helps drivers navigate more accurately while driving in reverse.

This already impressive screen actually has a dual purpose. When it is not being used to help drivers avoid running over their trash cans, it displays the car’s GPS navigational system. Cleverly stowed in the center of the vehicle’s speedometer, drivers are able to follow the GPS map without taking their eyes off the road. The user friendly GPS control panel, located just to the right of the GPS display, is only an arm’s length away.

Although its design makes it easy for drivers to use the GPS system while on the road, the system’s safety feature does not allow drivers to program new locations or find directions while en route. Although I can understand that the Pacifica engineers were trying to prevent multi-taskers from getting into accidents, it is not all that convenient for drivers to pull over and park in order to program their navigational system.

Luckily, for multi-taskers like myself, the Pacifica offers its drivers many more exciting gadgets that are sure to grab their interest - most notably, the Pacifica’s outstanding sound system. As I tuned into the Frank Sinatra station on the Pacifica’s hard wired Sirius Satellite radio, I was amazed with the clarity that came from the car’s Infinity stereo system. Even when blasting my favorite Sinatra song, the quality coming from the car’s seven speakers was not distorted.

For those who aren’t a fan of satellite radio, feel free to pop in a CD, or better yet, a DVD into the car’s in-dash 6 disc CD/DVD changer. Perfect for road-trips, the car’s passengers can pop in their favorite flick and relax in their comfortably heated seats, offered in both the front and second row. With the outstanding amount of room found in the all wheel drive Chrysler Pacifica, passengers will not be cramped with all of their cargo. The third row seats fold flat to the floor leaving room for loads of luggage. I was surprised to find how easy the seats stowed. With extremely little effort I was able to lay the seats flat and load up the crossover. Better still, drivers who happen to have their hands full when preparing to pack the Pacifica will be delighted to find that the car’s cargo space is accessible by merely pressing a button. The power liftgate is extremely helpful when those stashing all of their stuff into the car’s rear do not have a hand to spare.

The Pacifica’s gas tank has also been designed to be perfect for long trips. Able to hold up to 23 gallon’s, those riding in the Pacifica wont be forced to fuel up frequently.

Another one of the crossover’s amazing features makes road-tripping out of the country a breeze. Although there are probably a few drivers who are able to convert kilometers to miles in their heads, the Pacifica will do it at a simple press of a button.

Obviously the Pacifica’s designers kept ease in mind while coming up with many of the crossover’s accessories. Drivers are sure notice this theme throughout the entire automobile. For instance, drivers who happen to be a bit vertically challenged but don’t want to drive on top of the steering wheel in order to reach the peddles will be thrilled to find that the Pacifica comes equipped with controllable pedals. No longer do ladies have to drive with their tip toes. Also at the touch of a button are the driver and passenger seat controls. With an astonishing 10 different ways for drivers to adjust their seats, spending hours on the road will not be a pain in the neck, or back for that matter, because drivers are able to adjust their seats to find the perfect fit.

Also at the fingertips of those driving the Pacifica are the side mirror controls. With mirror memory features and heating capabilities, drivers will come to find that using the Pacifica’s mirrors is effortless. Due to the countless blind spots that result from three rows of seating, the ease in operating the car’s mirrors is most definitely necessary.

After driving the Chrysler Pacifica and being utterly impressed with the crossover’s capabilities, I stepped out of the car and took another look at what I originally considered to be the minivan-resembling exterior. It was then that I realized how wrong my first impression had been. I quickly noticed the chrome clad wheels as well as the sleek groves in the Pacifica’s hood. Surprised to realize how stylish the Pacifica actually was both inside and out, I decided that the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica would be a perfect fit for college student like myself (well, except for the not so perfect price tag starting at $36,555).

Although many consumers have classified the Pacifica as a “momish” ride, kids and their Crayolas aren’t a good match for this crossover. Plain and simple, the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is a luxury vehicle.