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7 Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica crossover debuted for the 2004 model year as a result of the Daimler-Chrysler merger and an attempt by the new conglomerate to produce an impressive product with minimal development time commitment. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, after only 30 months dedicated to design, engineering, and building, the Pacifica hit the market as a crossover that couldn’t quite decide whether to lean more towards the minivan side or the SUV side. In fact, rather than create a sporty crossover, it seemed Chrysler had chosen the worst of both worlds to combine in the Pacifica.
Bland styling, low clearance, and an underpowered drivetrain plagued the Pacifica from its inception until the first generation was discontinued in 2007 despite repeated attempts to improve its power and driving characteristics.
Compared to other crossovers of its day, exemplified by BMW’s X5 and Lexus’ RX series, the Pacifica was higher priced with none of the corresponding quality. Today, the Pacifica has been relaunched as a committed minivan, with a hybrid power plant allowing for economical travel. Under such a time crunch, Chrysler no doubt would have done better for themselves by releasing the first generation as a minivan from the very beginning of design and development.
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