Pacifica future

I have been reading everywhere that sales are so slow,that they are coming out with a downgraded version, a base model so to speak no leather, no navigation, no sunroof, no chrome, etc......

said to save $5-7000 off the price.

Fine with me. I think it fills a niche that never existed! :-)

Matt

You mean the World is not banging down their door for a grossly overpriced, underpowered, mid sized station wagon. It started well over $10,000.00 too high for what was and is being offered.

Richard.

Pretty much. Chrysler has had its share of niche-creating/filling vehicles, but I don't see the Pacifica as one of them. The minivan created a new niche for a vehicle that could haul as much as the old full-size station wagons, but with easier accessibility, more headroom, better driving position and better gas mileage and space utilization. Clear advantages over other vehicles with a similar purpose.

I just don't see the uniqueness of the Pacifica. It carries 6 passengers, in three rows of two rather than two rows of three as most sedans. Big deal...

Matt

DC better do something quick. Who'd be stupid enough to pay 40% above the list price of a comparably equipped Caravan and has less room? And all the styling charm of a kitchen freezer.

It's now available in a lower-cost model (sans leather and awd); perhaps that will broaden its appeal.

It's out -- check out the Chrysler web site.

Its price was very competitive with the likes of Lexus RX and Acura MDX.

It rides high, it comes with awd. Think Lexus RX and Acura MDX. Huge market

-- the RX is Lexus's biggest seller.

Who'd pay more for an Acura MDX than a Honda Odyssey? Or a Lexus RX300/330 compared to a Toyota Sienna? Obviously, lots of people.

Yes, there's another one born every minute!

The difference is that Acura and Lexus have both been well established now as premium lines from their manufacturers. Chrysler hasn't established any such premium brand, given that Chrysler lost that distinction years ago when they went to basically rebadged models for Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler...

Matt

Hold on: The ind rear suspension and V6 and extra seats and room are worth something over the cost of a PT Cruiser Limited. Chrysler just took it tooooo far.

Richard.

Unfortunately for Chrysler, it is not a Lexus. The Chrysler name is associated with 38 or more years of mediocrity. I was trying to remember the last Chrysler product I was personally excited about and I couldn't (despite having owned one). With the Germans running the show, I can't see things getting any better. Mercedes may build fine cars, but it has been a long time since they (Daimler) built anything for the street that was both affordable and exciting. They just don't understand. At least they seem to be doing a good job with heavy trucks (Freightliner, Sterling).

Regards,

Ed White

But the Pacifica isn't a Lexus or Accura. People spending that much for a cars are buying based on perceived status and Chrysler is not perceived to be in the same class with Lexus. I think of a Chrysler as competitive with Ford, Pontiac, and Chevrolet among the domestic brands. As far as I am concerned Chrysler = Plymouth and is lower down the domestic food chain that Mercury, and Buick. This was the fault of the Chrysler management of the last 40 or so years. Lee Iaccoca may have saved Chrysler, but he did nothing polish the image of old pentastar's "premium brand".

We may both agree that a Lexus is little more than a tarted up Toyota, but the general public believes they are some sort of super vehicle. My own Son is convinced that a Lexus is far superior to a run of the mill Toyota. He doesn't even believe me when I explain to him that an MDX is little more than an Odyssey with AWD and conventional doors instead of sliding rear doors. He tells me it is a lot different and worth all the extra money it costs. Oh well.....he even thinks Cadillacs are cool.

Ed

I've read DC might try to make Chrysler into the "Lexus" of the company (with Dodge being the "Toyota" brand).

True, but it used to be a real upscale brand -- like Buick. I've read DC is interested in moving it upscale again -- sort of a Lexus to Dodge's Toyota.

Yeah, those 493-hp supercharged V8s and 349-hp supercharged V6s are soooo unexciting!

I think of it as more Dodge = Ford and Chevy; Chrysler = Mercury and Pontiac. But Chrysler once meant Buick, and DC could bring that back.

Yeah, starting with the Chrysler getting the small Cordoba and then LeBaron instead of those going to Plymouth.

But that could change. Give Chrysler the 300 and no lower models; let Dodge handle the lower ones. Give them the Town & Country Limited and no lower minivans; Dodge can sell those. Give Chrysler the Sebring convertible only; let Dodge handle the coupe and sedan, which are too small and too cheap for a premium brand.

"Lloyd Parker" wrote

Not me. But at least these premium brands have established an aura of quality. Somehow I am unconvinced that the Pacifica has one.