Chrysler Pacifica Riffs On Airflow's Heritage

Going back to the 1934 Airflow, Chrysler has a long history of producing beautiful mini-limos that advance the art – and science - of getting families to and fro.  The Airflow was one of the first cars to endure a wind tunnel and come with an integrated frame.  It was way too advanced for its time and was derided, but in modern light, is pure art.  That may be the same with the 2018 Pacifica, though it is receiving much more love in its own time.

Elegant Little Bus

Compared to the frumpy Town & Country it replaced, the Pacifica is a new-age classic.  It’s an elegant little bus with a wide stance, 20” wheels, and hidden sliding door rails.  Arching side sculpting, canted rear windowline, and deftly applied chrome conspire with the sleek shape to form a road-going party jet.  Our Limited model adds a tri-pane panoramic sunroof that shines on all three rows of seats so you can see the stars glitter.  Gleaming HID headlamps and LED exterior lamps add panache.  Roll up in this chic coach and all the fashionistas will lose themselves – whether at the art gallery or soccer field.

Airflows were known for their low flat floors and roomy interiors.  Slide open the Pacifica’s doors to luxuriate in its comfy cabin.  Pacifica’s dash projects elegance with a crisp center touchscreen, swoops of anodized deep red on the dash and doors, piano black trim around climate controls, chrome gear selector knob, and two-tone heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.  Beige leather seats with burgundy piping are quite handsome.  Heated and cooled, they’re also pretty comfy.

Despite a plethora of technology, it’s all pretty easy to use.  Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system summons navigation, climate control, and audio via touchscreen, voice, or redundant buttons beneath.  You can direct-tune Satellite radio, or twirl through the stations with a proper tuning knob.  There’s also a big volume knob where it should be.  This is how all automakers should do it.  Active noise cancellation keeps the 506-watt amplifier fully heard; rock out to your favorite club tunes if you must.

The rear quarters are pretty posh too.  Access is granted through twin powered sliders with foot swipe operation and power rear hatch.  Heated middle-row seats place passengers in range of twin seat-mounted video screens, concealable storage, and their own automatic climate controls overhead.  If the little munchkins spray goldfish and Cheerios, there’s a built-in vacuum to suck them up.  Just because you’re rolling doesn’t mean you can’t remain fabulous.

Tire-Squealing Dance Floor

If there’s a downside, it’s the Stow n’ Go seats.  Sure, there’s a dance hall’s floor space when the middle and third rows fold flat into the floor.  However, they are thinly padded, somewhat hard, and positioned at strange angles so they can collapse and perform their gymnastics to dive beneath the floor.  Adults can ride in the back for relatively long trips, but cross-country voyages are better left to the young.

Underway, the driver has the most fun.  Even with wide rubber, it’s not hard to squeal the tires.  A sensitive throttle wakes all of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine/s 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque to scoot off the line or strafe slow moving traffic on the Interstate.  Chrysler’s efficient TorqueFlite 9-speed automatic transmission, engine start-stop technology, and active grille shutters enable 18/28-MPG city/hwy.  Good luck doing better in a very large three-row people mover.

Despite what drivers thought then, I would have loved to drive a Chrysler Airflow.  I even have a model of one on my office shelf.  But, here in the 21st Century, the Pacifica is an artful – and even more practical – replacement.  All of its technology and power make it even more enjoyable.  This gallery will cost at least $26,995, but rose to $46,615 as tested.  Check the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Sedona for comparison.

Storm Forward!

Contact Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube and Twitter:  @AutoCasey.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited

• Seven-passenger, FWD mini-van
• Powertrain: 287hp 3.6-liter V6, 9-spd. auto trans
• Suspension f/r: Ind/Twist-blade
• Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
• Brakes f/r: disc/disc
• Must-have features: Style, luxury
• Fuel economy: 18/28 mpg city/hwy
• Assembly: Windsor, ON
• Base/As-tested price: $26,995/$46,615