Mid life crisis car; Pacifica
- Thread starter Finklejag
- Start date
dnewton3
Staff member
As far as aesthetics goes, I do agree that the Pacifica is one of the better looking designs. I just can't wrap my head around a Pacifica being a "mid-life crisis" solution. But whatever ...
I also think that the minivan is one of the best family haulers around. I understand that it got usurped by the typical large SUV; many of which are just under-utilized as true "sport/utility" ventures. We had a Villager minivan for about 12 years; it was fantastic at the task at hand. That it wasn't fast or pretty didn't bother us; that's wasn't its purpose. When it came to moving large amounts of stuff and people, safety and reliably and efficiently, it was great.
If someone actually needs the upgraded utility capabilities of a real SUV (pulling a large RV or boat while hauling a large family), then I can see the minivan falling short. But most of the time I just see Expeditions, Tellurides and Suburbans performing their daily mall-crawls ... Hardly a "need" for that.
I also think that the minivan is one of the best family haulers around. I understand that it got usurped by the typical large SUV; many of which are just under-utilized as true "sport/utility" ventures. We had a Villager minivan for about 12 years; it was fantastic at the task at hand. That it wasn't fast or pretty didn't bother us; that's wasn't its purpose. When it came to moving large amounts of stuff and people, safety and reliably and efficiently, it was great.
If someone actually needs the upgraded utility capabilities of a real SUV (pulling a large RV or boat while hauling a large family), then I can see the minivan falling short. But most of the time I just see Expeditions, Tellurides and Suburbans performing their daily mall-crawls ... Hardly a "need" for that.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Have you owned a minivan before? They really are nice vehicles if you're into comfort, versatility, utility, etc. They're tough to do w/out once you've owned one. We owned 4 different make/model minivans when the kids were growing up. My wife would still prefer one as her DD, even with the kids grown, but she likes her AWD/4x4 for our Buffalo winters and an AWD minivan tends to be lots more money than something like a Chevy Traverse, etc, when bought used.
Other than your typical Stellantis vehicle issues, the annoying thing to me with these particular vans is all the plastic under-cladding. I think there's an access door for the oil/filter. Other than that, everything is covered.
Other than your typical Stellantis vehicle issues, the annoying thing to me with these particular vans is all the plastic under-cladding. I think there's an access door for the oil/filter. Other than that, everything is covered.
I actually order a Ford mini van for a company car. It was really comfortable for me being in the car all day. Seating was more like a chair with your legs going straight down. No back trouble with that vehicle. I was single at the time and had a BMW convertible that I wouldn't use in bad weather. It was funny watching women react when I picked them up in a mini van. I didn't care.
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If you want it go for it. Don't let peer pressure determine the decision for you. You buy what you want.
The truth is most "SUVs" are just as much a soccer mom mobile as a minivan only they get the job done not nearly as well as a minivans. My cousin is a bachelor with no kids It owns a suburban while living in the midst of Oklahoma City; therefore, he really doesn't need an SUV like a person in areas like New England or Minnesota Let alone one that is so big. If it's okay for him to own such a ridiculously big vehicle with no real need, there's nothing wrong with owning a minivan.
My dad actually prefers his minivan because of its versatility whether it's construction materials, hauling office materials, all the storage for a vacation, being able to seat seven people in reasonable comfort, and being both reasonably quick accelerating while getting car like fuel economy. (I myself have considered buying one someday and I also am single and have no kids. I have the Viper for fun anyhow).
The biggest lie in my eyes is the "Sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle. They are as far away from Sports cars as possible. If you want it, buy it. From a historical perspective, They are great for long distance trips, invisible to thieves, fuel efficient, have great acceleration, have a reliable powertrain, and have decent handling for what they are. Just don't get the hybrid version since those versions have more problems.
The truth is most "SUVs" are just as much a soccer mom mobile as a minivan only they get the job done not nearly as well as a minivans. My cousin is a bachelor with no kids It owns a suburban while living in the midst of Oklahoma City; therefore, he really doesn't need an SUV like a person in areas like New England or Minnesota Let alone one that is so big. If it's okay for him to own such a ridiculously big vehicle with no real need, there's nothing wrong with owning a minivan.
My dad actually prefers his minivan because of its versatility whether it's construction materials, hauling office materials, all the storage for a vacation, being able to seat seven people in reasonable comfort, and being both reasonably quick accelerating while getting car like fuel economy. (I myself have considered buying one someday and I also am single and have no kids. I have the Viper for fun anyhow).
The biggest lie in my eyes is the "Sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle. They are as far away from Sports cars as possible. If you want it, buy it. From a historical perspective, They are great for long distance trips, invisible to thieves, fuel efficient, have great acceleration, have a reliable powertrain, and have decent handling for what they are. Just don't get the hybrid version since those versions have more problems.
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Ask your wife if you can put a bed in the back. If ya know what I mean.
My brother very anti minivan rented one to drop off daughter in Charleston SC from Boston. He loved the comfort and space.
He used the Transit and MB van in past for shorter trips and hated the comfort level offered complaining of back.
He used the Transit and MB van in past for shorter trips and hated the comfort level offered complaining of back.
Minivans are handy, and don't drive worse than most vehicles on the road(SUVs and pickups) so you might as well get some utility. I don't really want to bling one up though, with big wheels and tiny sidewalls, but that one does look kind of cool.
All the people of WM with kids in tow bring that point on home. A lot of strong stomachs out there I reckon.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Mini van phases have passed many of us - you know, the wants and needs retreads …
Me? Don’t need them anymore - wants never existed …
Me? Don’t need them anymore - wants never existed …
The first generation Pacifica was categorized as a “light truck” and is the one I think of first whenever the name is mentioned. A true crossover that bridged the gap between SUVs and minivans.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
Maybe a PowerWagon
This is correct
