Here’s why the OG Pacifica was a new kind of car that nobody asked for

In this episode I provide the history of the original Chrysler Pacifica from 2003. It was the first car that shared development between Chrysler and Mercedes following the DaimlerChrysler merger. Although it shared Chrysler's minivan platform, it was lower in height than the Town & Country, and also did not have typical minivan sliding doors. Chrysler tried to push it as an all-new kind of luxury vehicle, a cross between minivan, SUV, and station wagon. But the general public still didn't consider Chrysler a luxury brand, and the Pacifica's $35,000 starting price was too high for many. Sales never reached expectation, and with the merger collapsing, and bankruptcy approaching, the Pacifica was cancelled in 2007. However Chrysler brought the name back on a new minivan that replaced the Town & Country, a minivan which as of 2026, is the only model that has a Chrysler badge. Background music by Nick Weiss - nickweissmusic.com