The Minivan's 40 Year History

The Chrysler brand is celebrating a remarkable 40-year legacy in the minivan segment, a category initially introduced by the former Chrysler Corporation. This milestone coincides with the commencement of production for the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid. It all began when the first minivan, a Plymouth Voyager, rolled off the assembly line at Windsor Assembly on November 2, 1983, setting the stage for a journey that has seen over 15 million Stellantis minivans sold. Over this period, Stellantis has proudly pioneered 117 minivan innovations, ranging from the innovative Stow 'n Go seating and storage system to the Uconnect Theater, dual hands-free sliding doors, and the introduction of the first electrified powertrain. Chrysler recently marked a significant achievement with the production of the 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which continues to stand as the sole plug-in hybrid option in its segment and qualifies for the entire $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax incentive. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid was the starting point for Chrysler's transition toward an electrified future, with plans to unveil the first all-electric Chrysler vehicle in 2025 and a fully electric Chrysler brand portfolio by 2028. In the 40th year of Stellantis minivan production, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid arrive with notable updates, including a new Sepia interior color for the premium Pacifica Pinnacle model. Two fresh exterior colors, Red Hot and Baltic Gray, have been introduced for the 2024 model year. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid lineup for 2024 offers two distinct models, the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Select and the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle, while the popular S Appearance, Premium S Appearance, and Road Tripper Package content are now optional for the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Select model.

The Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle doesn't hold back regarding safety and security features, setting the standard for its class. And regarding technology, the Pacifica proudly claims its title as the most technologically advanced minivan in America. Stellantis has been at the forefront of innovation in this segment for the past 40 years, introducing groundbreaking features like the exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system, the entertainment-packed Uconnect Theater, convenient dual hands-free sliding doors, and even pioneering the first electrified powertrain in its class, among many others. Just recently, Chrysler marked a significant milestone with the production of the 100,000th Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which remains the first and only plug-in hybrid in its category. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid stands as a symbol of Chrysler's ongoing evolution as the brand embraces an exciting new era of electrification. The production of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid signifies an exciting new chapter in the 40-year history of Stellantis minivan production. For the 2024 model year, the award-winning Pacifica lineup introduces a fresh Sepia interior color option for the luxurious Pacifica Pinnacle model, along with two new exterior colors, Red Hot and Baltic Gray.

In November 2019, Stellantis celebrated a significant milestone by selling its 15 millionth minivan. The current iteration of the Chrysler Pacifica/Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid marks the impressive sixth generation of this modern minivan. Notably, one in every three Chrysler Pacifica models boasts the popular S Appearance Package, showcasing its widespread appeal. The Chrysler Pacifica has garnered over 175 awards and industry accolades, solidifying its position as the most-honored minivan over the past seven years. With a legacy of innovation, Stellantis proudly claims 117 minivan "firsts," including pioneering achievements like the introduction of integrated child seats in 1992, the groundbreaking Stow 'n Go seating and storage system in 2004, and the dual rear-seat video system capable of playing different media simultaneously in 2007. In 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid made history as the first electrified minivan, with production commencing on December 1, 2016, for the 2017 model year. Notably, the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is the sole minivan eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Continuing its tradition of innovation, the Chrysler Pacifica also became the first minivan to feature USB type C in 2021 and integrated Amazon Fire TV in 2022.

Since its establishment in 1925, the Chrysler brand has consistently delighted customers with its unique designs, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge innovation and technology. With nearly a century of experience, Chrysler continues to build upon its legacy by crafting ingenious products and technologies for mainstream consumers. The brand is undergoing an electrified transformation as part of its forward-looking approach. It plans to unveil its inaugural battery-electric vehicle in 2025, followed by a comprehensive battery-electric portfolio in 2028. In the realm of minivans, the Chrysler Pacifica remains at the forefront, a segment that Chrysler pioneered four decades ago. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid symbolizes the brand's evolution toward electrification, being the first electrified minivan in its class. It achieves impressive stats, including 82 MPGe in electric-only mode, a 32-mile all-electric range, and a total range of 520 miles. Moreover, the Chrysler Pacifica stands out with the most standard safety features and the most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its category. Its exceptional performance and innovation have earned it the distinction of being the most-awarded minivan over the past seven years, boasting over 175 honors and industry accolades since its introduction.

If you are looking for the perfect minivan for you and your family, you must check out the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica! It comes with powerful engine options, a ton of space, and all the amenities you could want! If you're going to take a test drive, head down to Fullerton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, where our team will be more than happy to set you up with one! If you enjoy your test drive, our finance team will take it from there, getting you a great deal, and we can even take your trade-in if you have one. You can also check out our complete inventory here on our website!