[Mopar-Mofun]

don't care at all for the styling of the 5th gen, the pacifica was a massive improvement in the looks department, the only thing i like about the 5th gen is the 3.6's power

but it is true, the 4th and 3rd gen handle like 90s and early 2000s minivans, and i'm okay with that

I had a 2nd gen mid-90s. It road like a Dakota truck back in the day. So Awful.

I despised the 2005 & 2006 rear suspension, that once I got all the right add-ons, the rear suspension performs as nice as the 2001 to 2004 4th gen and like my folks 2015 5th gen when loaded down in the back.

For the get up and go, I left the 3.8L in the 2005. Got the 2006 3.3L. Upgraded the 3.3L engine with the 3.8L TB. Did the air intake box mod, did the inner fender air-intake "U" mod. The intake now breathes so much better. Why would Chrysler engineering BLOCK literally 1/2 of the air flow coming in to the filter anyways ?? !! ??

Most of the 4th gen vans have the idle set too low. My 2005 was like that and would stall at times. I tweaked the idle stop on my 2006 from 550rpms to 700rpms. It's very responsive and in the winter no stumbling in single digits. Just the tad bit more rpms allows the jump off the line at a light to surprise people.

I've had my share of driving other peoples 4th gens with the 3.3L with no mods. They are duds. Boring and can't get out of their own way.

 

[atoman]

On the '08-'10 engines, ETC isn't really necessary and cable throttle would still be fine. I'm pretty sure they knew the 3.6 was in R&D and would soon replace those engines, so they probably wanted to get the kinks out of the ETC system before it was necessary. Either that or they were just getting with the trend everyone else had already jumped on. ETC had existed for over 5 years at that point and the DGC was the last vehicle I know to switch to it.

Lets just call things what they are, ETC is the "natural" progression to lower cost (parts and assembly) and to have more control over vehicle service...

ETC is not the great evil that'll end it all, but it just feels like you're driving a toddler wagon with push button accelerator. Yes, you can tweak the pedal input with 'gadgets' but it does not fully make up for 1)timing lag and 2) fact that PCM is in control of the throttle, you're just providing an input.

I'm sure most folks are fine with it and it works well enough for me, it just doesn't appeal (because i'm a nut case..)

 

[2019GTlife]

Lets just call things what they are, ETC is the "natural" progression to lower cost (parts and assembly) and to have more control over vehicle service...

ETC is not the great evil that'll end it all, but it just feels like you're driving a toddler wagon with push button accelerator. Yes, you can tweak the pedal input with 'gadgets' but it does not fully make up for 1)timing lag and 2) fact that PCM is in control of the throttle, you're just providing an input.

I'm sure most folks are fine with it and it works well enough for me, it just doesn't appeal (because i'm a nut case..)

You sound like I did when they first started putting computers in vehicles. I can remember saying “Just give me a V8 with a Holly 4bbl and a 4 spd manual transmission.” Cars have come a long way in my short life.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

But lets be real, no one really wants the 3.3, 3.8, or 4.0 5th gen Caravans. Why would anyone want an engine that makes less power and gets worse mileage? Only old people scared of change will be interested in those, which still doesn't bode well for the 4.0 being a 1 year old refresh of a less than decade old design.

I would gladly take a 4.0 5th gen over a 3.6 5th gen.
The 4.0L is wonderful to drive in every aspect thanks to it's loads of low end torque. It's even .2 sec quicker 0-60 than the early 3.6 vans.
The only reason they ditched the 4.0L is because every vehicle switched over to the Pentastar in 2011. Frankly, the vans should have kept the 4.0L and never got the Pentastar, it's much better suited to van duty.

 

[d3300]

The only real downside to the 5th gen over the 4th gen is perceived reliability due to the average owner. Under proper care, 5th gens have no issue going 3-4-500k+ miles, and they will do so pretty much trouble free.

They are smoother riding, better handling, more responsive, substantially quicker, and significantly more fuel efficient.

We have 4 of them in our family.

1 of them is over 550k miles.
2 of them are pushing 470k miles.
My 2018 is well over 100k.

Outside of a couple radiators, a couple suspension rebuilds, 1 oil cooler, they have been bulletproof reliable with just simple regular maintenance.
That of course means actually doing the oil changes at 4-5k intervals using only MS-6395 oil.
Actually changing the transmission fluid at proper 50k intervals, using only ATF+4.
Actually flushing the coolant and changing the thermostat at proper 80k intervals, using only a Mopar stat.
Actually changing the coils/plugs at 60k initially to get the subpar factory coils and garbage Champion plugs out.
Actually inspecting brakes, suspension, belts, hoses, etc and replacing when needed.

You know, all the things the average minivan buyer neglects.

What powertrains are in your vehicles?

 

[d3300]

+ I like the looks of the 5th gens.

- I don’t like that there are no SWB 5th gen. Too big for my needs.

- I don’t like stow n go. I don’t like that you can’t take out the second/third row seats or put a 3 seat bench in the middle row and leave the third row for cargo with no stowed seat.

- I hate how hard it’s to figure out the trans fluid level with the 3.6 6-speed. Reading Jeepman’s posts over there it sounds like you have to have science degree to figure out if you have the right amount of ATF-4 in there due to varying trans temps.

- the Penstar tick tick would concern me.

So no, probably will not get a gen 5. If my 2006 shorty dies soon I will look for another low mileage 06 or 07 shorty. If my van dies in 10 years I may look for a 2016 or 2017 Mazda5 with a manual trans. Although I prefer 10 fold a gen 4 Chrysler SWB over a Mazda5 but in 10 years it will be super hard to get a good gen-4 due to age. Living with my gen-2 for over 20 years and my gen-4 coming on 4 years, I don't think I could live without having sliding doors. It will be very hard for me to move on from a Chrysler shorty. Hope my 06 keeps going for many years.

you summed my thoughts and experiences pretty close..
I will also miss my rusting 06 shorty 3.3 when the time comes...
I soak it with fluid film in the fall for the northeast winter to keep going as long as possible.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

What powertrains are in your vehicles?

All of those are 2014+ vans. So they're all 3.6/6-speeds.

 

[KOG]

I have every gen. Favorite is 4.0. 3.6 isn't that good until Pacifica as it doesn't have the torque of the 4.0 until PUG upgrade. Sort of perverse that they did the PUG and the 9 speed at the same time as the PUG doesn't need the 9 speed and the earlier 3.6 did.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

I have every gen. Favorite is 4.0. 3.6 isn't that good until Pacifica as it doesn't have the torque of the 4.0 until PUG upgrade. Sort of perverse that they did the PUG and the 9 speed at the same time as the PUG doesn't need the 9 speed and the earlier 3.6 did.

I will say, the PUG/9-speed combo is very good though.
The 6 speed has that massive jump from 3-4 that even the PUG's added low end wouldn't make better.
I like my 6-speed, but the 9-speed is wonderful when I want to wring it out.

 

[dossdboss]

I’ve had a 2001 AWD, 2001 FWD, 2002 AWD, 2003 AWD and a 2005. On the 5th gen side I currently have a 2008 and 2009. In terms of ride quality and ease of repairs I’ll take the 4th Gen without question. To me they drive exceptionally better are more comfortable. I also don’t care for the box look of the fifth gen.

Maybe the later years of the 5th generation are better than the earlier years I’ve had experience with. On another note maybe the later year 4th gens were worse than the earlier ones I’ve had experience with. Truth be told my 05 was the worse year out of all my 4th gens, so who knows?

My DD at the current moment is an 08 and I can’t wait to get the transmission replaced in my 02 so I can resume driving it instead of the 08 I’m currently in.

 

[atoman]

You sound like I did when they first started putting computers in vehicles. I can remember saying “Just give me a V8 with a Holly 4bbl and a 4 spd manual transmission.” Cars have come a long way in my short life.

I don't have to like it just because it's new and shiny

 

[Mopar-Mofun]

I really love the good feedback here from many 4th and 5th gen owners. My 2006 might get another 3 years out of it before the rusty crusty takes over. How to warm up in that time to a nice 4th gen replacement or bump to a 5th gen is a real concern.

Keep on voting and commenting.

 

[oregondriver]

Here's a quick poll to see what your next plans are from owning this aged old vehicle.

I liked my Chrysler while I had it. But when the transmission gave out, I tested a Honda Odyssey. Fully independent rear suspension. Four wheel disk brakes. The suspension is a hugely noticeable improvement in comfort. Lots of little features around the Honda also are more useful or higher quality. I do like the new Pacifica, but I would never go back to a solid axle passenger vehicle again.

 

[oregondriver]

A base SE 5th gen rides and handles far better than the rolly nature of the 4th gens. A GT feels like a f$%#ing race car compared to the sloppy nature of 4th gens.

I know people like to wax poetic about the wonders of the 4th gen, but they were just as trouble some, had underpowered engines, and drive like wet noodles at best.

I'm sorry, but 3rd and 4th gens both drive like hot garbage from an actual enjoyment standpoint.

You'll be amazed what a set of 18 inch wheels and 45 series tires will do for the handling of a minivan. And when I had a Plymouth Voyager with the 100mm wheel bolt pattern, I figured out a set of SRT4 17 inch wheels would fit perfectly, and it made such a huge difference.

 

[voiceofstl]

Got a 2005 and a 2016...the 2016 wil proberly have more cost to it for the first 100,000 miles.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

I don't have to like it just because it's new and shiny

And you don't have to be scared of it just because it's new and different...
5th gens are hella simple.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

You'll be amazed what a set of 18 inch wheels and 45 series tires will do for the handling of a minivan. And when I had a Plymouth Voyager with the 100mm wheel bolt pattern, I figured out a set of SRT4 17 inch wheels would fit perfectly, and it made such a huge difference.

Would I?
Lowered on all 4 corners, sitting on 15" wheels with 60 series tires.

Sitting on GT suspension with 19" Journey wheels and 235/50 tires.

I know very well how much wheels and tires make a difference. I also know, wheels and tires don't save 3rd and 4th gens from driving like wet noodles....

 

[oregondriver]

I know very well how much wheels and tires make a difference. I also know, wheels and tires don't save 3rd and 4th gens from driving like wet noodles....

In other words, YOU HAVE NOT DRIVEN ONE WITH 45 SERIES TIRES. If you don't understand the difference between 60 series tires on 15 inch wheels, and 45 series, let me try to make it simple for you. Rubber is a lot more flexible than metal. The less rubber you have in the sidewall, the more accurate your handling will be.

After you went to all the trouble to lower your van, your decision to stick with 15" wheels completely betrayed and wasted all your effort and money. I don't doubt those tires sway and fishtail like a wet noodle.

 

[Long_Voyager94]

In other words, YOU HAVE NOT DRIVEN ONE WITH 45 SERIES TIRES. If you don't understand the difference between 60 series tires on 15 inch wheels, and 45 series, let me try to make it simple for you. Rubber is more flexible than metal. The less rubber you have in the sidewall, the more accurate your handling will be.

After you went to all the trouble to lower your van, your decision to stick with 15" wheels completely betrayed and wasted all your effort and money. I don't doubt those tires sway and fishtail like a wet noodle.

Lmao.
You couldn't be more wrong.
And for reference, I have also had a lowered 2nd gen on 45 series tires on 17" wheels. The handling difference was minimal, the ride quality between the 15s and 17s however was tremendous and the main reason I stuck with 15s over going larger.

With the modded suspension and larger wheels it was confident and planted while still riding wonderful. On the 17s it rode like dogshit, for a barely noticeable improvement in handling.

 

[oregondriver]

Having personally installed 45 series tires on 17" SRT wheels, I know you are very wrong when you say "the handling difference was minimal". It still didn't compare to my Stratus on the same 225/45R17 tires and wheels, but it was like night and day from 15" wheels.