The 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica mini-van has been crowned the 2022 WheelsTV POV of the Year by the judging panel composed of New England Motor Press Association members and WheelsTV management representing television, radio, print and online media.
GROTON, Mass., Dec. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In its thirteenth annual gathering, The POV of the Year judges composed of New England Motor Press Association members and WheelsTV management have voted the 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica mini-van The 2022 WheelsTV POV of the Year.
The POVY, or "Pre-Owned Vehicle of the Year," is an international auto industry award presented annually to a pre-owned light vehicle that has proven itself in day-to-day use for at least two years by achieving exceptional consumer satisfaction.
The Pacifica triumphed after first being voted "Best Family Car," one of nine diverse categories. The category winners are:
- Electric: Chevrolet Bolt
- Hybrid: Toyota Prius
- SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Crossover: Subaru Forester
- Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
- Light Truck: Toyota Tacoma
- Small Car: Honda Civic
- Family Car: Chrysler Pacifica
- Luxury Car: Genesis G90
The distinguished judging panel representing television, radio, print and online media:
- John Zangari, Co-host of Drive-Thru Radio for 33 years. He and his brother can be heard on News Talk 99.7fm WPRO 630am on Saturday nights at 8pm and on The Score Sports Radio 790am live on Saturday morning at 8am.
- Henry Scharfe, Staff editor at WheelsTV
- John Paul, President of New England Motor Press Association, host of Car Doctor Radio on WATD, AAA Northeast Consumer Advocate, contributor to Boston.com, Providence Journal, New York Newsday.
- Craig Fitzgerald, Automotive Editor at Subaru Drive Magazine, editor in chief at NPR's CarTalk.com, writer for CarGurus and Hemmings Motor News
- Rick DeMeis, Host of "Rick's Tech Talk" on KOWS public radio, Santa Rosa, CA.
- Peter Ciani, WheelsTV's lead writer, vehicle road tester and video producer.
- Wayne Carini, Host of Chasing Classic Cars for 18 years on The Discovery Channel, now re-launching Speedvision.
- Lisa Brock, Executive Director at New England Motor Press Association, 20+ years experience in the automotive industry.
- Jim Barisano, WheelsTV Executive Producer and CEO.
NEMPA President and POVY Judge John Paul, recognized as AAA's Northeast Consumer Advocate stated, "The Chrysler Pacifica is a used vehicle that is easy to recommend. It is comfortable, easy to drive, seats 7 or 8 and has the utility of a pickup truck. Whether on a family road trip or trip to the home improvement store, the Pacifica is a winner."
The 2020 Pacifica received talk radio host Rick DeMeis' vote thanks to "its exceptional versatility in a roomy, attractive package." This includes the standard Sto 'n Go seating feature with underfloor storage bins, its handy Stow 'n Vac integrated vacuum cleaner and easy access to over 140 cubic feet of cargo space.
A Pacifica owner from Liberty, Missouri, who has owned a Pacifica for over two years wrote this on Cars.com:
"We bought our Pacifica new, and have had it for two years now…The Pacifica is well thought out, with luxury to spare! Not only do I recommend, but I would buy another one in a heartbeat, were the need were to arise! Beautiful van!!"
Anyone with a young family will appreciate the optional Uconnect Theater system that features dual 10-inch seatback video screens and wireless streaming. The Chrysler Pacifica's family hauler credentials also include its top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Stated Jim Barisano, CEO of WheelsTV, "The New England Motor Press Association and WheelsTV are thrilled to recognize the 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica as the 2022 WheelsTV POV of the Year. The Pacifica is safe, comfortable, with lots of practical consumer amenities and roomier than most SUVs. With the addition of all-wheel-drive in 2020, the Pacifica is ready to take on whatever weather New England throws at it."
About NEMPA
The New England Motor Press Association was founded in 1987 to coordinate professional media coverage of the auto industry in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose 14.5 million citizens have unique demographics and automotive preferences. Membership in NEMPA is by invitation and open to carmakers and their public-relations and communications staffs, suppliers to the automotive industry, and trade and consumer auto show producers as well as to automotive journalists, television producers and photographers. NEMPA's media members appear on network and cable TV, on the Internet and radio, and in regional and national newspapers and magazines. For more information, please visit https://nempa.org/
About WheelsTV
WheelsTV (http://www.WheelsTV.net) is the auto industry standard in on-the-road video test drives, with the world's largest library of over 6,000 independently produced video research tools covering 95% of the North American new and pre-owned light vehicle market. WheelsTV's video test drives provide deeper engagement, greater excitement, and quicker answers to millions of car shoppers across North America.
The WheelsTV production team's lineage extends to popular prime-time automotive television series seen on the Discovery Network, PBS, Speedvision, the Family Channel and in 104 countries worldwide. Programming includes prime-time series Wild About Wheels, Motor Trend Television, WHEELS, and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 50th Anniversary Special.
Media Contact
Jim Barisano, WheelsTV, 1 9788357744, [email protected]
SOURCE WheelsTV

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