2004 Chrysler Pacifica Test Drive

2004 Chrysler Pacifica

A new concept in family cars that owes something to SUV's, something to minivans, something to station wagons and, believe it or not, something to those incredibly roomy sedans from the 1930s. Prices for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica: USA $29,525. Canada $39,900. 2004 Chrysler Pacifica warranty: 7 years/70,000 miles powertrain.

Heritage

DaimlerChrysler calls the new Pacifica a "crossover," combining in one vehicle the best features of a minivan and an SUV. But I suspect what that really means is that it's a minivan for folks who don't want to be seen in a minivan and an SUV for folks who really have no need (or desire) for a truck but whose lifestyle, nevertheless, demands conspicuous (fuel) consumption. Trouble is, DaimlerChrysler's excellent effort has been greeted with a resounding "so what." And that's not fair. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is actually a first-rate automobile. It's well-engineered, very well built and not bad looking, once you get used to its heft. Unlike most trucks, a stepladder isn't required to climb into the Pacifica; it has a very reasonable step-in height. I can't count the number of times my wife has cussed me out for bringing home a truck-based SUV she had to be helped into.

Coachwork

The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is an attractive vehicle. Its size takes a bit of getting used to and it's really quite heavy, which has a negative effect on both performance and fuel economy – about which more later. But it certainly has many fine features. There's a fold-down third row of seats. With the fold-down third row seats in place you've got room for six full-size people. Problem is, you then have no room for luggage. With the third and second rows folded flat, though, you've got tons of room to carry things. While it won't accept a 4x8 sheet of plywood, a decent size couch should fit, along with a lot of other goodies. In fact this could be a vehicle for the weekend handyman - especially with the standard load-leveling rear suspension and tire pressure monitoring system. Big though it is, though, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica handles like a much smaller vehicle. It's actually quite agile on the road and has a very tight turning radius. This means you can park in relatively tight spaces – if, that is, you see the car behind. The Pacifica sits so high compared with regular passenger cars that other vehicles can disappear under your rear view mirror.

On the Road

But the open road is really the Pacifica's forté. On the highway, it handles and rides like a regular passenger car. The ride is, however, more European... not harsh but firmer than the traditional American sedan. Actually, it's probably here where DaimlerChrysler's German engineering shows to best effect; I found it more confidence-inspiring at higher speeds than its Japanese rivals. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica comes standard with front-wheel-drive but a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is also available as a safety feature. Expect to pay a price in real-world fuel consumption, however. And the only engine offered is Chrysler's workhorse 3.5L with 250hp and 250 ft-lbs of torque; paired with the excellent (and now durable) 4-speed automatic transmission, it provides good, though not great, performance.

Summary

A premium has been placed on safety with the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. It was awarded five stars by NHTSA in crash tests. It comes with side curtain air bags for all three rows of seats as well as knee bolstering air bags for the driver. And with the optional, high intensity zenon lights, Chrysler puts its reputation for lousy headlights even further into the past. German engineering also shows in the interior design. While the Pacifica certainly lacks for nothing in the way of gadgetry – optional DVD entertainment system, navigation system, high tech sound system, etc – it can't be said to be plush or cushy. It's luxurious all right, but in that no-nonsense manner so characteristic of a Mercedes Benz. It's probably this feature that attracted me most about the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, along with the tall seating position and ease of entry and exit.