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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Road Test

Space and Practicality Without the SUV or Minivan Stigma

Needed: seating for six, boundless practicality, sporty styling, luxurious comfort. Not needed: minivan stigma, SUV vulgarity, breadbox styling, tractor-trailer handling, 4-wheel drive off-road capability. Answer: Chrysler Pacifica.

Yes, there is a place in the automotive world for another genre of vehicle - Sport Tourer, which according to Chrysler represents premium automotive transportation. Chrysler Group, known since its merger with Mercedes-Benz as DaimlerChrysler Inc., has a rich history of innovative technology and style, often setting the automotive world afire. Over the past few decades the North American automaker ignited the minivan craze with its Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager one-two punch and contributed heavily to the current automotive retro-theme with the birth of the Plymouth Prowler and

The Chrysler Pacifica: all the practicality, without the minivan stigma or SUV vulgarity. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

PT Cruiser. And just to ensure the category of racing performance was also sufficiently ablaze, Chrysler Group produced the venomous Dodge Viper - a V10-powered monster that can be taken directly from the showroom to the podium. And most recently Chrysler launched the sinister-looking Hemi-powered Chrysler 300C, a rear-wheel (and soon optional all-wheel drive) 4-door luxury sedan, and sporty Crossfire coupe and convertible.

In addition to the notable rides mentioned, Chryslers desire to be an industry leader also

Chryslers desire to be an industry leader led to the introduction of the genre-bending Pacifica last year. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

led to the introduction of the Pacifica in August of last year. Although this "Sport Tourer" isnt considered an SUV, with the exception of its height its exterior bulk rivals many mid- to large-size SUVs. In fact the Pacifica matches the Cadillac Escalade in just about every exterior dimension except height. Both vehicles share identical lengths of 198.9 inches and are so similar in width that a good carpenter would have to measure twice to be sure of the difference.

The roofline of the front-wheel and all-wheel drive Pacifica, however, is 7.7

Appearing somewhat akin to a large station wagon of yesteryear, the Pacific isnt exactly stunning, but is by no means hideous either. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

inches lower to the tarmac than that of the Escalade - what essentially defines the Pacifica as a Sport Tourer (well that and a car-based suspension system). Theres no need to practice deep knee-bends and thrust jumps to enter the crossover SUV as it sits only slightly higher than a conventional sedan. The vehicles lower center of gravity also enhances its handling and driveability over rival vehicles populating the SUV and minivan segments.

Although I dont find it visually stunning, the Pacifica is by no means hideous. Appearing somewhat akin to a large station wagon of yesteryear, but ascribing

The Pacifica projects a strong presence when viewed head on, with its in-your-face front grille and chrome bumper delineators. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to a modern wedge-shaped design theme, the Pacifica exhibits a unique look that imparts a sporty image. During my test week, it generated a number of favorable design comments from those whose I showed it to - and that, after all, is the true test of a vehicles curb appeal.

Areas where Chrysler got the design elements right include the large, somewhat in-your-face front grille and the chrome bumper delineators. From the front, the Pacifica projects a strong presence, which carries through to the rear of the car where a wide, curved "D" pillar adds substance to the tail-end treatment. A bulging rear hatch completes the cars brawny showing.

Deserving

The positioning of the optional navigation screen, which fits snugly within the arc of the speedometer readout, is pretty snazzy. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

of all-out praise is the execution of the Pacificas interior, which seems to be heavily influenced by the Daimler half of DaimlerChrysler. Prior to the introduction of the new 300 Series sedans, Chrysler was never considered a class-leader in the production of high quality, well-planned interiors - except for the segment-leading versatility of its minivan family.

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