Car reviews: 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

When Chrysler "merged" with conglomerate Daimler, it seemed an unlikely combination for auto production. And it shouldn't be much of surprise that the first product is mix of minivan, wagon and sport-utility cars.

Daimler Chrysler calls the Pacifica a "sports tourer", and the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica does have a distinctly different personality compared to average minivan or SUV. Its sleek lines don't scream "mommy-mobile," but look inside and there are more than enough seats to qualify for carpool duty. Juxtapose this with the Chrysler Pacifica's luxuriously appointed interior and high-end options (see picture), and it's easy to understand why this vehicle is so hard to wedge into any one specific category.

Base front-wheel-drive models start at car price just over $31,000. Fully loaded all-wheel-drive version that came in at a very luxury like is $41,170. While the base price places it against mainstream vehicles like the Honda Pilot and Buick Rendezvous, our lofty bottom line placed it squarely against luxury-branded vehicles like Acura's MDX and the Lexus RX 330 - a challenge Chrysler feels that its new upscale crossover is up to.

Chrysler Pacifica is blend of size, power, handling and features impressed nearly everyone who drove it. It may be not revolutionary "segment buster" that Chrysler touts it as, but if you're looking for comfort and convenience in a stylish package, the Pacifica is a compelling crossover that deserves attention.

Getting into the Pacifica car is actually easier than with most cars and SUVs. There's no stooping down or stepping up, you just open the door and the seat is right there. Power-adjustable chairs for the driver and front passenger are standard, and with easy-to-reach door-mounted controls, getting comfortable takes little time. Dual memory settings can be set to keep the driver's preferred adjustments, and two-level seat heaters are also available to warm you up on cold mornings and nights.

Pacifica's seats combination of soft leather, ample padding and just the right support renders them comfortable in an instant and continuously so after several hours behind the wheel. Tall drivers never complained for lack of room, and shorter drivers appreciated the standard power-adjustable pedals.

The interior design manages to look upscale and modern without going overboard with gadgets and buttons, while a tasteful mix of wood trim and metallic accents adds color without looking tacky or overdone (see pic). The expensive look and feel is reinforced by the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin.

One definite step forward is the optional DVD-based navigation system that's displayed on a screen within the gauge cluster. This arrangement allows the driver to see the electronic map without having to look off to the side, a potentially dangerous side effect of most systems. The only drawback is the fact that the passenger sitting shotgun can't manipulate the system, but to some drivers this could qualify as its most enticing feature.

Turn the key in the easy-to-find dash-mounted ignition and you're greeted by the pleasant hum of Chrysler's familiar 3.5-liter V6. This engine has been used in numerous vehicles over the last several years. In this application, it generates 250 horsepower and is matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. The console-mounted shifter falls right to your hand and features the Autostick manual-shift system should you feel the need to pick the gears yourself.

Acceleration from a standstill is a little soft, but once the big V6 gets its wind, the vehicle moves out quickly. Shifts from the four-speed transmission are crisply executed, and it rarely misses an opportunity to grab a lower gear for more power.

No such lack of refinement comes through when it comes to ride quality, as the Pacifica delivers a confident over-the-road feel that most minivans, and SUVs for that matter, would find hard to match. While the majority of minivans feels completely detached from the road below, the Chrysler Pacifica's steering provides solid feedback, and the suspension imparts a sense of surefooted control that borders on fun. We're not going to call it "sporty," but for a vehicle that's specifically designed for family duty, it's surprisingly entertaining.

Standard models feature front-wheel drive with traction control, with only 5.9 inches of ground clearance, even all-wheel-drive versions lack the kind of height necessary to allow for off-road adventures, but if you encounter nothing more than slippery roads, the Chrysler Pacifica's fully automatic system should provide all the traction you'll ever need.

Other aspects of the Pacifica that impress are the powerful brakes and its well-insulated cabin. With standard ABS and four-wheel disc brakes, the Chrysler Pacifica not only stops quickly but does so with a delicate pedal feel that allows for easy modulation of the power. At highway speeds, wind and road noise is minimal but severely rutted roads cause some occasional thumping inside the cabin.

The quiet ride contributes to what is an already serene cabin environment. Optional leather upholstery covered all three rows and the good-looking materials found up front extend to the rear quarters as well. Second-row captain's chairs provide nearly as much comfort as the front seats and an equally accommodating entry height. Satellite climate controls and an optional rear DVD entertainment system further contribute to the first-class feel in back.

Space in the standard third row is expectedly tight, with head- and legroom at a minimum. The seat isn't on the floor like most third-row setups and the seat itself is nicely contoured, but overall the accommodations are kid-size at best.

Cargo space behind the third row is on the small side at just 13 cubic feet, but folding both sides of the 50/50-split bench opens the area up to a more usable 43.6 cubic feet. The second-row chairs fold easily as well, bringing the total available cargo space to 79.5.

Crash protection is one area where the Pacifica gives up nothing to its competitors. In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Pacifica received five out of five stars for all four of the rated categories. Advanced features like side curtain airbags and even a knee airbag for the driver help it achieve such impressive ratings.

The real question, of course, is what kind of ratings buyers will give the Pacifica car. We found it hard not to like its combination of upscale amenities, sharp handling and non-traditional styling. Add to that an elevated driving position, supremely comfortable seats and top-notch safety scores and it's easy to see why Chrysler believes that it has created a whole new category.