2004 Chrysler Pacifica AWD
A Nice Mix

Susan Frissell

Driving the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica all-wheel-drive crossover vehicle is a pleasure. When first shown, we found the styling to our liking, and the idea of crossover vehicle always appeals. Well, if you’re thinking about the Pacifica, definitely take it for a spin. We think you’ll be sold.

The above sentiments haven’t been the case with all who have test-driven the Pacifica. Although not sure just why, some may feel some sense of disappointment: hopes built too high? To be sure, against the current (and coming) competition, Pacifica has need for improvement in some areas, but then they may see fit to making those improvements in the 2005 model year. Chrysler have already recalled 10,000 2004 Pacifica’s to repair loose fuel line connections.

With that said, though, the Chrysler Pacifica has made our "Daily Driver" list for its ease of operation, respectable handling and creature comforts. We especially like the position of the navigation screen. With a screen smaller than most navigation LCD screens, Pacifica’s system outshines others by the simple fact of location. Sitting right in front of you (the middle of the instrument cluster), it’s easy to read and the driver is not distracted from the road by having to look right.

A completely new vehicle, launched in 2003 as an ’04 model, Pacifica is a four-door, full-size wagon, available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Our test vehicle, the AWD version, handled well on the snowy and slick roads of a Chicago December. The turning radius is excellent for a vehicle this large, making the Pacifica one of the easier wagons to maneuver.

Tagged by Chrysler designers as "the Next Big Thing (NBT), Pacifica had to be good, following the PT Cruiser and best-selling minivan. Bearing the all-new grille that will become Chrysler’s brand recognition piece Pacifica utilizes chrome, glass-to-body mass proportion and a new look for Chrysler’s chrome winged badge and seal.

It was Chrysler’s aim to make the Pacifica a unique vehicle, distinctive in design and tailoring, and loaded with high tech features, such as unique headlamps with projector low beams to make nighttime driving a little easier. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires keep the Pacifica on the ground and provide a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride over most road surfaces.

On the exterior, Pacifica has the look of Chryslers past, but with distinctive touches like its integrated black spoiler in the rear. Extending the roofline, the spoiler has a center-mounted brake light.

Climbing in and out of the Pacifica is easy for most. Unlike conventional SUVs, driver and passenger don’t have to step way down. This is a plus for shorter folks. Speaking of those with compromised height, our test vehicle came with standard power adjustable pedals with a memory feature. While trying this out, we found we needed the pedals to be on the low side because we had the seat as far back as it would go. At 5’6" tall, I’m not exactly a giant. I wondered how comfortable a 6’6" driver would be. When driving I like my seatback to be almost straight up. The Pacifica’s seat didn’t adjust for this. If you want to straighten the seatback, you have to move the entire seat. One of the few complaints we had.

Our all-wheel-drive model came equipped with just about all you’d need, including tilt steering column, upgraded Infinity audio system with an optional Satellite Radio System Prep ($35) should you want to subscribe, automatic dimming electrochromic rearview mirror, ABS, tire pressure monitor and warning signal, speed control, dual zone temperature control A/C, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, sunscreen glass, fog lamps, and all power.

The options on our test vehicle included the Navigation System with GPS Instrument Cluster with Display Screen ($1,595); Premium leather trimmed bucket seats ($890); power liftgate ($400); and full size spare tire ($180). Destination, $680. We couldn’t help thinking if this were an import there might be more standard goodies. There were no sunroof or heated seats. These were extra. At $32,300 (MSRP), you can’t expect those things, I guess.

Of course flexibility is what will appeal to buyers of the Pacifica. It offers second and third row individual seats that fold flat to the floor, third row 50/50 bench, all-wheel-drive, and six passenger seating. We found the rear seats fairly easy to operate when lowering them, but recently having had the opportunity to compare the Pacifica on a few points with one other crossover vehicle, the Pacifica didn’t come out on top.

Automatic four-speed transmission is standard with AutoStick® Driver Interactive Transaxle Shifter. The gearshift with a handsome aluminum finish is easily reached, as are all the controls.

At 198.9 inches of length, Pacifica falls just behind the Chrysler Town & Country Long Wheelbase minivan (200.6 inches), and longer than the competition including Lexus RX330, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Toyota Highlander, Buick Rendevous and Acura MDX.

As in the Chrysler minivans, Pacifica buyers can opt for the flip-down, roof-mounted DVD screen and Infinity 8-speaker audio system for long trips. A nice feature for rear passengers over the road.

While we may not be in the minority of auto writers who favor the Pacifica, we found it a nice vehicle to drive on a daily basis. Perhaps because it reminds us somewhat of the ever-faithful Chrysler minivan. Pacifica’s best attributes is its that it isn’t a traditional sport-utility-vehicle or minivan; it is its own creation, and although there are other competitors in this category, we found it a handsome, comfortable alternative.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.