2004 Chrysler Pacifica

If you’re a certain age, you’ll remember when “Chrysler” meant “big”. Not minivan big, or even SUV big, but a largeness that was uniquely automotive, rather than truck-derived. ‘Fifties-era 300’s had it, as did New Yorkers and pre-’77 Imperials. Before luxury imports took hold, size mattered and the Mopar folks were major adherents, with full-frame vehicles powered by legendary powerplant/transmission combinations like the “440” and the A-727. They’re gone now, but in a new form, Chrysler’s Pacifica tips its hat to those parade floats that dominated the world of 35 cent per-gallon gas.

The Pacifica looks massive, but the tale of the tape reveals that the six-seater isn’t sized like the behemoths of the ‘Sixties. It’s 198.9 inches long, riding on a 116-inch wheelbase, but the interior is arranged to make the Pacifica feel much larger. It’s a “two plus two plus two”, with the third row seating normally seen in SUV’s and minivans. Looking at the Pacifica, its tall wagon two-box shape is different from both SUV and minivan, yet doesn’t look wagon-like either. “Crossover” is a possibility, but it’s not a jacked up wagon, either.

SSGM testes a loaded Pacifica All-Wheel-Drive equipped with DaimlerChrysler’s familiar 3.5L V-6 and AutoStick four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is used in several D-C models, and in this application generates 250 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque at a more practical 3950 revs. That torque is the key to moving the 4200 pound mass of the Pacifica, which it does smartly, although Chrysler’s own 300M is a sportier application for the engine. The AutoStick transmission allows considerable hand shifting with a common-sense interlock that keeps clumsy pilots from selecting speed/ratio combinations that would over-rev the engine. It’s fun, but the majority of Pacifica owners will likely let the automatic be automatic.

Handling is also surprising for a vehicle that can seem ponderous by the naked eye, aided in no small measure by fat P235/65R17 tires connected to a strut front and Mercedes-like load-leveling five link rear suspension. Combined with extensive sound insulation, the cabin is extremely quiet and serene, making the Pacifica a comfortable ride for long-distance cruising. The interior is fairly bursting with pockets, storage bins, a console for the middle seat occupants and a wagon-like below floor compartment at the rear. Also useful for the vacation run is a GPS-enabled navigation system with voice prompts that’s actually easy to understand and use. It gives both graphical and voice prompts and was accurate enough to navigate me to an obscure Chinese restaurant of my acquaintance with an accuracy of about five yards. Impressive. Also impressive, or maybe oppressive if you let your teenager drive the Pacifica, is the optional 385 watt Infinity Intermezzo sound system with CD and cassette, eight speakers and enough features to warrant an article on its own. If the tunes don’t distract them, a rear-seat DVD player with wireless headphones should, especially since it allows the middle and rear seat occupants to listen to the six-disc CD changer while the adults up front retain their radio/cassette/CD privileges. There are too many power accessories to list on a loaded Pacifica, but particularly noteworthy is the easy to read trip computer (with an accurate compass) and the tire pressure monitoring system. Airbags include a full-length side impact cushion and an inflatable driver knee bolster.

The Windsor, Ontario-built Chrysler Pacifica offers minivan-like cargo capacity (79.5 cubic feet with the two rear seat rows folded), good power and roadholding, a good looking body and more power assists and entertainment features than you’ll ever need. For a mid-luxury SUV shopper, this crossover deserves a look.

2004 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

3.5-liter, 24-Valve, SOHC, SMPI V-6. Aluminum block and heads, cast iron liners. Plenum intake manifold operated with electronically controlled manifold tuning valve and short-runner valves. Electronic MPFI three-way catalyst, electronic EGR and internal engine features

Displacement 214.7 cu. in. (3518 cu. cm)

Bore x Stroke 3.78 x 3.19 (96 x 81)

Valve System SOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic, center-pivot roller rocker arms

Compression Ratio 10.0:1

Power (SAE net) 250 HP bhp (186 kW) @ 6400 rpm (71.4 bhp/liter)

Torque (SAE net) 250 lb.-ft. ( 339 Nom) @ 3950 rpm

Redline 6800 rpm

Fuel Requirement Unleaded mid-grade, 89 octane preferred, unleaded regular, 87 octane acceptable

Oil Capacity 4.75 L with filter

Coolant Capacity 9.9 L