What's New for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica?
Chrysler is becoming a pro at reinventing the station wagon. First the company pioneered the minivan; now it releases what it calls the first "sports tourer" – the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. This is a six-passenger vehicle, styled to resemble an SUV, as large as a minivan, but low enough to the ground to drive like a large car. Choose front or four driven wheels; all Chrysler Pacificas are powered by a somewhat coarse 3.5-liter V6 that makes 250 occasionally overwhelmed horsepower. Front and middle row seats are buckets; the third-row bench eats cargo space and is best reserved for children. Standard equipment includes a three-row side curtain airbag system, which helps the vehicle earn a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. Key options on the well-equipped 2004 Chrysler Pacifica include a navigation system embedded into the gauge cluster, a DVD entertainment system, Infinity Intermezzo sound, UConnect hands-free communications and Sirius satellite radio.

Advantages of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica:

• Safety, as evidenced by standard feature list and five-star crash-test ratings
• Attractive styling that sets the tone for all future Chryslers
• Slick high-tech options will appeal to moneyed consumers
• Extremely comfortable seating for four adults

Objections to the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica:

• Engine can be overwhelmed by Chrysler Pacifica's curb weight and payload
• Meager cargo space with third-row in use
• Poor rearward visibility
• Price can exceed the Chrysler brand's current perceived value

Editor's Advice:
Chrysler has successfully distilled the essence of what the American consumer wants into a single, do-it-all vehicle called the Pacifica. It has the comfort of a minivan, the all-wheel-drive capability of an SUV, the driving characteristics of a sedan, and the opulent trimming of a luxury vehicle. Safety is also a strong selling point, and the Chrysler Pacifica's got the goods to protect its occupants. As long as the third-row seat remains folded, there's decent cargo space on board, and the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is a handsome vehicle. A family of four will find the Chrysler Pacifica quite rewarding, though power is a bit short and the price tag is a bit tall.