Exemplifying the Crossover Trend

Despite its tremendous versatility and car-like driving dynamics, Pacifica sales have not lived up to the expectations of DaimlerChrysler. In an effort to resolve the impasse, the manufacturer plans to attract the purchasing power of more potential customers by extending the Pacifica line at both ends. For 2005, it has added a less expensive base model for frugal shoppers, and a content-rich, up-scale all-wheel drive Limited edition for those with champagne tastes and chequebooks to match.

For 2005, Chrysler has added a less expensive base model Pacifica for frugal shoppers, and a content-rich, up-scale all-wheel drive Limited edition. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Upon the Pacifica's introduction in the 2004 model year, DaimlerChrysler spawned the term "Sport Tourer," to describe its version of what is now known industry-wide as a crossover vehicle, meaning it crosses the boundaries between station wagon, SUV and minivan. By satisfying the needs of a broad range of owners with its chameleon-like adaptability and dexterity, I suspect there is plenty of potential for this segment to permeate the automotive market like a weed infestation in an untended lawn.

The unchanged-for-2005 Pacifica remains fresh with crisp exterior lines, short overhangs and optional 19-inch, chrome seven-spoke wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

At 5,052mm (198.9 in) in overall length, the Pacifica exceeds the length of a Ford Taurus station wagon by no more than the thickness of two fingers, so it's not prohibitively long to manoeuvre through urban congestion. Interestingly, Ford recently waded into the crossover pool with its slightly longer but narrower Freestyle, which is also available in all-wheel drive and in my opinion, is sharper looking both inside and out than the Pacifica. Nonetheless, the unchanged-for-2005 Pacifica remains fresh with crisp exterior lines, short overhangs and optional 19-inch, chrome seven-spoke wheels (standard equipment on the Limited). Look for 17-inch rubber on editions lower in the food chain.



Despite its ritzy appearance being mistaken by a neighbour for a Cadillac, I have a greater fondness for the Pacifica's upscale interior artistry than its exterior styling. Very elegant, genuine eucalyptus wood appliqués dress-up the dash, shift knob, doors and steering wheel of the Limited model. Regardless of trim level though, the flowing lines of the Pacifica's dash and its matching door panels are very symmetrical and appealing, although assembly quality is average, which is disappointing given the pricing of it relative to some of its competition.

I have a greater fondness for the Pacifica's upscale interior artistry than its exterior styling. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

My fully-loaded tester accommodated up to six passengers when its 50/50 split-bench third row seat was in position; otherwise, its two front captains' chairs were matched by two second-row captains' chairs, making this a remarkably comfortable cruiser for four adults. Plenty of head and legroom surrounds the lucky four seated in the first two rows, but anyone forced into the third row had best be small in stature if they hope to be in any way comfortable during extended stays. Also, while being fairly high-backed, the third-row seat does not provide the safety of head restraints. The base-level seating plan includes a more conventional three-position, second-row bench seat in place of the rear captains' chairs, boosting the Pacifica's passenger potential to seven.

The second- and third-row seats can be folded flat, turning the Pacifica into a small warehouse of 2,250 litres (79.5 cu ft) of cargo space atop a flat load floor. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

When cargo transport replaces human transport, the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat, turning the Pacifica into a small warehouse of 2,250 litres (79.5 cu ft) of cargo space atop a flat load floor. In addition to such generous levels of hauling utility, the handling dynamics of crossover vehicles are generally more in keeping with a sedan platform, rather than the bulkier compositions of SUVs and minivans. The Pacifica is a good example of such an achievement.



I was quite impressed with its smooth ride, which absorbs most road roughness quite effectively thanks to a fully independent suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and an automatic load-leveling, five-link design at the rear. One disappointing suspension note, and the only one, pertains to the audible thumping generated by the front suspension arrangement. It wasn't an outrageous annoyance by any stretch, but only acceptable if the Pacifica expects to run with the premium crowd its pricing would suggest.

I was quite impressed with the Pacifica's smooth ride, which absorbs most road roughness quite effectively. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

On the other hand, quite faultless is the Pacifica's composed handling. Its rack-and-pinion steering is definitely on the low-effort side, with road-feel suffering as a consequence, yet cornering prowess remains on the high side with minimal body lean accompanying a tour through the twisties. But don't expect rapid acceleration out of a turn or when passing slower traffic.

My top-shelf tester was powered by the more technically advanced, 3.5-litre (215 cu in) 250-horsepower SOHC V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The base engine propelling a Pacifica is a 3.8-litre, (231 cu in) 210-horsepower OHV V6, which I have not had the opportunity to test. My top-shelf tester was powered by the more technically advanced, 3.5-litre (215 cu in) 250-horsepower SOHC V6. Even with its 40 horsepower advantage over the base mill, it had to work fairly hard to move the Pacifica's maximum curb weight of 2,176 kg (4,788 lb) with any sort of vigour.



When the more potent mill is showing its stuff, expect to hear its stuff as well. Under light-duty operation, the 3.5-litre powerplant is suitably refined; however, when pushed hard, it is considerably and inexplicably raspier and less polished than a Honda or Toyota V6. Harshness aside, a smooth shifting four-speed autobox manages the engine's output with clean, predictable shifts that can be driver-induced with the use of the AutoStick manual-mode feature. When it comes to brushing away excess speed in a hurry, the Pacifica's four-wheel antilock discs are more than up to the task. They are easily modulated, and when applied rapidly, generate little nosedive as the big rig grinds quickly to a secure halt.

A smooth shifting four-speed autobox manages the engine's output with clean, predictable shifts. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Along with competent braking, DaimlerChrysler enhanced occupant safety with the installation of standard, multi-stage front airbags and occupant classification sensing. A driver's knee airbag is also standard protection fare. To further cushion undesirable blows, the Pacifica can be equipped with side-curtain airbags that span all three rows of seating.

DaimlerChrysler enhanced occupant safety with the installation of standard, multi-stage front airbags and occupant classification sensing. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Other safety provisions include 5-star crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front and side impacts (when side-curtain airbags are present), the availability of DaimlerChrysler's ParkSense audible and visible back-up warning indicator and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Unfortunately, a vehicle stability program is not available on the Pacifica and traction control is only available on the front-wheel drive units equipped with the 250-horsepower engine.



Although DaimlerChrysler could go a step or two further toward safety by making traction control and vehicle stability control available across the entire Pacifica line, it has done an excellent job of clustering together an extensive list of available comfort and convenience features. Of particular interest is the GPS-based navigation system, the screen of which resides in the centre of the gauge cluster tucked neatly into the arc of the speedometer. While convenient for the driver, this positioning is out of the passenger's line of sight, which doesn't help a co-pilot issue orders. Also, due to its smallish size, the screen is limited in its capacity to display graphics and supporting text.

The GPS-based navigation system resides in the centre of the gauge cluster tucked neatly into the arc of the speedometer. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

In addition to being loaded with all the trappings of automotive plentitude, my tester was furnished with a roof-mounted DVD entertainment system - something that has become a must for relieving the pressure posed by the oft-repeated, "are we there yet?" Additional trip enhancing provisions include the optional Infinity Intermezzo audio system with Digital 5.1 Surround Sound technology, dual-zone climate control, rear air conditioning, front and rear heated captains' chairs, power moonroof, power liftgate and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. A UConnect voice-activated hands-free communication system is also available along with a Vehicle Information Center and trip computer. But even in base form, the Pacifica is anything but Spartan.

The Pacifica is a great vehicle in a segment that is sure to gain significant ground in the coming years (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

In Canada, the Pacifica line is offered in three distinct trim levels beginning with the value-added Highline, followed up by the Touring edition and capped-off with the as- tested, fully-loaded Limited. The Highline is exclusively a front-wheel drive configuration, the Touring is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive formats and the Limited is exclusively all-wheel drive. In the U.S., the base Pacifica is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive setups, as is the mid-level Touring rendition. As in Canada though, moving upscale to the Limited version requires the inclusion of all-wheel drive.



DaimlerChrysler is onto a good thing with the versatile Pacifica. While it may under-whelm in terms of performance and refinement, thanks to its high level of comfort, impressive passenger/cargo hauling adaptability, car-like driving dynamics and all-wheel drive availability, it is a remarkable vehicle in a segment that is sure to gain significant ground in the coming years.

© (Copyright Canadian Auto Press)