MOST
VERSATILE | | 2004
CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR |
No
vehicle can be all things to all people, but if the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is
any indication, some come close. The Pacifica effectively blends the best attributes
of passenger cars, minivan and SUVs into one attractive, family-friendly package.
First,
the Pacifica's passenger-car pedigree comes in its low-slung stance with a fully
independent suspension for good handling. It also comes with the same 3.5-liter
V-6 found in many of Chrysler's sport sedans. Minivan attributes include three
rows of seats and a low floor for spaciousness. Finally, the Pacifica's SUV attributes
come in the form of assertive styling with a high hood, hinged rear doors as well
as available all-wheel drive. But
the blending doesn't stop there; the Pacifica also blends the best of Mercedes-Benz
(namely, sweet handling, thanks to the E-Class' rear suspension architecture)
and the best of Chrysler (in its handsome face and well-masked exterior dimensions).
Other Pacifica strengths include a sexy interior rife with accelerating curves
and high-quality materials. It also offers a rear-seat entertainment system and
an Infinity Intermezzo surround sound system that is without a doubt one of the
best we've ever heard in any automobile (sedan, SUV or minivan). Honorable
Mentions:
Infiniti FX The ground-breaking 2004 Infiniti
FX shows the world that SUV styling and sports car performance need not be mutually
exclusive. Think of it as a Z-Car with ground clearance and a luxury car interior
and you won't be far off. In a word, it's awesome. Chevrolet
Malibu Maxx Chevrolet is reinventing the 5-door with its funky, cool
new Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. Although it's shorter than its sedan counterpart, it
is infinitely more usable, with a standard, Vista-Cruiser-style rear sunroof,
a rear seat that slides fore and aft more than seven inches and, of course, a
handy hatchback cargo area that swallows up gallons of gear. It is also available
with a DVD entertainment system, XM radio and OnStar, too. If you dare to be different,
this may be your ride.
[READ
OUR CHRYSLER PACIFICA ROAD TEST REVIEW] | |
|
|
Most
Respected
Luxury
Car of the Year
Jaguar XJ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
of 2004 ~ 8th Annual Awards Links | | |
|