Chrysler's
well-established, front-drive Pacifica crossover
comes in a three delicious flavors for 2006: Base,
Touring and AWD Limited. But one question seems
to remain. What exactly is it. A wagon? A minivan?
A sport utility? The answer would probably be
a lot of all three. This five- or six-seater fits
lots of uses, has a distinct appearance that's
spawned some look alikes, and fits a comfortable
usability niche that's neither boring nor radical.
One
wouldn't think of Pacifica styling as lean and
mean. Instead, it evokes a sense of comfortable
solidity, with a rakish, contemporary window line
sweeping upward and back, and some trim color
changes for '06. Profile-enhancing low level roof
rails provide stowage for excess gear -- if the
high-riding, spacious interior isn't quite enough.
The
inside layout is handsome and accessible, with
no nav system to clutter up controls on the center
stack. That's because Pacifica sports one of the
most sensible ones we've seen in a long time,
recessed behind the steering wheel arch, surrounded
by the sweep of speedometer numbers. (Great for
driving directions, front and center, as long
as it's set up in park.) That also leaves more
room for Sirius satellite radio browsing, or new
MP3 DVD audio for '06, among high tech adds.
Backing
up can be a little iffy in the Pacifica until
one gets used to the girth. But our test model
included auto curb viewing side mirror (new for
'06) and a backup system that blinks and dings
when an obstacle behind is too close. We didn't
try to test its race capabilities, with 3.5-liter
V-6 power and volumes of interior cargo room suggesting
not to, but found it handled quite nicely during
routine driving. The sporty quotient, especially
for families disdainful of minivans, adds appeal.
During
development, Chrysler dubbed the Pacifica the
"Handsome Protector." With the addition
of three-row side curtain airbags, driver's inflatable
knee blocker and advanced multi-stage air bags,
it appears to be living up to the safety hype,
all for around $30 K and up.
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