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2004 Chrysler Pacifica, 2 of 5
by Brian Chee
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All you'll have to do is get used to the look of the thing. It's a stylish vehicle, to be sure, but in an odd way -- one that is bulky and sexy, all in the same breath. From some angles, the Pacifica is one of the best-looking family haulers on the road. Other angles betray it and lessen the appeal.
Most intriquing is the beltline. It starts at the headlights, curves upward and outward, then gracefully falls toward the back. It's possibly the signature mark of the Pacifica, one that distinguishes it between a wagon or a sport utility, and one that must be seen in person to appreciate.
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According to Joe Dehner, director of design, the goal of the Pacifica's design was to give it a solid appearance. "By using distinctive, protective design cues including a high beltline, a 'glass-to-body mass' proportion, and a tasteful application of chrome, we wanted to communicate a strong sense of security," said Dehner. "We wanted people to feel that they were getting into something substantial, secure and significant."
Consider it mission accomplished. The Chrysler Pacifica does, indeed, communicate security and stability. Whether or not that translates into a design that captures the imagination is subjective, and the Pacifica is squarely in the middle. It's not extreme. It's not a box. Go look at it and make up your own mind. There's simply too much ambiguity to define it categorically, which happens to also be its charm -- the Chrysler Pacifica offers some of the best of what a family needs. When you slide in behind the wheel, the first thing you'll notice is that it's easy to step into the Pacifica, due to its height and design. Once inside, what will strike you is the cocoon-like feeling. It feels like a driver's car, with controls within easy reach and a nice touch to cockpit design. Visibility is unencumbered, and sound dampening is solid - there's a solid thunk when you close the door. Engine noise is a bit tinny and annoying, though, and the stereo system in our tester didn't really overcome the raspy whine during acceleration.
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Chryseler Pacifica, continued
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Source: ABT
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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