2004 Chrysler Pacifica Road Test
17 mai 2004
par
Rob Rothwell
, Canadian Auto Press
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The Pacifica may not shine where thrust is concerned, but many of its other facets shine brightly. First and foremost once underway is its deliciously smooth ride.
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The Pacifica bends over backwards to treat its passengers to a comfortable ride. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Chrysler has again applied the "Sport" nomenclature rather loosely. The Pacifica bends over backwards to treat its passengers to a comfortable ride, and in doing so the "sport" element is pretty much removed from the equation. In spite of offering little "sport," the Pacifica suspension offers plenty of passenger-soothing actuation. The ride control dynamics of the Pacifica are more in-line with a large sedan. Bumps and irregularities are heavily damped hardly rocking the boat, unless crater-sized or encountered amid aggressive cornering.
The Pacifica is set upon a fully independent coil spring suspension front and rear. Augmenting at the front are gas-charged shock absorbers, a stabilizer bar and urethane jounce bumpers. The rear is aided by a stabilizer bar and gas-charged, self-leveling shock absorbers. Chrysler has taken extra care to ensure these components are mounted upon a
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While the Pacifica is better than most minivans when it comes to handling, it's still no sports car. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
rigid chassis structure. In addition to providing integral solidity, the chassis and body structure of the Pacifica have contributed to its five-star frontal and side impact protection crash ratings received from the U.S. government.
Even with a suspension setup described as "performance" by Chrysler, the Pacifica does not hide its weight or bulk when thrust into a corner. Yes, it's better than most minivans and some SUVs as well when it comes to a writhing road, but it's no sports car. In a heavily laden state, expect a comfortable ride but wagon-like handling. Nonetheless, without spending many more hard-earned greenbacks, one is not likely to find transportation for six adults that can eclipse the Pacifica's level of comfort and handling.
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