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There are at least two things that you don't want to do this summer. Don't talk about the Royals being a small market baseball team that can't compete, and don't refer to Chrysler's new Pacifica as another SUV. The Royals are in contention this year and Chrysler has hit one out of the park introducing the new Pacifica with features of a SUV, Station Wagon, Mini Van and Luxury Sedan all rolled into one. I recently picked up the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica from Keystone Chrysler just East of Johnson Drive in Mission Kansas and drove to watch the Royals play the Cardinals. As I watched this game I forgot last year and driving to the game, this car made me forget the many shortcomings of the traditional SUV. When I first considered reviewing The Pacifica I imagined the competition from a host of other high dollar SUV's in the marketplace. However the more time behind the wheel I realized that this really is more of an alternative to a luxury sedan. It's like a sport touring sedan with utility and room. A wide stance and low step-in height gives this vehicle the stability and profile that makes it both fun and safe to drive. Unlike a truck converted into a passenger vehicle, the 2004 Pacifica design is an original first-class combination of versatile space and premium automotive features like adjustable pedals, DVD player and power liftgate. The loaded black 2004 Pacifica that Keystone Chrysler hooked me up with is a stunning and sophisticated vehicle both inside and out. While the base price is slightly over thirty thousand this vehicle had every option available pushing the MSRP to just over forty thousand. The union between Mercedes and Chrysler is finally appearing in the design of new products. Touches like the controls for the infinitely adjustable heated leather seats look right out of the Mercedes parts bin. A jewel-like analog clock is a surprising touch of class among the technology that envelopes you. Any game between the Cardinals and the Royals is competitive. And every year the luxury SUV segment gets more competitive as newer models shed their "utility truck" image for more mature luxury expectations. While the Pacifica is available with all-wheel-drive, a desire to be prepared for the unexpected rather than the intent of purchasing an off-road vehicle should motivate your choice. This is not a Jeep. Weighing in at over two tons, the 250hp engine and Mercedes styled suspension moves this substantial vehicle in a satisfying and sporty manner. I've seen navigation systems on vehicles, but the whole issue of telematics has just not been ready for prime time. The 2004 Pacifica comes very close to integrating useful technology into a vehicle with UConnect Hands-Free Communication System and the In-Cluster Navigation System. I gave the navigation system quite a workout, making it constantly recalculate my route to the stadium as I took all of my secret shortcuts. Having the screen located in the instrument cluster was preferable to the other systems I have tested and the audible directions were useful. Of course this vehicle goes beyond the utility of a luxury sedan with its flexible seating for six. Actually it's seating for four adults comfortably and a couple of very small creatures in the extreme back two jump seats. With the full-length console and reclining seats in the rear, the rear passengers are treated to much the same luxury as the front. Utility comes from folding all of the seats down to accommodate cargo in the most flexible method possible. Comparing this vehicle to SUV on the market is like comparing this year Royals to last year. There are only a few that are in the same ballpark and nothing that scores more hits. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is in a league of its own, a vehicle of unprecedented luxury, sophistication and utility that will pamper you and your passengers in style. Vehicle:
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©2003 - Stan Risener