Drivers Log.(News)

2004 Chrysler Pacifica

Date in fleet: Feb. 5-6 As-tested price: $37,510 Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; awd, five-speed automatic Hp: 250 @ 6400 rpm Torque: 250 @ 3950 rpm Curb weight: 4675 pounds

MANDEL: I was intrigued with this vehicle before I got in, and it continued to hold my attention throughout the drive. And that is only partially due to the quality and attention to detail in this Chrysler, something I was more than pleasantly surprised to see. No: I was interested because the Pacifica is the first example of the car/van DNA transplant, and after those two beasts got together for a long and lonely night, this is what came out of the union. Not bad at all.

It has a deceptively large shape that only comes into perspective when placed alongside a sport/utility or a minivan. It appears as tall as a Ford Explorer from the outside; slide into the front seat, however, and you don't get that overwhelming feeling of being too high up in the saddle. As for the interior package, this really is a six-seater; I don't know if buckets will be offered in the back, but I like the separated passenger compartment. Of course that leaves little cargo space for a family of five. (MOPAR should come up with a Pacifica-stylized roof storage system-a la Volvo-that fits the look of the car and can carry a family's goodies. This, I think, would be well received.)

I took my wife for a ride in it and she immediately felt as though she was in a wagon rather than her minivan. She liked that feeling quite a bit, and it almost made her long for new wheels. Twice she asked the price; twice I said I thought it was around $30,000. I would like to add one of these to our long-term fleet for a year to see whether it fills the needs.

HART: Very short drive... some city streets and then a quick loop on the freeway. First impression: Most of the interior looks like it came from a Mercedes-and that's a good thing. I like the seat adjustment buttons on the door and wish it was a standard item on all cars with power seats. IP looks like it was derived from an S-Class. I love the analog clock in the middle of the ...