Many of the virtues that Chrysler brought together in the Pacifica were experienced firsthand by the Chief as he and
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| The Pacifica sports an exceptionally smooth, car-like ride and much better than average handling dynamics. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Gail encountered "gale-force" winds and "rain by the bucket" throughout the majority of their excursion. "It handles very well for a heavy set of wheels," said Graham. "Coming back on highways 182 and 184 there was a heck of a wind. The Pacifica cut right through it without any problem," he affirmed before adding "the wiper system was great and got a big-time workout." The benefits highlighted by Chief Graham are resultant of the low center of gravity and lower than SUV roofline engineered into the Pacifica. These criteria enhance its stability over that of a traditional SUV when Mother Nature is angry. Also enhancing the pleasure of touring in a Pacifica is its exceptionally smooth, car-like ride and much better than average handling dynamics. The Chief certainly put the Pacifica's fully independent
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| A well balanced 250-hp 3.5-liter, 4-valve per cylinder V6 engine provides the Pacifica with ample power. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
suspension to the test as he engaged varying degrees of highway degradation, state to state. At the front of the Pacifica, Chrysler utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension setup, while at the rear a five-link design manages dips and bumps. An automatic height and load leveling system keeps things on an even keel, so to speak, as well. Chrysler has calibrated the suspension components to favor ride quality over tire-blistering handling - and quite appropriately so given the Pacifica's emphasis on touring. Matching its compliant suspension is an equally smooth drivetrain that begins with a well balanced, if not slightly dated, 3.5-liter, 4-valve per cylinder V6 mated to a 4-speed autobox featuring the brand's AutoStick sequential manual mode.
