2004 Volvo XC70 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

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Conclusion: Maybe wagon aficionados have had the right idea all along

Whatever you call it, Chrysler's Pacifica impressed us with its smooth ride, precise and light handling, excellent ergonomics, comfortable seating, and good load space. But in the end, it's less useful than the minivans it so doggedly tries not to be. It also fails to project the adventuresome image of a traditional truck-based sport/utility, and it doesn't nail the polished profile of premium Japanese or European crossovers.

With its Touareg, VW has created a great-looking, great-driving SUV in a marketplace filled with premium entries. But its ride quality is compromised on rough roads, and, with its high weight and smallish narrow-angle V-6, it's only adequately powered. The Touareg offers less load and people space than a conventional midsize SUV, but its interior is a work of art. It offers an optional V-8, which will address any power issues, and it's the most capable off-roader among this bunch.

Our choice when it comes to wagons is, well, a wagon--the improved XC70. The Volvo is handsome, it's the right size, and it delivers an ideal balance of fuel economy, acceleration, ride and handling, all-weather capability, and excellent people- and cargo-moving room. Maybe wagon aficionados have had the right idea all along.

Sursa: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagon/112_0310_2004_suv_wagons/specifications.html