Global unrest aside the Pacifica makes a person feel safe and snug when aboard. Side-curtain airbags for all rows of outside passengers are standard, as are 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, tire pressure monitoring, HID headlights, a security alarm and vehicle immobilizer. Chrysler's power adjustable pedals truly help to increase comfort levels behind the wheel, improving safety by optimizing the driver's seating position. The Pacifica's comprehensive memory system can be pre-programmed to adjust the power pedals while automatically tuning the radio, adjusting the driver's seat and mirrors as well.

In short the Pacifica is an immeasurably flexible vehicle. It combines the handling dynamics of a sporty sedan, luxury appointments of a premium car and load carrying volume of a minivan. It's truly the car for all reasons, and all seasons. After hundreds of kilometers on the odometer I'm sold, its many attributes clearly outweigh its few shortcomings. Chrysler has a surefire winner on its hands.

Specifications (V6 GT):

• Price Range (MSRP): $43,395 - $45,995 (not including all options)
• Body Type: 5-door wagon/SUV crossover, unibody
• Layout: front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
• Engine: 250 hp, 250 lb-ft, 3.5-L 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight (FWD-AWD): 1,993 - 2,121 kg (4,393 - 4,675 lb)
• Seating Capacity: 6 (2 / 2 / 2)
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row/2nd row/all seats folded): 329 / 1,230 / 2,250 L (13.0 / 43.6 / 79.5 cu ft)
• Towing Capacity (est): 907 kg (2,000 lb) - 1,724 kg (3,800 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 149 mm (5.9 in)
• Fuel Economy (est city/hwy): 13.8 / 8.8 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Ford Freestyle*, Honda Pilot, Mazda Nextourer*, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.daimlerchrysler.ca
• * Refers to models announced but not yet in production