The Chrysler Pacifica debuted in 2004 as a ‘sport tourer.’ As more versions of this vehicle style came on the market, they got their own classification – crossover. Crossovers are supposed to combine the best attributes of sport-utility vehicles, sedans and minivans, and the Pacifica still does that as well as any, at very reasonable prices. The Pacifica essentially has wagon-like architecture, but it also has available all-wheel drive and seating for up to six. The Chrysler Pacifica got a substantial revision for 2007, including a discreet exterior update, previously optional safety equipment, including side-curtain head protection airbags and electronic stability control, is now standard on all models, and a larger, smoother, more powerful V-6 and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica comes in base, Touring and Limited trim levels. All three are available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Powertrain

The base Pacifica gets a 3.8-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission; it generates 205 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque. All other models have a 4.0-liter V-6 with 255 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque that drives a six-speed automatic transmission. All Pacificas incorporate Chrysler's AutoStick, which allows drivers to manually select their own gears. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds, which is more than enough for personal water craft, dirt bikes or a camping trailer.

Trims

The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is available in three trim levels, all of which offer front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. The base model seats five, with a three-place, folding second-row bench seat, and comes with 17-inch steel wheels and hubcaps. Standard features include sunscreen glass, dual-zone temperature control, rear window wiper/washer, power locks and windows, eight-way power driver's seat, AM/FM audio with CD, Infinity speakers and steering-wheel controls, multiple 12-volt power outlets and cruise control.

Touring FWD and Touring AWD come with seating for six, in a 2/2/2 bucket-seat layout, and add more features. Standard equipment includes automatic dual-zone temperature control with cabin air filtration, a Vehicle Information Center video display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, HomeLink universal door opener, a power front passenger seat, 17-inch alloy wheels and body color door handles.

The Pacifica Limited FWD and Limited AWD are luxury class models. They feature the 2/2/2 seating and nearly all the amenities, including leather seats with position memory for the driver, heated front and second-row seats, power adjustable pedals, power-liftgate, six-CD changer, automatic headlights, power moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, ParkSense rear back-up system and 19-inch chromed wheels.

Safety

Safety equipment on the Chrysler Pacifica was significantly upgraded for 2007. In addition to multi-stage front airbags, all Pacificas come standard with curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) skid-management system, emergency brake assist for the antilock brakes (ABS), and traction control. A ParkView rear back-up camera is now optional. The Pacifica has earned a five-star rating for front and side impact from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and four stars for rollover protection.

Interior

Interior styling remains unchanged for 2007. Pacifica has four sedan-like doors and the wide rear liftgate you'd expect on a sport-utility vehicle or minivan. Inside it's roomy and comfortable. Getting in and out is easy. The base model offers seating for five; other Pacificas increase capacity to six. The third-row bench folds in a 50/50 split. Maximum cargo space with all seats stowed is 92.7 cubic feet in five-passenger Pacificas and 79.5 cubic feet in six-passenger models. All models change from passenger mover to cargo hauler in a matter of seconds, and in both cases maximum cargo capacity exceeds that in the typical mid-size SUV. Power windows are one-touch down/up in front, and power front seats have Mercedes-style door controls. A standard seven-speaker CD stereo includes steering wheel audio controls. Seats have a substantial feel, and chunky side bolsters lend more support than those in some competing models. Dashboard controls are difficult to decipher and with the rear seats up, there's a considerable blind spot. Wood, brushed aluminum and quality soft-touch materials create generally attractive accommodations. There's a pair of cup holders conveniently located immediately aft of the gear selector, and they work well. All four doors feature molded-in bins and cup holders at the bottom. There's plenty of headroom, despite the high seat bottoms, and the window sills rise almost to shoulder height.

Exterior

As a crossover, the Pacifica is minivan-like as far as ease of use and drivability, yet on the exterior it has a more rugged, appealing appearance than most minivans, and lines up more on the sport-utility vehicle side. The Pacifica looks distinctive and unmistakably like a Chrysler, with a grille and other design cues unique to the brand. That family resemblance has been strengthened with styling tweaks for 2007: in front, the Pacifica looks a bit squarer, flatter, than before. It sports a full-width chrome strip and a new, more prominent three-bar grille, flanked by wing-like, twin-beam headlights in the theme of the Chrysler 300 sedan. At 198.5 inches long, the Pacifica measures about even with the CX-9 and Freestyle, two of its competitors. Base Pacificas sport 17-inch steel wheels, gray cladding and black door handles. Touring models upgrade to alloy wheels and body-colored door handles. The Pacifica Limited holds body-colored cladding, fog lamps and 19-inch chrome rims; the latter two items are optional on the Touring. A power sunroof, rearview camera and power liftgate are also available.

Handling

The 2007 Pacifica is more responsive than previous models because of its improved powertrain. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, making quick merges or left-turns across traffic easy. At high speeds the Pacifica cruises quietly. Under normal conditions of AWD, the system sends all of the power to the front wheels. But it can transfer up to 90 percent of the power to the rear wheels whenever the front wheels lose grip. The four-wheel disc brakes are large enough to handle the Pacifica's weight, delivering sure, fairly short stops. ABS is standard on all models, and it's now comes with Brake Assist. Overall the 2007 Pacifica drives more like a sedan, and is certainly more enjoyable to drive than truck-based SUVs. The 3.8-liter V-6 in the base Pacifica is adequate for most situations. The cabin remains quiet even on the highway.

The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica line offers a range of models, from well-equipped to luxury-class and it's available with two or three rows of seating. The Pacifica has earned outstanding scores in government crash tests. It's stylish and handsome, and it doesn't fit easily in any particular mold. It has a roomy cabin and cargo space, and is pleasant to drive. While Pacifica doesn't look so big from the outside, it's as much as 18 inches longer and 6 inches wider than some of its crossover competitors; overall, a terrific family vehicle at an affordable price. The Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent all-purpose vehicle. It accelerates quickly and corners reasonably well, which makes it pleasant to drive. The Pacifica Limited is luxurious, equipped with nearly all the bells and whistles. The base model is practical, and with essential safety equipment, family features and all-wheel drive. The 2007 Pacifica gets an estimated fuel economy range of 24 mpg Hwy, and 16 mpg City.