2005 Chrysler Pacifica Preview

The top-of-the-line Limited gets the top powertrain, of course, which includes standard all-wheel drive for $48,550. Its

The U.S. Government gave Pacifica its highest crash test rating of five stars for both front- and side-impact when equipped with optional side-curtain airbags. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

monochromatic exterior should add an upscale touch, while standard 19-inch chrome rims will be unique to top-line models. Again, the crossover is configured into a 3-row 6-passenger layout, with exclusive first- and second-row luxury leather heated seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob and genuine wood trim accents. Also, standard equipment includes a power glass sunroof, three-row side curtain airbag, next generation multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags, driver-side inflatable knee blocker, occupant classification system, rear park assist, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, power adjustable pedals, power liftgate, 4-wheel independent suspension equipped with premium 5-link rear suspension, 6-disc CD/DVD changer, and AM/FM/Cassette/CD radio.

Standard on all Pacificas is an extremely high safety rating. The U.S. Government gave Pacifica its highest crash test rating of five stars for both front- and side-impact when equipped with optional side-curtain airbags. The

The larger Ford Freestyle poses a true threat to the Pacifica's market share. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also named Pacifica a "Best Pick" for its frontal offset test.

As with every DaimlerChrysler Canada vehicle, all Pacificas receive a 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty, which was recently reduced over the old 8 year/120,000 km Chrysler Group warranty by the way.

While General Motors has yet to offer anything that could cause Chrysler any concern about the continued popularity of its Pacifica, other than its ill-fated Pontiac Aztek and somewhat less maligned Buick Rendezvous, Ford's Freestyle poses a true threat. It is larger inside, with a third row that truly fits adults, offers seating for up to seven occupants, features a flexible seating arrangement more amenable to cargo and is priced thousands less than even the new Pacifica Highline.