2008 Chrysler Pacifica

NEW FOR 2008:

- As of November, 2007, this model was discontinued. Examples will be available until dealer stocks are exhausted.

- Base model renamed LX

- Touring Package contents now the same for FWD and AWD

- Power-adjustable pedals include memory feature

- Touring receives body-colour fascias without chrome accents

- Standard YES Essentials fabric on all cloth seats

- SIRIUS satellite radio standard on Touring and Limited

- Laminated side glass standard on Limited

- New exterior colours: Light Sandstone Metallic, Deep Crimson Crystal, Clearwater Blue Pearl

For 2008, the Chrysler Pacifica receives some fine-tuning of its standard and optional features, most notably YES Essentials stain- and odour-resistant fabric on all cloth seats.

The Pacifica is available in three trim lines, with two engines: a 3.8-litre V6 mated to a four-speed automatic with manual shift mode in the five-passenger LX, and a 4.0-litre V6 with six-speed automatic and manual shift mode in the Touring and Limited, both of which come with three rows of seats. The LX is front-wheel drive only; the Touring can be ordered in front- or all-wheel; and the Limited is strictly AWD.

Features on the LX include 17-inch steel wheels, driver's side inflatable knee blocker, dual-zone manual climate control, overhead console with map lights, first-row centre console, power locks, privacy glass, power windows, power mirrors, roof rails, YES Essentials cloth seats, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power adjust, 35/65 split-folding second-row seats, security alarm, CD stereo, cruise control, tilt column, urethane wheel with audio controls, tire pressure monitoring system with warning light, and front and rear speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers.

The Touring adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, outside temperature display, cargo cover, overhead console with sunglasses holder, first- and second-row floor consoles, vehicle information centre, floor mats, garage door opener, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, heated mirrors, ten-way power driver's seat, 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, CD/MP3 stereo with SIRIUS satellite radio, and leather-wrapped wheel. A Touring Package adds a power liftgate, leather first- and second-row seats, cargo net, roof rail crossbars, heated first- and second-row seats, tire pressure monitoring display and CD/DVD changer.

The Limited builds on the Touring Package with 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, power-adjustable pedals with memory, laminated side window glass, first- and second-row leather seats with suede microfibre inserts, driver's side auto-dimming mirror, rear parking assist with backup camera, wood and leather steering wheel, and power sunroof.

Shorter than the redesigned Town & Country minivan, but lower and wider, the Pacifica offers car-like handling, a comfortable ride, and with the 4.0-litre, good acceleration and power. The styling results in poor rearward visibility, helped immensely by a rear-view camera ? standard on the Limited, optional on all other models ? that cleverly displays in the instrument cluster. The third row is tight, but otherwise, this is a pleasant ride.