Mother Proof's view

The greatest thing about being a Gen X-er in the 21st century is that, unlike many of our parents before us, we have choices. We can choose to have a family first or a career first. We can choose to be working moms or stay-at-home moms. We can choose public schools, charter schools or private schools. We can choose minivans or … Pacificas. As much as I love the functionality of the good old-fashioned minivan, I much prefer the blend of form and function in the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica.

Since I am a mom, after all, let’s start with the function (that always seems to come first, doesn’t it?). The captain’s chairs in the second row of the Pacifica (not so equipped on the base model) are just about perfect. They slide front and back to make more legroom when needed. This feature comes in handy for families using rear-facing infant seats, as well as families with teenagers sprouting long legs and big feet resembling cheese wedges on toothpicks.

A storage pouch on the back of the passenger’s seat holds the essentials that somehow always end up in my car: a coloring book, colored pencils, my hairbrush entangled with purple My Little Pony hair, a dirty sock – not mine, mind you. This pouch’s logical partner (behind the driver’s seat) is mysteriously missing, however, making me ponder why one seat is more important to keep organized than the other. According to Kathy Graham, a Chrysler spokeswoman, market research shows a very small percentage of people actually use this pocket, so it has been removed to allow for additional design liberty with the driver’s seat. I guess I’m part of that very small percentage, because I mourn the missing pocket every day during my two-week test drive.

A new fabric that’s standard in the Pacifica is YES Essentials, and it’s the most kid-proof vehicle upholstery out there, next to leather. The stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static fabric actually allows permanent market to be washed off with soap and water. It’s true; I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Plus, that dreaded spoiled-milk mom-car smell that several of my friends complain about will be as yesterday as sending hand-written party invitations – you gotta love Evite.

A center console between the second-row captain’s chairs adds to the Pacifica’s functionality. The cupholders in the console are accessible for the second row passengers, and the storage bin provides enough room for a few toys. A rear climate control is located here as well, allowing the kids to choose their own fan speed if I so desire. The problem is that this center console also blocks what would otherwise be a walkway to get to the third row, like in a minivan. Each captain’s chair can be rotated forward or folded flat in order to get to the rear seat, but not if they’re taken up with child-safety seats, making the easiest access to the third row through the cargo area.

The Touring and Limited models of the Pacifica accommodate two more passengers (full-sized ones, at that) in the third row. The two-person seat splits 50/50 and folds flat for additional cargo room. I love the simple one-step folding mechanism for the third row, which is utilized quite frequently in my family. Need to carpool? Leave the third row up. Loading the kids’ bikes in the car? Fold one or two seats down. It’s so simple it’s revolutionary – no need to tumble, lift, heft or remove.

Speaking of innovation, the navigation screen in the Pacifica is located within the arc of the speedometer. When checking the map or on-screen directions, I simply lower my eyes to the speedometer and get all my info there. This is a great feature to simplify the hectic driving experience that most people have with so many high-tech gadgets in cars these days. This navigation screen also doubles as the ParkView back-up camera’s screen. While I love this new addition for 2007, the screen is too dark to see clearly (even after adjusting it to its brightest setting), and the ParkView is often obstructed by my arms and the spokes in the steering wheel when backing up and turning.

Also new for 2007 is a more reasonable engine in the Pacifica. A juicier 4.0-liter and six-speed transmission means the vehicle no longer lags when trying to get up to highway speed. The engine is now as functional as the rest of the car.

Considering the Pacifica’s generally affordable base price, standard safety features (including side curtain airbags), good safety ratings, and thoughtful mix of function and modern style, it remains one of my favorite choices for busy moms who aren’t quite ready to make the minivan leap.

*For more information on the Chrysler Pacifica and its safety features, visit www.cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5/6

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times