The Chrysler Pacifica was one of the first of the so-called crossover vehicles, and we consider it both well conceived and well executed. In function, measured by ease of use, layout and features, the Pacifica is essentially a minivan. Yet it has a more rugged, appealing (and less socially branding) appearance than most minivans. In overall styling, it lines up more on the sport-utility vehicle side.

Pacifica is loaded with parts and technologies from Mercedes-Benz, including a complete rear suspension system borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class sedan. It's a well-engineered vehicle.

The Pacifica doesn't look like anything else on the road. Its design is less radical than crossovers such as the Nissan Murano or Mazda CX-9, and its glass-to-steel proportions are unique. Though revised for 2007, the styling has been with us for a few years and it doesn't look as fresh when compared with the latest vehicles, such as the new GMC Acadia.

The Pacifica looks distinctive, however, 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. The Pacifica also features hood strakes introduced on the Chrysler Crossfire sports car. These creases are evenly spaced across the hood, running rearward from the grille toward the base of the windshield; some of us like the strakes on the Pacifica, some of us are still deciding.

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. At the same time, the Pacifica is almost 3 inches lower to the ground than a typical minivan. It's more like a sedan in this regard, and easier to climb in and out of. That should also make it a good dog car.

In side view, the Pacifica is marked by a distinctive character line that begins at the front wheel and ramps upward as it moves toward the rear. The line helps create something of a wedge look, even in a vehicle so large. The expanse of sheet metal aft of the rear side doors and a big, broad rear gate add visual mass that looks a bit ungainly from some angles, but this isn't reflected in Pacifica's handling or driving characteristics.

The Pacifica Limited model is the best looking model, thanks to its prominent fog lights, monochromatic paint scheme and big 19-inch chrome wheels.