Four models are available: the $27,965 SX, the $28,240 LX, the $32,190 LXi and the $34,335 Limited. (All prices include the $580 destination charge.) By comparison, Ford Windstar SEL is priced at around $31,000; the Volkswagen Eurovan MV is priced at around $32,000, the Toyota Sienna LXE is about $28,000 and the new Honda Odyssey EX is just over $26,000. Two engines are available: A 3.3-liter V6 is standard on the SX and LX, while a 3.8-liter V6 is optional on the SX and LX and standard on the LXi and Limited. Four-speed automatic transmissions are standard on all models. All-wheel drive is optional on the LX, LXi and Limited; it's a $3175 premium on the LX. The SX rides on a shorter wheelbase, (113.3 inches) than the LX, LXI and Limited (119.3 inches). It's also shorter from bumper to bumper-186.4 inches, compared to 199.7 for the big boys. The long-wheelbase models are about 125 pounds heavier than the SX, and the optional all-wheel-drive system adds an extra 300 pounds to the load. We tested a front-wheel-drive LXi. It presents a sporty visage that is both elegant and slightly imposing. A steeply raked windshield blends into the sloping hood, finished with a sweeping grille and winged Chrysler badge. Rounded corners, sculpted body panels and understated side moldings add to the image, particularly in dark colors. A base price of more than $32,000 may sound steep, but the LXi comes with a high level of standard equipment: anti-lock brakes, traction control, dual-zone air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, power eight-way front seats with memory, easy-out rear seats with rollers, adjustable driver's-seat lumbar support, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, overhead console trip computer, power garage door opener, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rearview mirror with automatic day-night feature, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with equalizer, extra sound insulation and 16-inch gold wheel covers. Side-door beams and dual airbags are standard and the driver gets a Next-generation airbag designed to deploy less forcefully in an accident. An accident response system unlocks the doors and turns on the interior lights whenever an airbag deploys. A reclining child seat was added to the middle-row bucket seat this year.
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