One ergonomic glitch: The switch for the overhead light is located too close to the sunroof controls. When we were trying to find the light, we accidentally opened the sunroof one night after an all-day snowstorm. A lap full of snow is no way to kick-off an evening out on the town.

Large doors make getting in and out of the cabin easy. Installing a child safety seat in the second-row bench (which has fore and aft adjustments) was uncomplicated. Access to the third-row seats, however, is difficult if you're any age under 10. Some reports we've seen have suggested that the XL-7's rear-most seats are usable by adults. We think that only adults fewer than four feet tall would ride back there without vigorous protest, because there is scant legroom and only a very narrow cushion. In their defense, the third-row seats can be split and are easy to fold; but they aren't removable. With these seats stowed, storage space is very competitive with other models. However, if you plan on filling every one of the seven available seating positions, don't expect to find much space left for anything more than a lunch box.

There are two cupholders in the center console between the front seats and a number of bins and storage pockets sprinkled around the cabin to store maps and other odds and ends. One thoughtful touch: All XL-7s come with a first aid kit in the rear cargo area.

The rear cargo door swings open from the driver's side. That's not always convenient here in America. Pull up curbside at the airport and you'll have to walk around the door to load luggage.

For 2002, the XL-7 adds LATCH child safety seat anchors, a flat-floor cargo flap system, and new seat upholstery material.