For 2007, the Pacifica benefits from fairly substantial changes, starting with a smoother, more powerful V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Its styling has been subtly updated, and previously optional safety equipment, including side-curtain head protection airbags and electronic stability control, is now standard on all models. Perhaps best of all, prices have actually been lowered.

Pacifica has four sedan-like doors and the wide rear liftgate you'd expect on a sport-utility vehicle or minivan. Inside it's roomy and comfortable, whether upholstered in fabric or leather. Getting in and out is easy. It rides like a sedan and handles well for a vehicle of its heft, and it's more enjoyable to drive through suburbia than just about any truck-based SUV. On the highway, it's smooth and quiet.

The Pacifica line offers a range of models, from well-equipped to luxury-class with all the bells and whistles, and it's available with two or three rows of seating. The five-passenger base model has two bucket seats in front with a split folding bench in the second row that seats up to three. Six-passenger models swap the middle-row bench for two folding bucket seats, and add a 50/50 split bench in the rear. Either changes from people mover to cargo hauler in a matter of seconds, and in both cases maximum cargo capacity exceeds that in the typical mid-size SUV.

The Pacifica has earned outstanding scores in government crash tests. All-wheel drive is available, making it a good choice for snow country. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds, which is more than enough for personal water craft, dirt bikes or a camping trailer. And despite its versatility, no one will be embarrassed driving a Pacifica to black-tie event and leaving it with the valet. It's stylish and handsome, and it doesn't fit easily in any particular mold.

Bottom line: The Pacifica is roomy, versatile, pleasant to drive and nice to look at. Our test model had all the essential safety equipment, all-wheel drive, a powerful, great-sounding stereo and rear-seat DVD video, and it still didn't break $30,000. However you see it and whatever you call it, we think the Pacifica makes a terrific family vehicle.