In my nearly four decades of existence, I have never driven or had the desire to drive a minivan. For years, I saw this vehicle as a mini bus for soccer moms carrying kids back and forth from practice and grocery shopping; well not this time. Of course, I had reservations at first but when I stepped behind the wheel and noticed the luxurious interior, the ample leg room, and multiple options for kiddies to be entertained I became convinced immediately.

The Chrysler brand is the mother lode of all minivans creating the first minivan more than thirty years ago, in 1984. The Chrysler Pacifica was redesigned in 2016 to reclaim its throne in 2017. Re-engineered from the ground up, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica comes with nearly 40 new minivan firsts, the largest interior volume in the segment, and more than 100 standard and available safety and security features.

No longer is the boxing shaped frame the standard exterior for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica because this minivan has a more sculpted body with chrome accents, along with 20 inch tires that hit minor bumps with a breeze.

This driving machine is not your "average" minivan and my experience as "was easy like Sunday morning" that gave me luxury sedan feel #ImportedFromDetroit.

Interior

I enjoyed the luxury spoils of Nappa leather and a wood grained dash. It did not feel like I was driving a school bus, but more of a luxury feel. The Chrysler Pacifica has standard stow n' go seats to haul everything from household goods to sports equipment. If you are a clean car freak like me enjoying the built-in vacuum is another plus. The roomy cargo space is an added bonus for last minute out of town travel (without the clutter).

I couldn't believe how technologically advanced this vehicle was but it is from the: parallel and perpendicular park assist, UCONNECT Theater with 10.1 touch screens, 360-degree surround view camera, 20 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and tri-pane panoramic sunroof. I really enjoyed the “extra set of eyes” this driving machine gave from the blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning for oncoming traffic or children playing in the street.

Safety

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Five-star Safety ratings to the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Five stars is the highest possible score in NHTSA’s safety rating program.

As a family hauler, safety is key: there are more than 100 standard and available features including a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision alert with active breaking, hands free sliding doors and lifting gate with the touch of a key fob, and towing capability.

Kid Friendly

No longer will the kids utter "are we there yet" because of travel boredom. In the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, they have so much to keep them occupied with the ample touch screens built in the front and rear seats for preloaded games, movies, or the electronic gadgetry of their choice plugged into the HDMI and USB ports.

Mother Approves

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has a 287-hp V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission that gets you 31 mpg on the highway with ease. Another feature I enjoyed was all of the connectivity, power outlets, cup holders, and storage bins to keep your "auto throne" organized. The new and improved 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has some serious spoils such as: optional foot-operated power sliding doors, heated second-row seats, and a third row that can be occupied while still leaving ample space behind it for luggage.

Don't let the word minivan deter you from a test drive because the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica gets five stars from me, and is mother and kid friendly approved.

For More Information on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: www.chrysler.com @Chrysler #ImportedFromDetroit