The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica happens to be the last year of production in its only four-year run. Its discontinuation raises questions that ask if the MSRP was too high or if people purchasing vehicles of a similar design are more interested in eco-friendly hybrids. While much has not changed since the 2007 production, the Pacifica still offers an alternative to the soccer moms minivan or out of vogue station wagon. Even though Chrysler has decided to stop production of the Pacifica, Chrysler's brother company Dodge is picking up the slack with the Journey, a similarly-styled crossover vehicle.

For the moms that want to look cool, but still want the versatility of the SUV and the safety features of a minivan, the Pacifica fits the bill. The elegant exterior design is reminiscent of high-end luxury sedans. However, the broad wheelbase can compete with the big boys' SUVs. All-season tires and available 19-inch aluminum wheels further put the Pacifica in the newest category, the CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle). An available power liftgate gives drivers hands-free access to rear storage, a much appreciated addition for those constantly carrying armloads of groceries or sports equipment.

The interior upholstery comes in a variety of fabrics, and boasts rich wood accents that certainly add to the refined appearance of the interior. The Touring and Limited trims offer 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space with a cargo net and rear step to easier reach the farthest grocery sack or hockey stick. And just as the high-end vehicles claim to block out exterior noise, the Pacifica has implemented noise and vibration reduction.

The 2008 Pacifica has more infotainment than technological advancements. SIRIUS satellite radio is available for an extra installment and subscription fee. A rear seat DVD player can be installed for an additional fee as well. The Limited and Touring offer a UConnect phone system that connects the driver's Bluetooth enabled phone to the system in the CUV. An out of the ordinary addition is a GPS navigation system built directly into the dash cluster under the speedometer, rather than in the center of dash above the stereo.

Although the Pacifica does not come standard with many of the luxury features, it gives buyers a significant number of options to customize the perfect Pacifica for them. Available is either a 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 3.8L. One standard feature is the AutoStick that allows the driver to have the ease of an automatic with the power of a manual. Safety features abound in this last-year model. All-wheel drive is available for extra traction during wet or slick conditions. The CUV has also earned the highest crash test rating in front and side crash tests. While it also comes standard with front and side airbags, a newer addition is the knee-blocking airbag for the driver to prevent knee injury from the dash. Also, a rear back-up camera can be installed in the dash cluster to prevent running over objects located in the driver's blind spot.