With safety and quality at the forefront of its design, the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica has earned the highest rating - five-stars all around - from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on its frontal and side impact crash tests, according to the Chrysler Group. "From its inception, Chrysler Pacifica was developed with thorough attention to safety, quality and refinement," said Mike Donoughe, vice president-Family Vehicle Product Team. "The five-star rating is yet another example of the many attributes that will further enhance the image of the Chrysler brand and draw families to this compelling new vehicle." Chrysler Group says engineers used computer technology to help define and optimize vehicle performance during the earliest stages of Chrysler Pacifica's development. This computer technology was used to anticipate how each component of the Chrysler Pacifica would work together during a crash test to absorb and reduce crash forces sent to passengers. Chrysler Group engineers refer to this use of advanced technology as "crash component choreography." Crash simulations were combined with real crash tests to enhance the safety performance of the Chrysler Pacifica, according to the company. Early in vehicle development, the all-new 2004 Chrysler Pacifica also was assigned the internal code "The Protector." "'The Protector' is really about the driver and his or her responsibility for getting everybody home safely," said Donoughe. "Chrysler Pacifica provides the tools the driver needs to fulfill that role. The first-class seating position, cockpit-style controls, all-wheel-drive and sport-sedan handling help the driver avoid accidents. If a crash does occur, safety systems such as the three-row side curtain air bags help keep occupants safe." The company says Chrysler Pacifica meets Chrysler engineers' strict criteria for handling and stability. The unique sports tourer package is designed with a wide track for optimal handling and stability. Although the Chrysler Pacifica is taller than most passenger cars, its suspension, steering and ride are calibrated to achieve sport sedan cornering and handling qualities. Additionally, knowledge was shared across the DaimlerChrysler family to ensure that the Chrysler Pacifica's rear suspension incorporated "best practices" in technology and design. "Chrysler Pacifica's adoption of additional development testing with the DaimlerChrysler Driving Simulator in Berlin is one example of how we are taking advantage of resources across the DaimlerChrysler family," added Donoughe. Multi-stage driver and passenger air bags deploy at various levels based on the severity of the crash. Two charges on the air bag module are triggered separately. A minor impact will trigger a low-power deployment while a more severe impact will prompt a more high-powered deployment to optimize occupant protection. The sophisticated driver air bag works in conjunction with the energy-absorbing steering wheel, patent-pending steering column and inflatable knee blocker to provide supplemental restraints in frontal impacts. "Loaded with safety and security features, Chrysler Pacifica was designed to give drivers and other occupants added peace of mind," said Donoughe. "All drivers want to safeguard their families on the road and Chrysler Pacifica assists in that mission."