The mini-van market is among the most competitive segments of the automotive industry. The Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna all have loyal owners. But with the upscale 2006 Chrysler Town and Country in the mix, buyers have an even more difficult choice.

The Town and Country offers high-end prestige in the mini-van category, plus an inviting, efficient and spacious configuration of second and third-row seats. Add a sleek, new design and a stylish front grill and the Town and Country also gets best-of-class marks for its handsome looks.

It's logical to assume mini-van buyers purchase their vehicles to transport numerous passengers or for larger cargo needs, and that's perhaps the Town & Country's best quality.

Seven passengers fit easily. With the third row of seats folded, the rear cargo area is cavernous. If the second and third-rows are folded down (flush with the floor), the available space could be rented out as a moveable storage shed. The back liftgate has an automatic opening and closing option, further adding to the vehicle's cargo-carrying qualities.

My test drive for the week was the Limited, the most advanced and most expensive of four Town & Country models.

It featured a 3.8-liter, V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission. As the manufacturer's top-of-the-line mini-van, the Limited's dark-gray leather seats and dark, wood-like console perfectly complemented the dark gray exterior color called "Brilliant Black Crystal."

The vehicle looks great on the open road and its ride quality, nicely appointed controls and overall comfort are all impressive. As one example, during non-daylight hours, the instrumentation panel is backlit a soft light green. It's a nice touch.

Driving the mini-van is comfortable and the front-window, near- panoramic view is a plus. Steering is satisfactory, and the vehicle has a commanding presence.

That leaves only two questionable areas