Overview & Reviews

The Chrysler Pacifica was one of the original large crossover wagons. In order to combine the driving attributes of a car with the utility offered by minivans and sport-utility vehicles, the Pacifica crossover had four front-hinged doors, an elevated seating position, five- or six-passenger seating and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Compared to other crossover wagons, the Chrysler Pacifica was relatively upscale and offered a wide array of creature comforts wrapped in elegantly chiseled sheet metal. Unfortunately, the Pacifica didn't possess particularly great interior packaging. While the first two rows were spacious for occupants, the third row was acceptable only for children and left very little space for cargo behind it when deployed. The rearmost seat does, however, fold flat into the floor in convenient 50/50 sections.

The Pacifica's Mercedes Benz-derived suspension garnered wide praise for its carlike ride and handling. But early Pacificas suffered from reliability woes and mediocre engines in a price bracket where potent and refined powertrains were the norm. Not helping matters were the large wagon's hefty weight and relatively unsophisticated four-speed automatic transmission, both of which took their toll on fuel economy. A significant update for 2007, however, brought about a new V6 engine, a new six-speed automatic for most models and updated styling.

Most Recent Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica debuted for the 2004 model year, at which point it was offered only in base and Limited trim levels. The original base model was relatively well-equipped, but it was offered with fewer features and a lower price when the Touring trim level slotted in above it in 2005. At first, Pacificas were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Reviewers faulted the gruff engine, which was barely up to the task of battling the Pacifica's formidable mass, especially on fully loaded all-wheel-drive models. Given that early 2004 Pacificas also had some well-known repair issues, we'd play it safe and restrict our search to 2005 and newer models.

A 3.5-liter V6 with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft became standard on all but the base front-wheel-drive model in 2005, and the 3.8-liter V6 was eliminated for 2006, leaving the 3.5-liter unit as the sole available engine. For 2007, the 3.8-liter mill returned in the base front-wheel-drive model, this time rated at 200 hp, and a 4.0-liter V6 replaced the 3.5-liter V6 in all other models. The 4.0-liter engine cranked out a respectable 255 hp and 265 lb-ft, and it was teamed with a new six-speed automatic transmission (the base engine continued with the old four-speed unit). All Pacificas were rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Base 2004 Pacificas featured two-row, five-passenger seating and were fairly comfortable, thanks to niceties such as dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat and a load-leveling suspension. Starting in 2005, Touring models received additional standard features, a much longer options list and six-passenger seating via the addition of a two-passenger third-row seat and the replacement of the regular second-row bench with two bucket seats and a center console. The 2005 base model, meanwhile, lost some standard accoutrements and was priced lower going forward. The best-dressed and most luxurious Chrysler Pacifica was the Limited, which featured cleaner styling, bigger wheels and a long list of luxury features, including an upmarket audio system and a power liftgate.

In Chrysler Pacifica reviews, our editors found the crossover wagon's strengths to be its exceptional comfort for four, sedanlike driving characteristics, top-notch safety scores and upscale interior. The 3.8-liter engine is to be avoided, but the 3.5-liter and 4.0-liter V6s are decent performers. Downsides include a lack of legroom in the third row and a lack of overall utility when compared to the top available minivans.

User Reviews:

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  Hate pacificas - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dayan Espinosa - July 29 - 12:24 pm

  I was driving to work and it just caught fire out of nowere never buying chryslers again

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  Not designed for tall drivers? - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike - August 10 - 11:29 am

  What were the designers thinking? I went to try out the Pacifica based on reviews. Adjusted seat and steering wheel but could not get into the van without undue difficulty as too low and cramped. Could not fit comfortably in front seat, roof too low, controls not placed correctly. Rear vision impeded by pillars and obstructions. Vehicle ground clearance is too low and long overhang beyond front wheels (not good for places that have a lot of rain/runoff.) Immediately tried out Dodge Grand Caravan. No problems with ingress or egress. Could adjust controls perfectly. Had several inches headroom. With rear seat/ headrests folded, had no problems with rear visibility. Conclusion - The Pacifica designers were all short people or maybe they only feel short people would buy one? . My sister-in-laws husband had the exact same experience in another city/dealer and he is shorter/larger than I am (I am 62.) Why design a minivan only for shorter people????

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  Piece of Junk - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By cro - July 15 - 11:14 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. To say that I hate it is an understatement. There is ZERO visibility in the rear. It makes lots of mystery noises that several mechanics cannot place. The gas consumption is horrible. Im looking to trade it in but the money offered is not good. I cant even give away this piece of junk. Dont think about getting one!

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  Very Junky Car - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Johnny - May 21 - 6:38 pm

  The car may look nice but it is a piece of junk. I bought this thinking I got a steal but this has been the worst car I have ever driven. The brakes are very very bad, the acceleration is decent, the steering is not up to crossover standards. Its an overall piece of junk.

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  Get an odessy - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Buyers remorse - February 8 - 11:40 am

  Dashboard is a pain to use and awfully designed. To many steps and buttons to press for simple thing. A/c and heat do not cool/heat well unless on highest setting, but then cool/hot air blows into you eat and it is so loud you cannot hear music or talk. Doesn’t shift well between gears, doesn’t steer or handle well, no side camera... drive an Odessy for 10 plus years. Wanted to try something new...big mistake

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  Beware of Chrysler Products - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tony G - April 5 - 9:02 pm

  We went from being extremely excited about our new minivan, to increasingly frustrated. First of, this van shows off well. The features, the ride, and its looks we thought set it apart from the competition. It wasnt until we drove off the dealership when the headache began. Driving off and seeing the engine light come on is the most disheartning thing an owner of a "new" vehicle can experience. So now, we are stuck with a loner as we wait and see whats wrong with our new Pacifica. I reached out to Chrysler to see if they can expedite this process (its going to be a week before my van gets looked at the dealership), but they didnt seem too concerned with the idea of one of their products coming off the lot and going straight to the shop. Im hopeful our situation gets better. At this time, I would tell others to beware of Chrysler products.

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  EW - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pacifica - July 27 - 7:18 am

  This has to be the worst car I have ever leased. I had 2 years and I had to replace to axle gear box and battery.

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  Transmission almost killed my family twice...!!! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Thomas Aiken - September 8 - 4:51 am

  We were on a trip to Tennessee from SC and we were on a mountain road in a pull off. I put it in reverse and it went wild. All the lights came on, transmission locked up, parking brake lit up and transmission did not work. 15 minutes of turning the car on and off finally reset it. Drove home with no problems. Couple weeks later my wife called me crying hysterically that she and our three young daughters were almost killed because she was driving on a busy road and the transmission locked up. We limped the car into the dealership and 2.5 weeks later (4,600 miles) we were given the van back and told it was fixed and safe. Last week I was driving my wife on a busy 55 mph road with my son and his wife behind us. The transmission locked up and we went from 55 to 20 in 2 seconds and all the lights came on and locked up and I limped it into a pull off. If it was an 18 wheeler behind us, we would have died right there. We have now told Chrysler that there is nothing they could do to make me feel safe to put my family into ANY Pacifica. They are now fighting us to give us our money back.

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  Lemon - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marie Smith - April 22 - 8:31 am

  Never again. Too many issues and poor service.

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  Do you believe this about PACIFICA TOU L PLUS? - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sree - April 8 - 1:03 pm

  I bought a brand new PACIFICA TOURING L PLUS 2017 and drove couple of miles I found few issues. 1. 3rd row power stow and go had a problem. 2. When I was trying to reverse the car, it was stuck and not able to move back. 3. 2nd Day, it stuck middle of the road and completely stopped the engine. "Driving" mode came back to "Parking" mode and engine completely stopped. Didnt start almost 30 minutes. After that it started again. 4. After towing the car to the dealers place on Sunday, next day which is on Monday, Technician drove the car to reproduce the issue. While he was driving, "Driving" mode came back to "Parking" mode and engine completely stopped. I did return the car to the dealer. It was really scary. Life and death issue. Thank god It was not on the highway. Again, I really like this Pacifica 2017 minivan but wanted to hear your experience. Please let me know if you run into similar issue.