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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  140000 Miles and going strong... - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lcosta2 - March 6 - 6:28 pm

  I have owned 19 cars this is one of the best reliable suv ever no major problems just replace front shocks etc...and yes 140k on it...

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  Great driving experience! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By twistedtoes - February 23 - 3:43 pm

  I, for the life of me cant understand why Chrysler stopped building such a great driving experience of the Pacifica. Im totally amazed at how well this piece of equipment handles itself on the highway as well as in town. Its not sluggish when you want to pass another car and the fact that its interfaced with Mercedes - Benz technology only adds to the driving experience. I just paid mine off, so the ride just got better!

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  I was foolish enough to get rid of 2004... - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chinatown - October 26 - 9:22 pm

  I had thought it was using oil. However, I later found out that it is normal with these cars as the lighter weight which improves the mileage is the reason. Oh well. Anyway an earlier post indicated the MP3 problem. I also experienced same. I later found this solution, after I had traded it in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=294TFX3b5-A Hope this is viewed by the current owners.

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  BEST SUV CROSS OVER - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By paul272 - August 31 - 4:20 am

  My Pacifica has107000 miles not a single problem! Great in the snow here in Illinois! Has all the bells and whistles! Have never experienced any rocker problems! GREAT TRUCK CAN BEAT HAD IT NEW ! WOULD BUY ANOTHER!

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  So Far So GREAT - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jetfan2012 - December 20 - 10:34 am

  I purchased my 2006 Pacifica (base model) in May of 2012. The price was right and since I dont have a long commute, there was no need for all the extras (I drive about 3 minutes to the commuter parking lot). On the weekends, when running errands it is great. I usually have my daughter and my neice in the back and after about 30 minutes, they fall asleep. The ride is so smooth and comfortable and spacious, anyone who rides in the backseat falls asleep. The truck space? SO MUCH ROOM!

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  128,000 miles NO Problems - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ckuhn55 - November 20 - 11:06 am

  Bought in June 2005 in New Jersey, and only major expense has been catalytic converter needed to be replace. Just change my oil every 5,000 otherwise no problems. Driven across the USA from Boston to San Francisco twice. Thats 4 trips at 3000 each way. Gas mileage 23 hw 18 (all wheel drive) city. Note: cracked alum tire rim parking, need to replace full rim, very difficult to find. Car is discontinued, so premium for replacement approx $285. Still searching for better price new or used. Great car

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  Third year of enjoyment - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By db60 - May 23 - 7:29 pm

  Having purchased our Pacifica as it came off a Chrysler lease in 2009, we could not be happier with the performance, handling and comfort that we enjoy. Our Pacifica is the W.P. Chrysler Signature Series, and this mean upgraded leather, radio and other features that make this an enjoyable vehicle. The interior is a dream. The Navigation is in the center of the speedometer and is simular to heads up displays. The capability to handle 7 (that is right 7) DVDs between the radio and the external changer makes long trip with Grandkids actually fun. The four captain chairs (all heated with individual controls) are extremely comfortable. Toad trips of 6 to 7 hours are not unheard.

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  Best value - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By travis33 - March 17 - 4:14 am

  59,980 miles and not a single problem. $17 oil changes at the dealer and lifetime powertrain waranty. Compare even the oil changes to local Honda dealer at $39.99 and over a few years it will add up. I think a lot of the Pacifica owners are having issues with the 4 speed and the 3.5 liter. The 6 speed and the 4.0 have been flawless. Comfort is excellent as are the looks. Bought the car brand new and havnt had one regret. Probably buy another one soon, buick is getting old and I looked at the price of a 2008 Toyota Sienna $29,000, when a 2008 Pacifica is going for $13,000 with the same miles. No brainer.

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  Great car, excellent for touring - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lbsunshine - January 4 - 10:06 pm

  We purchased our Pacifica in 2006 with 30K miles. It now has 118K. This has been a great car to drive. Our longest trip was from Southern California to Mt Rushmore. It has been super reliable and practically maintenance free. The comfort cant be beat. We change the oil every 3k or so miles and all has been fine. We had the brakes and the oil pan gasket changed. We are a family of three so storage isnt a problem. Our son, though about 56" still sits in the third row of seats. My only complaint are the blind spot on the drivers side due to the rear end being so wide and the noise when the back windows are down. Chrysler should put it back into production.

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  Best Ride Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tdsparty - February 13 - 9:50 pm

  Had our Pacifica for almost 2 years now, and am very happy so far. Seriously the nicest vehicle Ive owned - that includes Toyota Avalon, various Fords, VW Passat... The interior is very quiet, the sound system is great, the ride is smooth. Car feels so solid - it has a big wheelbase, very sure footed. Engine isnt the perkiest, but doesnt labor and has acceleration when needed. Only service needed so far was to replace ABS sensor (ABS light was on).