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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  My Chrystler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Emily - April 1 - 5:32 pm

  I purchased my first Pacifica in the summer of 2004 and in two weeks time it had broken down, almost got me hit on the 4-lane, and was towed back to the dealership. I then got a slightly used Pacifica-same type, different color, and after about a year it started having engine lights come on for no reason, it had transmission lights flash constantly, then the skipping started after about 2 years. It has skipped and jumped, especially when the cruise is on ever since about 2007. Then just this last week, I was driving to work and the car just quit going down the road. The steering went out, it wouldnt do a thing. By the way,I have serviced it every 3,000 mi.

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  I love it so far! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By R. Hollywood Wright - March 24 - 9:27 pm

  So far so good I love the interior, the audio system/dvd etc. And who doesnt love all the power options and the heated seats :) this is one classy so called mini van I have that pretty gold with chrome rims 19s Im just gone hate when I gotta buy tires at almost $200 a piece but oh well, I look good and it looks good when its cleaned up and looking pretty, I have gotten nothing but compliments on it every since I bought it, I dont drive it every day though, its my Cadillac it stays in the garage and looks pretty until a family outing or I go out to the club or a spacial occasion, I bought it used and it already had 86,000 highway miles. On it so I want to preserve it for road trips, go buy one!

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  Great Value for Money - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sean - March 23 - 9:17 pm

  I bought my 2005 touring model last year (2009). Although 4 years old when I got it with 79k on the odometer, bless the previous owner who obviously loved this car. In addition to the luxurious interior, comfort, quiet ride, great styling & road presence, I git it at a great price at $11,000 with 21,000 km left on the warranty. I purchased an additional bumper to bumper warranty for 2 years and never had to use it, thank God, based on some of the horror stories Ive read here. The fact that Mercedes Benz had a key role in design and building this beauty is apparent in road handling and styling. Overall, I am very happy with my Pacifica or Fica as my 5 year-old daughter lovingly calls it!

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  I LOVE my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Beth - March 22 - 9:14 pm

  I was shocked to hear when this car was being discontinued because I absolutely love it! However, I do wish it got better gas. I average about 18 mpg between highway/city. I have taken this on road trips around the country with my family and friends. My last one was last summer and was about 5,000 miles long. Nobody has EVER complained about comfort, but instead prefer to ride in my car because it IS so comfortable. I love the navigation in the dash though mine is currently not reliable. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. I think the player gets dirty. In the 5 years Ive owned it, I have had to replace the front window regulators once each.

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  After four months - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Don - March 22 - 3:45 pm

  Still love the vehicle. We had to get use to the color (Marine Blue Pearlcoat) but after a while it grows on you. The interior is very comfortable. The sound system is good and the DVD entertainment is very clear. With the 255 horsepower engine and a 4500 lb vehicle, the gas mileage is something that we will accept and live with. Overall, I wish I had bought one sooner. Ours came off of a Chrysler lease with 20,155 miles, remaining factory warranty and a 80,000 mile 6 year power train coverage.

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  Stuck drivers seat - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pacifica - March 21 - 9:56 pm

  My driver seat is stuck in the forward mode, it will not go back, so when I drive it I need to struggle to get in. When I have to get out is a nightmare! I have almost pulled my shoulder out of its socket trying to pull myself out of the car. I pray I dont get in a accident because the paramedics wont be able to get me out of the car. My concern is when this happens is there an emergency release button that can be pressed? Please let me know.

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  I love this car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ali Rodriguez - March 20 - 3:01 pm

  I have this car since 09. i never had any problem with it. The only thing is that i m starting to listen a strange noise when i switch it from park to drive..

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  Uncomfortable - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By patriot - March 18 - 9:40 pm

  We bought the car to haul the family around. However, it is so uncomfortable that we end up taking two vehicles every where. I would never recommend this vehicle to anybody with a family bigger than 4. Also get poor fuel mileage. Not super reliable either

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  I was wonder what that problem was! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shon - March 13 - 9:11 pm

  I bought the car in April of 09, I thought it was beautiful inside and out. It had about 33000 mi on it then and about 43000 now. I didnt have frequent oil changes because the car was constantly eating up oil. I couldnt figure it out, I didnt have any evidence of oil leaks in my driveway. But know that I have read some of the reviews I see that this is a standard problem along with cracks in the tires, the visibility issue with the pillars, and the noise that is heard when the back windows are down (horrible). I love my car, but I think Im gonna take it easy on it until I can sadly trade it in for something else. I have had many lemon vehicles in the past, so I want out before it gets worse.

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  Nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Beary Love - March 11 - 7:02 pm

  We bought Pacifica in July of 2005 brand new. Fell in love with it right away, needed a large car for the family. We follow the maintenance schedule of the car manual services like oil change every 3000 miles, etc. NEVER had a problem with it yet. Very reliable! NEVER had a problem with oil or anything else. The only thing would like to have different is a better mpg. Otherwise it has been a great car for us from the beginning.