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

  Never again. Too many issues and poor service.

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  Chrysler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DorthiaC - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! Everyone wants to know what is it -- is it a car, is it a truck??? I had so much fun driving it this summer everyone thought it was so cool. I have the Inferno Red and I absolutely love it - I traded in a 2002 300 M for this car and have not regretted it once. Although we could use a little more horse power - I love to drive - thanks Chrysler it is the coolest car out there. My stero could be louder too.

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  Perfct Crossover to SUV, Van, Wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lionsfan - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a very comfortable feeling car. It feels very solid, safe and luxorious. So far, the horsepower and gas mileage havent been a problem. Its comparing equally to my other vehicle, which is a mini van.It drives exceptional on the highway and during our first snow storm, handled treacherous roads great.

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  A sweet dream - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mily saba - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love it. I feel very secure driving it.

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  My 5th Chrysler Minivan - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steinar Andersen - April 18 - 7:59 am

  Ive owned Chrysler minivans GEN1, GEN2, GEN3, GEN4 (but not Gen 5, I had gotten a 2009 Toyota Sienna XLS instead). So I am back in the saddle with a GEN6 Pacifica. Ive been VERY surprised with the gas mileage (averaging almost 30 mpg on the highway...... 23 mpg in local driving. I have the Touring L Plus and I have every option available on it (except for the Moonroof and towing). Ive had it for 4 months, and it is heads and tails above my 2009 Toyota Sienna XLS regarding every aspect of its experience. The infotainment sytem is QUICK. The rear entertainment system has been used extensively on a 1,000 mile trip back and forth to Nashville (and kept my passengers entertained and connected with full support of their electronic devices). The minivan is very quiet, and the NAV system is quite good. So far, only one recall (for the EGR and that was replaced within 30 minutes of my handing the minivan over to the service department). I wish I had a spare tire tho (for peace of mind). I bought this minivan for $38,000 and plan on keeping it for at least 10 years, I am praying that the electronics plus mechanicals prove better than my GEN3 experience.

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  Like riding on a cloud... - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jada - April 17 - 7:10 am

  I have a back problem and was looking for a car with a smooth ride and I got it in my 07 Pacifica. Wonderful ride, feel very safe, beautiful on the outside, get lots of compliments, reliable and the best vehicle Ive owned. Easy to get in and out of, tons of storage and great features. What more could anyone want?

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  new pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mark - April 16 - 3:46 pm

  car is comfortable to drive but is very hard to see your surroundings when backing out of parking spaces and such. The fuel economy is terrible, only getting about 12 around town and 18 to 19 on the highway.The car should be great in the winter with AWD. It has plenty of room for all passengers and like the heated seats for all.

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  A really nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JimD - April 15 - 8:23 am

  Have owned lots of cars. My wife says this is the nicest car we have ever had. Traded in a Mountaineer because the ride was harsh, loud, and wobbly. This Pacifica feels glued down, it is so stable, and what a great ride, and so quiet. Lots of room, and a luxury feel to everything. So far, we are really happy with the car. Mileage on the highway is about 22-cant complain.

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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.

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  climate control fail - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Oculos - April 7 - 2:25 am

  I have had the car for one day. The panel vent mode on the climate control worked on the first drive, but is now inoperative. Foot well and defrost work fine but the panel vent mode is dead. Update to follow after I go to the dealer Monday, tomorrow. And the "kick to open" side doors and lift gate are only working about one out of ten tries. Im doing exactly as the manual instructs so I dont think its user error. In less than 24 hours Im having more issues with this car than I have had in the last 11 years with my Lexus LX... I hope its just a couple minor glitches.