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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  Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Art Johnson - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I found the vehicle quite responsive and causing a great deal of questions and attention. The mignight blue color shows every piece of dirt or smear. Do not recommend. The interior leather is a beautiful piece of design and work. Small thing, but I love the analog clock. In former cars, I had great difficulty reading the digital types. I have only driven 1100 miles so take my critique with a grain of salt,

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  great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rattler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle, but the engine needs more power. Dont get me wrong, the Pacifica has enough power for most driving needs, but it seems like it could use a few more horsepower.

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  I LOVE MY PACIFICA! ITS THE BEST SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By M.WILLIAMS - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing my PACIFICA, I test drove and did extensive research on myriad SUVS. The PACIFICA had the highest crash test and customer ratings. I chose the PACIFICA for its performance and style and smooth ride. Ive had my fully loaded Pearl Jade PACIFICA for two months. I live in a city where there are horrible streets. The SUV drives smooth like a luxury car; I can hardly feel the bumps (craters) in the streets. The SUV has everything that I want and is beautifully designed. I am very happy with my SUV. I sit in the vehicle a little longer in the garage and drive a little more, just to be in my PACIFICA.

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  Great car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By labay - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and the best bang for my buck.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mac3 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Overaal we like this car, all the features we were looking for. The around town gas mileage is terrible!!! I dont think we have gotten 13 mpg around town yet (8500 miles)and thats w/out the A/C on. In the summer it was getting just over 10 mpg!!!! Ignore the sticker mileage on this one. If you drive mostly highway miles, it is a good car.. 20-21 mpg on the road. Unfortunately my wife drives it mostly around town. The dealer has completely ingnored our concerns on the mileage it is getting. We are looking to unload this thing or buy some gas stocks.

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  Best Car I have owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Forman - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car that I have owned. I have owned BMWs, Lexuses and Mercedes. Chrysler is not marketing the Pacifica correctly. Should be marketed against the Lexus and BMW SUVs. I believe that it would compare favorably.

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  Great combination! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By damnsilly1 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly comfortable. Drives like a high-end sedan. Terrific controls and interior layout.

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  BEST SUV EVER HAD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARLYSS W. - February 26 - 11:36 pm

  MY PACIFICA GIVES ME THE SAFEST FEELING I HAVE EVER HAD WHILE DRIVING. WITH ALL OF THE AIRBAGS AND THE LOWEST ROLLOVER RATE OF ANY SUV, I FEEL SECURE WHILE DRIVING. IT FEELS STURDY, HEAVY, AND STRONG BUT GETS GOOD MILEAGE. IT IS EASY TO STEER, FITS WELL IN PARKING SPACES, AND HAS LOTS OF CARGO SPACE WHEN 3RD ROW SEATS ARE DOWN. IS MUCH LARGER BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR THAN IT APPEARS. INCREDIBLE SOUND SYSTEM. ONLY PROBLEM IT HAS BLINDSPOTS ON BOTH SIDES WHICH ARE CORRECTABLE WITH SMALL CIRCULAR MIRRORS PLACED ON EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRRORS. MY KIDS LOVE IT ALSO AND THEIR FRIENDS THINK IT IS A COOL CAR. WE ARE GIVING IT TO MY DAUGHTER IN 3 YRS. WHEN SHE TURNS 16. THATS HOW SAFE IT IS

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pagerart - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice vehicle. It looks good, handles well, rides nice and has a pretty fair amount of room inside. I didnt get any options since this is just an extra vehicle we bought for when we need to haul things or take 6 people. I have had one problem so far with a misaligned fan belt pulley, but otherwise it runs very nice. If you can pick one up at a good discount, this vehicle is great.

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  Looks Great and Fun to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wendi - February 26 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first site. Once we purchased it, we hadnt any regrets. The Pacifica is a great vehicle. Weve had it for eight months without a problem. It is really something to look at, as well as something to drive.