Chrysler Pacifica Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
1,401 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1021 through 1030 of 1,401.00
  • Drive it you will buy it. - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
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    This car has it all. POWER, STYLE, Comfort,AAAAAAAAAAA plus. If youre a soccer mom who is tired of van after van, This ride is for you. I have three kids and have driven van after van for 11 years, boring. I bought my Pacifica a year ago , Know problems it rocks. Ill buy another one for sure. Drive it youll buy it. Dont let your husband drive it or you will never get it back. ha ha ha. I used to build high performance cars many years ago. Stock it Rocks Snow driving used to be no fun. Now I have fun and saftey isnt an issue.

  • Upgrade From Town & Country - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    I couldnt pass up the $5,500 in manufacturer incentives on top of the dealer discount. $4K from Chrysler, $1K from Chrylser Financial, plus a $500 eCertificate from Chrysler. I was basically able to get a fully loaded Pacifica for the cost of a striped one. The Pacifica is a real winner in almost every category when compared to any other SUV on the market.

  • Must have one!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    I am surprised that this SUV...I mean Minivan... I mean Sedan...hmmm...oops...a "WAGON". This is how I can describe it...I never liked driving long trips before... Now, I look forward for the weekends... WHY just weekend??? Coz I only get to drive it during weekends. And WHY??? Because it is not mine. Its my WIFEs Wagon!

  • What a pleasure to drive! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    This vehicle was a hit from the word "GO". The buying experience from our local dealerhip in Canoga Park was so easy and straight forward, my wife and I couldnt believe it. The vehicle handles like a dream and the creature comforts are almost excessive. From the NAV system to the power rear liftgate my family is wrapped in features. We really enjoy the quiet ride and awesome stereo system! My little ones love watching a DVD on the rear seat video system. With the wireless headphones, it gives my wife and I a chance to listen to the radio or chat, which is great. The Gas mileage was not great, but with my family safe, its a small price to pay.

  • One for GENX - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    It is the perfect car for the non- minivan yet not another car person. To me all cars today look alike. I wanted something that stands out. This car does. You get the feeling of a sports car via the and yet there is enough room for the kids like in a mini-van. It took me a while to find a car that would satisfy all of my driving needs and this car definetly did it.

  • Initial experience is quite nice - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    We are driving this care for a month now, had a Sienna before and temporarily a Kia Sedona for comparison. It offers a nice, convenient ride, modern look, good accessibility and view from the drivers seat. We have the bigger LCD display and the rear camera is excellent. Rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning work very well. The nine speed transmission doesnt allow manual intervention, but it is programmed well and has been working fine under all conditions so far. Gas mileage on highways is better than with previous minivans, in the city/suburbs the same. Overall we can recommend it as a stylish family shuttle that is sufficiently fun to drive.

  • Its a winner - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    This has been the perfect family car. It has the functionality of a mini van and the looks of a european luxury car. You can see the Mercedes influence in this car! The one improvement that I would recommend is an upgrade on the interior carpets. Once you drive this car and compare the others you will buy it.

  • Everything I expected and more! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    I selected the AWD with heated leather seats as best for Wisconsin winters. After three months of winter driving, I found it to be safe, comfortable - a joy to drive even on slippery roads and sub-zero days. The stability of the platform on all kinds of roads and in all kinds of turns is outstanding. As to gas mileage, I knew going in that it was going to be about 20 mpg and after 1500 or so miles, 21 on the highway and 18+ in town are the rule. Likewise acceleration of a 2.5 ton vehicle is not that bad. I have had several Chrysler Vans that were a lot lighter and didnt do that much better.

  • So Far So Good - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    I absolutely love this vehicle. The ride is very smooth & comfortable. The people at Parks Motors in Augusta Kansas were wonderful.

  • A Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
    By -

    The handling is great and the comfort is terrific. It is womderful driving experience.

Chrysler Pacifica Reviews By Year:
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