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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  Happy, but not happy - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Mom - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Over all design of the car is great. People will stop to look and you will be noticed coming down the street. The comfort of the car is pretty good but the seat is a little short. Right now I am having trouble with the radiator fan, it seems to have a mind of its own.

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  Family Friendly - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HJLOVE - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Well rounded family car with wonderful features. Great in poor weather, and carries my two long-legged ballerinas and all their stuff with ease. I am 65", and when I drive there is still enough room behind me for an above avg. adult to sit in comfort. The nav position is shockingly logical, and the dvd and bluetooth are easy to use. The profile is attractive from every angle. We opted for red with chrome wheels, and get stares of approval everywhere we drive. Sport tourer is the right name, I could take this car on long drives through all kinds of weather any day. One of the best cars Ive ever owned.

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  Glad I bought a Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stephan from NJ - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Pacifica has the SUV/truck versatility that I need, while having a luxury ride of a sedan that I want. No more "climbing in" to the car either. Handling of the car is great. Everything needed by the driver is easily accessable. Feel safe in the vehicle too! No complaints from any rear passengers - comfortable ride all around. Gas mileage actually getting better the more its driven. Not looking for a car to race around in, rather getting a car with more comfort was my goal. Try the car...I think youll like it!

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  2004 Chrysler Pacifica AWD - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gtruckin - January 2 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely comfortable on long trips, with stretches of 300 miles without a break leaving us surprisingly fresh. The fuel economy on the highway averages around 21 mpg cruising at 75 mph, but the city mileage is poor at just over 12mpg. There is a huge blind spot on the drivers side which is a little unnerving in heavy traffic. The controls are very friendly, with pretty precise temperature controls. The heated seats are particularly appreciated by my wife and I in the cool northern climate. Overall it is surefooted and very comfortable.

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  Not that impressive! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JJP - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice look and features. Visibility is very poor in this vehicle because of lots of metal but little glass. As a result, some people mentioned it feels like a hearse. Blind spots are HUGE. Also, very poor access to the 3rd row of seats, which we use often since the second row only has 2 captain chairs. Overall, I regret the purchase. Its not as convenient as a van, not as smooth as a wagon, and has virtually no 4x4 abilities.

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  Dont Pass the Base Model! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KJ - December 25 - 9:43 am

  When it comes to value, dont miss the value offered in the BASE model of the Pacifica. Add the leather package for under $2,000 and you have a wonderful and opulent ride you can own for something under $22,500. with incentives! The car looks like a million and is priced like a VW. As for ride, you wouldnt want anything better for a family vehicle. If you fold down the second row seats you can almost put a washer and dryer inside! The view from the drivers seat is all encompassing and there is NOTHING blocking your forward vision. With the base model you get so much as standard equipment why pay more for the higher priced models?

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  better than expected - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By old bill - December 19 - 10:00 am

  after 2 lexus rx 300s traded for pacifica and couldnt more pleased with the car.

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  Thet Hit It Out Of The Park! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robert Busse - December 17 - 4:10 am

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  I Love my Pacifica - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By hugo - December 14 - 1:45 pm

  really impressed with this van love the safetytech package kids love the uconnect theater.

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  its a pleasure - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dbr - December 13 - 10:26 am

  2 years of ownership and to date have never had a problem--no need yet to return to the dealership. only complaint is of limited rear view and passenger side view on changing lanes. All told, this is a pleasure to drive and own.