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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  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jay09 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Troublesome vehicle, lots of electrical problems, problems the dealer has not been able to fix. Have taken it in 4 times now. Engine is underpowered for and does not feel very refined. Seating is not as flexible as I was hoping. Enormous blind spots.

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  BEST - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sparks - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned 2 Land Rover Discoverys, and were about to get a BMW 3 series wagon, or Benz C-class wagon when we happened upon the Pacifica. Fotr the same price we got a larger, safer, more powerful and better appointed vehicle. The GPs in the speedometer is fantatsic, the heated second-row captains chairs are great, and the Infinity Intermezzo six-disc cd/dvd changer kicks! Pay another grand for the all- wheel drive, the differnce in MPG is negligible. This is our first "American" car and we love it!

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  NEVER met its equal! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By shopperfiend - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Between us weve had 22 vehicles from 1975-2003. Always looking for that luxury Named vehicle with the smooth comfortable ride, gadgets, styling & price. We didnt think wed ever find a vehicle with ALL this included. The salesman left us alone with the vehicle. That day, we traded our Volvo S80 for the Pacifica which has alllll those points wrapped in one vehicle. The smooth ride, gizmos galore, and fresh styling won us over immediately! We LOVE it!

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  Good performances - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete Johnson - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I was, at first disappointed, when I found that I did not have all of the items that I had assumed were present.It has a load of useful equipment.

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  love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By long island - December 7 - 2:00 am

  once looked at fell in love, got blue looks sharp fully loaded and with standard features u get a much better deal the acura and me/be and bmw for the money the pacifica is the best deal

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  Pacifica in Atlantica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By m.chumsae - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Good handling, solid, quiet car. Good power but its not going to scare anyone. Quality feel throughout, stops easily for a heavy vehicle. Airbags everywhere. I dont mind the exhaust tone at all...think its rather sporty (except full throttle). All wheel drive has seamless execution.

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  So far, so good - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 1st chrysler purchas - November 21 - 10:00 am

  First Chysler but loved it the first time I saw it in an ad. Room for the whole family (mom, dad, and 4 kids) and the DVD player keeps them all happy on long trips. Gas mileage reaches 25 MPG on Wyoming/Colorado interstate, about 17 in town. Can tow trailer down the highway and still get nearly 17 MPG.

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  Loved the Interior Comfort - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By erisim0217 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I liked the ride better than the Jeep Gr Cher and for the price we got all the bells and whistles for what we would have pd for base Jeep. 3rd row a bit too cramped for adults. I hate it being compared to a minivan. We are mid 30s no kids and still want to look cool which I think we do. Weve driven it on a few 300-500mile trips and was very comfy and handled great. Not a great veh if your looking for speed or off roading but was great for freeway and city driving. Last trip got about 24mpg. We originally wanted a Chry 300. Again, the interior of the Pac was much more comfortable and came w/ DVD, Navigation, Sirrus, H Leather, Snrf,auto liftgate,homelink and more for under base 300

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  No more TOYOTAS! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ScModena - November 13 - 6:26 am

  After driving a Toyota Four Runner, mostly to the service department , I didnt know what I was missing. This thing is great! I love it! Im Not buying anymore Toyotas!

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  best price you have gotten ? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pennsylvania Driver - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Chrysler dealers in general are harder to deal with then Japanese Car Dealers... they only want you to come in. I got 4% over Factory Invoice (the one that comes up from Edmunds) ... anyone getting any better deals ?