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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  This car is a real blast! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MPL - November 7 - 10:00 am

  We werent planning on getting a new car this year, but a rear-ending accident, totalling my Chrysler Town and Country suddenly put us in the market. We were pretty much ready to by either a new mini-van (not my first choice) or a large SUV when my wife saw a commercial for the Pacifica. We decided to take a look over the weekend and halfway through the test drive, we were both sold. The Pacifica is so unique in many ways both my wife and I love it. And we get plenty of attention from the curious where ever we go.

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  Awesome vehicle; good price! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pacgrrl - November 2 - 5:10 pm

  I had no interest in the Pacifica; had heard nothing about it; wanted a Subaru....then I got inside...and then took it for a ride...It won me over! I needed some hauling space, but also wanted comfort for people riding in the back seat...and we even have a comfortable and usable 3rd row seat! Plenty of leg and seat room (for shorter adults, and still enough room in the trunk area for a cooler and some gear for 6 people. Excellent ride comfort; good for cruising the highway and it handles well on back roads. Fun to drive, comfortable, great looking interior, and AWD...hard to beat! Chrysler, whoda thunk it?

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  YUP - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DSDSDS - October 31 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR FOR THE $$$

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  nice car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mkremedy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about the car, except for the fuel economy and I wish the car had more engine power. I will buy a second one when this lease is over.

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  Pacifica Limited Review - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dennis Eaton - October 19 - 2:01 pm

  I was ready to buy a 2017 Pacifica Limited but had (2) issues: First, the Limited came with FALKEN tires, which are cheap Dunlops, while the Touring L, (2) models lower, had good Michelins. What gives here? Second, the Invoice stated the vehicle had a vacuum cleaner and remote opening doors, but these features were not on this unit. However, the MSRP was the same as if these features were included at $42,495. How can they charge you for things that arent on the vehicle? Otherwise, a very nice minivan.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Decorator Dee - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Best new car we owned in last 40 years (currently have five vehicles). Believe that the low power rap is meaningless for our normal useage, its got enough power. Radio takes a bit of pratice to get used to controls.

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  Not A Minivan - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By A. Moore - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to purchase the Pacifica because of the minivan references in every review I read, but after test driving several other cars including the Toyota Highlander, Mitsubishi Endevor and the Chevy Trailblazer, I realized I was ready to make the upgrade to the Pacifica. There is no comparison to those other SUVs. The comfort, handling and reliability are closer to the Lexsus 330 and the Infinity FX35 without the higher price. You definetly get more bang for your buck.

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  First Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By angel3 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Yes, this is our first Chrysler product. We were almost frightened out of buying it by relatives, but overall I am pleased with our Pacifica. We will have owned it one year in November. It has been easier to drive than I expected; it just takes a little getting used to the blindspots and being more aware of your surroundings. Its a fun car -- got lots of attention last year when there werent too many others around! I would definitely buy another one if Chrysler changed the 2nd row seating to accomodate 3 passengers.

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  Very Nice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By folk - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for kids & comfy trips. Just right for our needs.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BabyRex - October 1 - 10:50 pm

  I wasnt certain at purchase how Id adjust to this vehicle. It seemed to be more than I needed. In my first 2 weeks, I have come to love this car and its qualities. Stunned by the tight turning radius, the comfort, lack of road noise and the smooth handling. Theres plenty of pep in the V-6. This car has the feel of safety and old style craftsmanship, heavier steel, thicker glass, and design that is literally "solid" in its touch and feel. So far, an excellent ride.