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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  Very Classy - great way to buy American - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ciboney - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great cornering, wide stance and hold you in your place seats. The interior comfort for the front 2 rows is awesome, our best friends have as much room in the second row as most people have in the front of their cars. The DVD is perfect - but dont let your kids watch too much tv (rot your brain and all). The third row is for KIDS not adults, but atleast its bigger then any other 3rd row vehicle in its class. (MDX & XC90). Im getting more "Looks" from other drivers then in any other car Ive driven. And a lot of "Whats that car?" Im very proud to buy American as well.

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  Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By oren - September 24 - 10:00 am

  very slugish in pull off from stop terrible fuel consumption

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  Near perfection from an American auto. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By csclancy - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall is a great vehicle. The acceleration is pretty pathetic, but then again Im a 19 year old driving a car for a 50 year old. I love it though. The Mercedes inspired load leveling suspension is a thrill on the highway as well as on city streets!!

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  Limited availability means no sale - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Tucker - September 4 - 8:25 pm

  This is an all around great car. I was really to buy a touring L plus, but was unable to find one from a reputable dealer. Now Im waiting for the 2018 cars to arrive.

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  chryslerc error pacifica 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Help - September 4 - 12:46 am

  car was alright for the 1t few days .. within a month i started having problems with it . while driving the car would shut off... in the middle of the road or no matter where im at the car would shut off completely had a few close calls.. its a very scary thing the steering wheel starts to be very difficult to control it locks and the car turns off.. took it back to car dealer they cannot find anything ... this has happened 3-4 times so far ... called chrysler directly they did nothing.... would like to know if anyone else had similar experiences. thank you

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  I like this car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bush Baby - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I think that it rides as quietly as a mercedes. My husband drives my old car and I always think a window is open now. However, there is a considerable blind spot because of the back side panel. I love and wouldnt trade it for the world. Who would have thoud me a station wagon girl.

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  Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By :0 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Its Great Overall! Its comfortable, and an excellent car to drive.

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  My New Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By aewilliams - August 26 - 5:20 pm

  The 2005 Pacifica is very roomy and fits my family and lifestyle. We took it on a short trip recently. The ride was smooth. It was like riding in a Mercedes Benz.

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  05 Pacifica Touring FWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Todd - August 21 - 4:40 am

  Traded in our 2000 Chrysler 300M for a 2005 Pacifica. Very happy so far with the Pacifica. It has all of the luxury and power the 300 had with some extras like a better ride (yes) and a more solid feel. With the side air bags and the excellent crash rating, this is one of the safest cars you can buy today. It is not top heavy like most SUVs and is much more versatile. It is not a mini-van so it does not have a caverness interior, but for four adults and two children, there is plenty of comfort. You may have to give up the third row seating though for luggage storage when traveling long trips. Getting 17 MPG in the city and 20 on the highway.

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  Love our Pacifica - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David - August 13 - 9:06 am

  The car is super comfortable. My have has difficulties finding a comfortable driver and passenger seat in cars because of her lupus, but the touring l plus has fully adjustable power driver and passenger seats, the limited did too but the ventilated seats were too hard. Ours has the advanced safetytec package, and I highly recommend it.This car seems to help you monitor everything without be obtrusive or annoying. The rear seat entertainment system on the L Plus is great with games you can play, inputs to connect devices and ability to control rear climate settings.