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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  good... but.... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By elmooso - August 6 - 1:26 pm

  Fuel economy stinks! Major complaint... poor rear and side visibility.While looking at the lane to the right of the driver in an effort to move from the left to right lane, visibility is so poor to the point of being dangerous. Storage space is VERY limited when back seats are up. Already had to have the control arms replaced (covered under warranty). Also had to have the front seat belts replaced due to a terrible onion smell on the belts due to a chemical reaction between the seat belt material and foam inside where the seat belt retracts. When I push my electronic seat programmer it changes the radio station! Yet to bring that one up to the dealer! Otherwise, car drives well and looks good

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  Outstanding blending of the best - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By philipb - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Our Pacifica is a delightful combination of luxury (we got every option and then some) and functionality. Electronics are very functional and easy to use / learn. Temp controls effective for two different tastes. Very dog and child friendly! Great for family fun and weekend getaways, and still very stylish for stepping out!

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  There is lots to like about this van! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Diana Roderick - July 31 - 5:18 pm

  Design and functionality of the Pacifica is well thought out!

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  Great Safe, Sporty, Family Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mhm04649 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are very pleased with our purchase. We find that the Pacifca fills all of our needs. Its got the sporty look, the room of an SUV, and the safety to rival a Volvo (if possible). I am a large man (64", 275 lbs) and I fit comfortably. It drives very well for its size and has some amazing features. The ride is very comfortable. All the back seats fold down to form one continuous flat cargo area. We love it!

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  Happy so far - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TK - July 28 - 1:03 am

  Great hybrid of SUV and car. Nice luxury at a decent price. Purchased mine used with 16K miles on it. 10k miles later, Im still pleased. Excellent fit and finish on the interior--not at all cheap. Had a couple of minor issues, but its still under warranty, so they were fixed. Read the reviews here and all around before my purchase. Have 2 kids and they love having their own seats and cupholders. Ride is excellent-this car has the same rear suspension found on the Mercedes E-Class Good rear leg room. Ive only driven imports for the past 18 years-first American purchase and Im not disappointed.

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  Do I love this car.......... YES - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By fourtysmthing - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I read the reviews and will have to agree that this is one of the best cars I have owned. Mine is loaded with all the goodies. Mileage I just got on a trip south averaged 21 miles per gallon. The fit and finish is up to German quality, the Navagation is very helpful and easy to use. Air control can be adjusted side to side and front to back. Leather is much better than my Ford Excursion. Motor has plenty of pep, this is not a sports car for those who feel it is lacking. Highspeed manuvering has a bit of tail wag. Did I mention that I love this car ?

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  ABS - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Krapfl - June 27 - 12:10 am

  I like the pacifica, i think its very confortable and drives very sturdy, almost better than my 03 camry sev6. But Ive had numerous problems with the ABS light turning on. Were on our 3rd repair, and it always seems to be the sensor, although I think the problem lies elswhere. We also had a stalling issue only when cruising at low speeds, usually after waiting at a light, the car seems to be in 2nd gear when this happens, with a really low RPM perhaps causing the stall. The dealership adjusted the chip to idle at a higher rpm. Water also builds on the doors, and had to punch holes in the plastic drains, very strange. Other than that, car is great, but needs a better sound system.

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  Solid - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott Willard - June 26 - 12:03 am

  More then we ever expected. Looks small from outside, but 4 adults fit very comfortable. Im 64" and fit fine in all seats. We love it.

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  I love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bobbi - June 19 - 2:00 am

  We wanted an all wheel drive vehicle with room for at least 6. When we started looking, we were really turned off by the truck based SUVs. They drove like trucks and were incredibly plain on the inside. The Pacifica handles like a car. It rides like a car. The interior is gorgeous. It is the perfect mix of luxury car and SUV. We have every option except the hands-free phone, and yet it wasnt anymore expensive than a Ford Explorer. We had also looked at the Acura MDX, but when we added in all the options we wanted, the MDX got really pricey. Besides, the Pacifica had much better pick up than the MDX.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave Hess - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We love the comfert and ride, . It drives like a car , but has the room of a SUV, its a great vehicle, It has a DVD player in it and the sound is great ! Gas milage is great, a lot better than the Expidition we hadI would tell anyone to try it ! It also has a Great Rebate and Chrysler dealers are agressive to do business to sell one so they get on the road as they are new.