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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  Awesome!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KarenNC - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It handles very well and is a delight to drive. The navigation system is in a perfect spot. Easy to see and still pay attention to the road.

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  This is one hot vehicle - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jenn - June 11 - 6:03 pm

  I leased a Walter P. Signature Series Pacifica a couple of weeks ago. I took it home to show my husband over the weekend, and by Monday morning we owned the vehicle. We got the sunset bronze colored exterior, with two toned leather heated seats (which my husband said he would never own, but now absolutely loves them). I love having the Navigation system and the rear DVD player for our long trips we take every year. I should say that it will be hard to give this vehicle up at the end of the lease.

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  Can you see? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mrs. J - June 8 - 10:00 am

  So far we have enjoyed our Pacifica. It has been in the shop 4 times for a defect with the anti-lock brake system, but they finally figured it out and we have not had a problem since. The car responds like a sports car, it drives very smooth, and definitely has some power.

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  Executives and Engineers fail to learn or impress - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill B - June 6 - 12:48 pm

  Finding anything other than a black interior takes an act of god. Really a color that absorbs heat and holds it, then shows every speck of dirt or debris possible. The transmission sometimes has a lag or can not decide what to do when you need it to, or you squeal the tires when you did not mean to. The engine has power but at higher altitude it needs to take a breath before moving. The second and third row seats are uncomfortable for extended road trips, not enough adjustment in the head rests on all the seats. Second row seats need more support and rests for adults with third seat removed. Infotainment system needs some improvements with ability to bounce between unset stations while scanning stations without having to set a station. Navigation system is a complete waste of every ones time from the guy who picked the navigation program service; to the guy who installed it and the owner. If you launch a BRAND NEW MODEL at least put in an up to date navigation with better accuracy than what you did. Navigation makes me want to rip it out when awaiting directions.

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  fine car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By danny - June 5 - 5:33 am

  This has been everything i was hoping as i got rid of a Durango which i liked. It has had one problem which was fixed quickly.

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  Watch your expectations - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PA Commuter - June 5 - 4:46 am

  I recently bought an 04 AWD Pac. to replace my 99 Caravan. The Pac. looks great inside and out, but isnt really meeting my expectations. I expected a car that I could drop the kids off at the bus stop and then turn loose for the morning commute. Unfortunately two items are really disappointing so far. 1) Acceleration stinks -- Despite 250 hp, this car feels SLOW. Basically expect minivan speed, no more. 2) Interior comfort -- The seats are very uncomfortable for tall people and even the "upgraded stereo" sounds tinny. It may sound trivial but on a long morning commute it is punishing. Overall the Pac. is a nice car but watch your expectations or youre likely to be disappointed.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ed in NJ - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Pacifica because we did not want a van + incentives were good. So far, the car has been great except for a few minor issues - foam "0-ring" inside tailgate handle is coming out (after seeing other Pacificas on the road, it seems to be a common problem), loose wheel wells, scratches show vividly on center consoles and there is a lot of wind noise when over 40mph. Overall I am satisfied with the purchase and that is mostly because of utility, price and a great alternative to a less desired minivan. The 2nd + 3rd row seats are very roomy, and very comfortable for adults.

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  I LIKE IT - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By WAYNO - May 27 - 2:03 pm

  My mileage is pretty good, my wife has a heavy foot so her mpg is not too good. I averaged 19+ which is @ 4 mpg less than my 4-cyl Honda element for the same weekly travel cycle. Great seats, engine is good; wanted a 5-sp auto, tho. Gets a buzz in the dash like another that a drove and you CANNOT see out the back to back up. we have spent all day in this vehicle, crossing states with both highway and stop-and-go driving and came away refreshed. lots of storage but seats are a little fumbly. Passes others fine and was as solid as a tank in 8 inches of hardened, slippery snow (AWD). I love the look; call it a van if you want, sportwagon is the most accurate name. I would recommend it.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - May 23 - 5:16 pm

  Narrowed our choice between Ford Freestyle and Chrysler Pacifica. After driving both within an hour, the Pacifica won hands down. The poor-quality interior materials and ill-fitting panels in the Ford were very noticeable and disappointing. We love the quiet, smooth ride of the Pacifica, the elegant, comfortable interior, the many convenience features and the security of all-wheel drive. Especially love the power rear liftgate. The stereo is awesome. (And it doesnt hurt that it bears a more-than-passing resemblance to the R-Class Mercedes!)

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  The Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JASJASJAS - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for families who have 2 kids or less. The two captains chairs are like 1st class seats on a 747, and the nearly useless back seats can be taken out to reveal a very useful large trunkspace. Two consoles in between the 1st two rows complment the vehicle quite nicely.