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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  A Solid, Reliable Highway Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Don - March 6 - 10:36 pm

  Since 1970 we had 3 BMWs, 5 Mercedes & the Pacifica. Interior is a bit cheesey (only 1/2 leather seats), but its a good car for the money. We bought ours in January 04 @ $7000 below sticker. Only problems were a leaking motor mount & a blown EGR, both fixed under warranty. No strange noises but we are on our 3rd battery. My wife has a bad back & the Pacifica is one of the few cars she can travel in comfortably. Actually prefers it to our 2000 S class Mercedes for trips because of the extra room & storage.(but she isnt driving) We mostly use our car for traveling & just replaced the original tires at 54,000 miles. It gets 17/26 mpg. I Would buy another but they discontinued them.

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  We got a good one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pianoman - March 4 - 3:23 am

  We are very happy with our Pacifica and have owned it almost 5 years (80K) now with never an non-maintenance repair (replaced all rotors and pads from Brake Planet at 60K mi for under $200). Once a window quit working that was left open in the rain, but it repaired itself after a couple days. It cruises at 75-80 mph all day and gets 22-23 mpg, 60 mph gets 25-26 mpg. Town is 20-21 mpg. We have the 3.5L touring. We pull a 2000lb boat with no problems. It has a very sturdy chassis. We have noticed oil consumption, but as I read on here years ago, just check the oil. We change oil every 3000 mi. Wife is happy and never wants another car. Ours is a good one, others on here were not so fortunate.

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  At Last - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chinatown - February 4 - 9:11 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2006. It had 28,000 miles and now 56,000. There have been a few issues, but all were covered by the extended warranty I purchased from the C.U. where I secured the financing. I am 62 years old. This is the 1st car that I have owned where you actually look forward to a lengthy trip. The ride and seating are simply incredible. You will feel as fresh when it begins as when you arrive at your destination. Maybe it is the Mercedes platform and engineering. Bottom line, I will stack it up to any other crossover. It will win, hands down.

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  Was great while it lasted - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill - February 3 - 12:19 pm

  Purchased car originally in Nov 2004. First time we purchased American and was really hoping car would last 8-10 years. Had all the maintenance performed at regular intervals. In Dec 2009 check engine light came on. Apparently a TSB for engine sludge if car is mainly driven in city (as my wife has). Now car bucks and hesitates. Weve had it back multiple times and now have given up and purchasing a new one, as this is our people mover and the check engine light will not go off. Overall, the interior of the car was very nice. Seats were comfortable and material quality good, but after we had our third child, the 2/2/2 seating was a problem- although not Chryslers fault. Great while lasted..but

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  Buy New - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Renee - January 20 - 2:51 pm

  We bought a certified used car. It has had more problems then my 2001 Honda, and needed a new battery before the Honda. It is nice to have the seat warmers, DVD for the kids, but not sure the trade-off of having to take it to the dealership at least 2x a year is worth it.

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  LOVED OUR PACIFICA - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Liz - January 19 - 11:53 am

  Weve had our car for 38 months. Have had nothing go wrong with it. Our lease is over next month and we wanted to buy a new one but found out they are no longer being made.

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  Great car so far - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HawkeyeScott - January 16 - 7:48 pm

  We bought ours just before we started our family. Weve now had it for 2 1/2 years and its only been back to the dealership for free car washes. (Knock on wood.) Lots of room for 4. Very back seat small. Nice riding. Easily the fanciest car weve owned. After safety, reliability is the #1 concern for me. This car has been tremendous in that department. Nothing but oil changes for the first 30 months. Gas mileage isnt great but it is big and safe. The FWD does sometimes make me feel like I am holding on to the steering wheel for dear life, esp. when accelerating quickly while turning. I am sorry to those who have had trouble but I just havent had one issue.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By duneriders - January 16 - 4:52 pm

  This car is roomy inside for a family of 4. I could only fit 2 carseats in the back seat, so if you have more than 2 children, I wouldnt suggest buying. It has a lot of space in the rear cargo area, it is enough to fit, stroller, play yard, and luggage and still have room to spare. It didnt get the 17 in town and 23 on freeway that I expected, I only got 14 in town and 20 on freeway, and I am not a fast speedy driver.

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  Great car, going to miss it - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BV - January 10 - 4:09 pm

  This car saved my wife and daughter in a high speed side impact. Our 2007 was a nice vehicle, rode great and we put over 60,000 miles on it between early 2007 and Jan. 4th 2010. We have 3 kids and with a roof bag, we vacationed and drove in style and comfort all over. Problems were limited to a few warning lights which the dealer promptly fixed. We liked the way it drove and the space. The look was "spot-on" for us too. Power was good, fuel economy was fine but not great, and shifting was a little odd sometimes but not bothersome (some people over-react to that). We were so impressed by its safety and features - we bought another 2007 Limited used one to replace it.

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  A real surprise - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Don_B - January 8 - 8:01 am

  I bought this car at the Chrysler dealership in Tupelo, MS so a road trip was in order just to get home. The ride was extremely comfortable for the 3.5 hour trip. The average gas mileage (Most of trip driven between 70~75mph) was 23.8 mpg. Second trip to In-Laws resulted in as average gas mileage of 24 mpg. This particular car came off of a Chrysler Lease and had 20,137 mile on it. The fit and finish in this car are excellent and road noise is only moderate (belief that this is due to the type of tires). Power is very good, and transmission shifts cleanly. The car came with about 90% of all options and we had the Factory DVD installed. Since we have had it, two road trips - No issues