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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  Bought to use as a 100,000 mile/year delivery van. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David Reinke - May 16 - 6:07 pm

  My opinion through experience of buying American cars is that they are sub par quality. I switched to Honda over ten years ago and have had great luck with them... AI drove a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica as a rental vehicle for vacation (needed a gear hauler) and fell in love. Quiet, most comfortable seats in a vehicle I have ever experienced. I have a severely herniated disk in my lower back and, thanks to the inflatable lumbar, tilt seat cushion and general cushion feel (soft but supportive), I was able to drive 700 miles in a day with only the slightest stiffness versus my partners Honda Element that has decent seats but I’m sore after an hour (same with Civic’s Accords...). The general driving dynamic are that of a mid range luxury sports car. The steering is both tight and responsive while the ride is soft and cushy. At nearly 300 horse power, it is faster than my 2016 Civic 6spd was (20% more power to weight)... and yet, with a couple hundred pounds of gear in the back, two passengers and two kayaks stacked on their sides on the roof, driving 70-90mph all day returned 24mpg. Now, owning one for a couple weeks, I have gotten 26-27 on highway journeys though this is winter. The stow and go seats are well designed, the general feel of the vehicle is minimalist but quality (LX base model with no features) with the exception of the hood which I can lift on while shut and it moves and clanks slightly. I think the latch has a little too much slack or the weather stripping could be thicker. It doesn’t make any sound while driving. Another critique would have to be the dash interface which is mostly horrible. The rental one was better being a higher trim, it had more and better organized features. With mine, if you turn the radio off (at least there’s a knob for this), it turns back on automatically the next time you turn the vehicle on. This is not a problem if you’re listening to the radio as you can just turn the volume down. But I hate that I turn a podcast off half way though, stop to get gas and it starts back up when the car is started again! And, if you’re listening to a podcast or song and you want to scroll to another selection in the same folder, you have to go back to the beginning, hit menu, scroll down past ten options to folder, hit folder, then from the top, scroll down to the selection number which for me could be number 179!!!... or you have to manually scroll through the folder one by one. So to skip from episode or song number 179 to say 112, it takes about a minute to do and incredibly distracting while driving. I had a 2012 Civic with a much better interface for external audio. Similarly adjusting the heat requires hitting up or down about 40 times manually, holding the button in which it takes about 20 seconds for the digital arrow to go from all the way cool to all the way hot or you have to go through two or three screens to get to the climate adjuster icon and tap the area on the vertical line where you want the level at!! I know I will get more fluid with it but you can’t help being frustrated with the distraction from driving. I hate people who play on their phone but I feel like I’m texting just to change a song. An area of concern is that the transmission is a little jerky when hard launching (not flooring it necessarily), as well as at speed acceleration. Sometimes it seems to argue with itself about which gear to select and will go up down up shift within a second sometimes mid acceleration. So I might be going 45 and need to accel to 60 quickly and it will downshift, speed past 50 then upshift a gear or two, downshift back again and continue accelerating to 60 even though my foot on the gas hasn’t changed. I don’t know if it’s anything to do with it being a 9 speed... As for price; I got a base price of 24,117 at Falls Motor City (Cleveland). Though it was a two hour drive from Pittsburgh, they were a good 3-4k cheaper than anyone here and the cheapest place in the country!! The hitch is you have to finance through Chrysler and they gave me an 8.6% rate even through I have a 740 credit score. So I gave up $500 of the incentives to get a 4.6% rate also through the dealership through Huntington bank. And they charge $200 loan origination which is unheard of with other brands (bought three Honda’s new and got 0.9to 1.9% APR on every one). Total price $24,617 plus loan fee = $24,817. I have AAA so my $250 dealership doc fee was $75. Tags at $36 for a financed grand total (less tax) of $24,948. Still a great deal. Note, you can get your own financing or pay cash but you lose another $1500 in incentives. Lastly, finance will try to sell you an extended warranty through Mopar. Dont get it. I read through the terms and you pretty much have to go to the dealer for every oil change and make no mods (aka after market hitch) or warranty is void. If you own your van long enough for value to drop below repair cost, they will pay only value! If youre in an accident, yep, void!

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  Its a great vehicle - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By luca tortorelli - May 15 - 10:49 am

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  LOVE IT! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Julie - May 14 - 10:20 pm

  I love this car!! Had a Sienna mini- van before, and while it was comfortable, convenient, and practical, just didnt have the style that I was looking for. The Pacifica has all that and more! I love the way this car looks and drives. Love the interior - sporty and roomy. The one major negative is the gas mileage. It is not good at all around town. I get in and can see the gauge go down after each small trip around town. Having said that, I would still buy another because I just love this car!!

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  Dont Want To Get Out Of It! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Burtis - May 13 - 12:13 pm

  totally comfortable vehicle. plenty of interior room, great horsepower, stereo system is topshelf, all interior features easily accessible. Great vehicle to drive on both short and long trips.

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  Pacifica in NYC - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bklynboy - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Having two toddlers, I was looking into an MDX truck or Honda Odyssesy Minivan. Unfortunately, I opted for the new Chrysler Pacifica--it looks better than it drives-I also got more for my money than a foreign car--so I thought! I get alot of "whats that car?" Little do they know- After an extra $7,000 on the top of the MSRP I thought I hit a homerun. Well it was a foul ball....Let me begin. It bottoms out, can not see rear view parking-mirrors should adjust, as there should be a camera in the rear for parking into my navigation system, this "crossover" is eating my gas with no power.

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  2004 Pacifica Personal Experience Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Alexander Rivera - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica handles well on the road and off-road. The comfort of the vehicle is phenominal except for the last row seating leg room, and its interior amenities are quite impressive.

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  My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dinkie - May 7 - 2:00 am

  What a great SUV to own. Rides like a luxury car, very roomy. Back seats very comfortable

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  I LOVE this car!! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Patti - May 5 - 4:06 am

  I went from driving a 4wd Ford Expedition to my Pacifica, without looking back. This vehicle is comfortable and easy to drive. It is easily one of the "prettiest" interiors I have seen. I have driven the Chrysler 300, and actually prefer the Pacifica. The heated seats are certainly worth having, and I love the second row captain seats. While it wouldnt have suited driving around 8 middle schoolers (I was the Mom elected to drive everywhere....) it is perfect for four adults! I am very happy with my car!

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  Were in Heaven! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike&SueNYC - May 5 - 12:23 am

  I had to give up on my beloved Cadillac Sevelle. 1985 its 20th birthday. How could I find another car to love. My wife has been driving our Dodge coversion Van and is used to its high/big ride and I the big drivers seat confort of the Caddy. We didnt want another truck/SUV. She suggested a cross over veihicle. We looked at the Murano, RX330, FX35. M-class 350 but I needed to see the Motor Trend Car of the Year the 300M. Well right next to it was the PACIFICA and we both fell in LOVE. This was it. Everything we both wanted, everything we needed, more than we expected. Beautiful, comfortable and a thrill to drive. Were like kids again and just want to drive for the sake of driving.

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  Pacifica AWD 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By reach375 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling is appealing and with 19 inch wheels, most appealing however, the chrome clad could be replace with just regular alloy and look much better. The engine at 250 hp is adequate only, the overall weight at 4700 # is excessive and does impact on performance. The 4 speed transmission should probably be a 5 speed or offer a Hemi * 8 that allow for more hp and torque but the mileage of 16 mpg is already too poor. Overall, the interior with leather is adequate, however, some inetrior appointments could improve a bit too lean on style and comfort. Stereo system needs improvement and allow for better adjustments. Speakers are needing much improvement and placement is not ideal.