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 Good, Chrysler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Merrick - April 1 - 10:00 am

  You will LOVE it

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  My review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Monique Roar - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car and would buy another in a heart beat. I have had people stop me at a light or at the store to ask me if they could take a look at the car or even what type of car it is. It drives very well. It looks sharp. My co-workers tell me that it reminds them of a mercedes, but without the mercedes price. Pure luxury. Chrysler has out done themselves.

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  Lousy Service - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By touring - April 1 - 6:33 am

  Bought car due to easier entry du to disabled wife. Fuel economy very poor. Dealer in Franklin TN (Alexander) is very slippery in the sales department. Car was a dealer trade and arrived filthy and had body damage. Auto headlights work intermittently as well as drivers power seat. Dealer said "it worked when he tried it" never looked at seat motor or electronics of lights and just told me to bring it in while it broke! Front end shakes when I stop, dealer says brake rotors are warped and wants to charge $143 to fix a manufacturing defect. Head office in Germany very rude and could care less. Little things keep breaking and falling off. I would like to give it back to them. Dealer worthless.

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  Our Pacifica for the first 4,000 miles - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Boomer4548 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have a 2000 300M that we like and were looking to get a newer one, but decided this would work out well for travelling. So far it has done so. Very comfortable to travel in. Would have liked better mileage, but it beats the sticker when on a trip, so cant complain too much about that. Only have 4,000 miles so far, may get better as it breaks in.

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  My Toy - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JoeDav - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Interior well appointed and also very roomy. The ride compares to my 300M and so far seems very stable on the road. Fuel usage could be a little better and engine a little more powerful but I would considering buying another one. If you want to be noticed its one of the autos well suited to attract stares. Insurance Company gave great discount for multiple saftey features

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  Excellent car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By D.Green - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We started with an interest in the Subaru Forester. Both good cars, but this one really caught our interest. Larger than we had expected to want, but comfortable, smooth and a safe vehicle. Highly recommend the Pacifica!

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  Chrysler Pacifica AWD-almost a home run. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wkelly - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my AWD Pacifica in Nov.03 and am happy overall. Driving it is highly enjoyable.Acceleration could be improved by reducing vehicle weight or increasing the engine output for better performance.Handling is where the Pacifica really shines.Very little body roll in turns & little squat or dive. Functionality is excellent with good versatility and ease of use for most controls.Entry & exit is good for front & rear passengers with wide & tall doors. The drivers seat incorporates an Easy Exit function (slides rearward upon key removal). My final rating is "A-" for this vehicle.

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  Very happy! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hjacobson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the Pacifica -- it handles well and is very comfortable with all of the amenities of a luxury vehicle. We bought it fully loaded and enjoy everything from the DVD to the leather seats. The gas mileage is better than our last vehicle (Jeep Grand Cherokee) and the ride is much smoother. Little things, such as the ease of putting the seats down and accessing the third row, make it a much better experience than we had even realized when we purchased it. All in all, a great vehicle at an amazingly low price.

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  nice surprise - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jaj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The base FWD car has all I need in options. It is a very solid and comfortable wagon (crossover?)..highway driving is very comfortable. Only 2 complaints... windshield defroster could be better- corners dont defrost and put a compass on the base model..dont need 2 clocks on dash or radio controls on steering wheel.

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  I LOVE MY PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARILYN SIMONS - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY PACIFICA. IT LOOKS GREAT. EVEN BETTER, LIVING IN WESTERN NY STATE WHERE IT HAS SNOWED EVERY DAY IN JANUARY, I FEEL VERY SAFE DRIVING IT. IT HAS HANDLED GREAT IN THE SNOW, I HAVE AVOIDED SKIDDING ON ICY ROADS AND IT STOPS ON A DIME. THE WIDE TIRES LOOK GREAT AND PERFORM GREAT. MY SON WANTS TO SWITCH VEHICLES WITH ME. HMMM- NO!