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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  from a mothers point of view - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By savanna - March 19 - 2:00 am

  it doesn`t like cold weather.the starter makes a noise when you first start it after sitting all night.i`ve had to have a tire sensor replaced on it after having the tires rotated.

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  Love the car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chrissie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car! With the extras it was closer to $38,000. Plenty of room - love the 3rd row - very easy to lay flat. More stylish than our mini-van.

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  great car, reasonably priced - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By agordon404 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Have had Pacifica for 2 months, lots of snow driving. fwd very adaquate. Rides smooth and very quiet, 17 in wheels and long wheel base compared to others is a good thing. I highly recomend the Pacifica.

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  My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By cookie921 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have the FWD Pacifica and the ride is extremely comfortable. I have ongoing medical problems with my lower back and a major nerve on my right side and have been able to travel long distance, arriving at my destination feeling better than I did in the vehicle it replaced. The ride is smooth and it does not hesitate when the speed is accelerated. This is the best auto purchase Ive made to date.Stabilizer very effective for driving in rain and especially in snow. I live in the mountains and it handles the different terrain as if it was on flat land.Finally,this vehicle offers a smooth ride and very good performance.

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  Better than my last car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave - March 12 - 1:56 pm

  Ive had the car for 6 months now and it has only had one problem, it needed a new wiring loom in the drivers door. I traded in an 05 RWD Magnum to buy the Pacifica after I had a multitude of problems with the Dodge ESP system that dragged the car to the right. I think the overall impression I have is that its a good, solid car that is pretty comfortable and does the job I want it to. I would like to see a V8 option on the engine list and a five speed auto stick box, this would improve the gas mileage from my current 20.1 mpg. Maybe even a turbo diesel engine option would be a good idea for those long trips on the interstate? Having now tried the AWD in the snow, Im still very satisfied.

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  Initial checkride - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By k9fto - March 6 - 9:16 am

  We traded an Isuzu rodeo for this car and are very happy. The car/suv rides very nice and the fit and finish are much, much better than any other american offering. The mileage is good and the engine feels strong. Only complaint is the view down the right side of the car since the rear end is cavernous. There is room to spare with the 3rd row of seats lowered. I lug around sports gear for kids and this thing is a joy to load and unload. The small touches done on the inside are nice and the dash is clean and easy to read.

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  A great company car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dave l - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car after driving Subaru, Ford Explorer, Buick Rendevous, and looking at Honda Pilot. I think we made the best decision buying the Pacifica. WE have 7000 miles in less than 6 weeks, and it has performed flawlessly. A great new car!!

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  A Great Car until it fails - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hernan Cuevas - February 26 - 1:56 pm

  Yes, this is a great car, fun to drive, nice size, a unique -now emulated- concept of an hybrid between an SUV and a wagon. Handling is fantastic and suspension outstanding. Finishing looks great but a closer look will tell you is cheap and poor. But the real problems with this car are its mechanical quality/reliability (a lot of small troubles) its guarantee (Only 36,000 miles and in most of the cases, you will have to pay for those small failures as they are not covered) and service/maintenance network (where they will drain your pocket with expensive bills, not covered by guarantee, if they really do what is billed)

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  Love it! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By danger_grrl - February 16 - 10:03 am

  I didnt want a mom-mobile, until I got inside. Wow. Very luxurious, comfy for long trips. Fits a lot of stuff for camping and kayaking, tailgating, and all that fun stuff. The second AND third row seats are very comfortable and fit adults very comfortably. Granted, shorter adults will fit better in the third row, but it is by far the most comfortable third row out of all the SUVs out there. My only complaint is that theyre becoming more popular, and its getting harder to find my Pac in the parking lot... Im already looking at getting a new one!

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  most wonderful car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ELK - February 15 - 1:53 pm

  what a luxury,great riding car. a car built for long comfortable trips. we have made 4000 mile trips and have averaged 23.6 miles per gal. we have 31000 miles on our pacifica and have not needed any repairs. we have a front wheel drive and it preforms just great on our n. dak. winter roads. i recommend this car to my friends.