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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  Pacifica Review - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donald - February 6 - 5:18 pm

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  Poor customer service - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ted Lieb - February 5 - 2:00 am

  The car drives better than any car Ive ever driven. Handeling is wonderful. Our problem has been service. The engine light has come on twice. The first time they could not locate the problem. The second time we waited forever on a part and was told by hte service manager parts are extremly hard to get. He said he had over a hundred cars that had been waiting as long as 9 weeks on parts.

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  Great car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kenbonnie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We really love this car! We had shopped around for about 6 months before deciding on the Pacifica. A lot of car here for the money.

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  Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Caring - January 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is the best handling, most comfortable, a delight to drive vehicle I have ever owned. I especially find the most useful feature to be the moving map. I could not do without this item now that I am used to using it. This vehicle corners better than any vehicle that I have ever riden in. I would like to help design the exterior trim. This is the only item I would want changed on my Pacifica.

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  9 Months Later - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By byjulius@aol.com - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I am not nearly as impressed with the vehicle now as I was 9 months ago. In the past 15,000 miles...The motor knocks upon starting, ticks constantly. When backing up with the wheel fully cranked to the right something in the front makes an awful clunking noice. The low tire pressure warning stays on permanently flashing and chiming even though no tires are low. The topper...I average 12-13 mpg in town and 14-15 on the highway a far cry from what the sticker says. I dont feel that all of the good points outweigh the bad at this point.

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  Best family car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Walt - January 12 - 9:50 pm

  This is the best tribe mobile I have ever owned. After a dozen years of driving Caravans as the family vehicle this is a great compromise. It rides as good as my friends caddy, has plenty of space and is fun to drive. Even after a year and a half the magic still has not warn off. My Vette is even getting jealous of the time I spend driving the Pacifica. Three the family members now own one. My father-in-law even got the same car, color and options. During a family event last weekend it was wild to see 4 of them in my driveway!

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  Great car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jerrykoh - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a butane blue pacifica, its an excellent car that has all the comforts of a much more expensive vehicle. One of the best things ive ever bought.

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  carusa - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By padu - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This SUV/VAN combination is really a cool vehicle with more room and additional features. Its exterior design is above the class (i guess orginally designed by Mercedez).

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  First Impression of My New Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mogo - January 6 - 10:00 am

  - Very comfortable on long distance trip which reduced driver (my) fatigue. - Handled very well in rain. Lots of gadgets to play with. - Underpowered especially when passing, not forgetting this is a big,heavy vehicle. I miss the 5th gear. - Kids well entertained in the back with the dvd system.

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  3,985 Miles in two weeks! My Pacific Impressions - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jaypoocha - December 24 - 6:48 pm

  Overall, the 2017 Pacifica Limited with all major options is a wonderful minivan. I traded my 2014 Honda Odyssey Elite for 2.5 weeks ago for the Pacifica. The Pacifica excels in the following areas: 1. Front Passenger Seat Comfort is incredible with the 8 way power and lumbar support 2. Quiet cabin on the highway in comparison to my previous minivan 3. Great upgraded audio system 4. Great cabin visibility 5. The ACC - the adaptive cruise control works without flaw, except when changing lanes it attempts to break when not needed until it fully clears the lane 6. The dashboard cluster is very nicely designed and aesthetically pleasing 7. The stow-and-go seats are incredibly easy to use and stow. I love this feature on the Pacifica. 8. The electrically adjustable 3rd row seat is a winner for my kids on long trips for comfort! 9. Incredible fuel economy on the highway of 25.5 Mpg driving approximately 80 mph. and 10. The upgraded wheels on the limited are beautiful. Since we purchased the Pacifica 2.5 weeks ago I have driven 3,985 miles!!! During this period I have discovered the following issues: 1. The FCW (forward collision warning system) does not function. I have received only one warning during the first 3,985 miles. In comparison, I received numerous per day on my previous minivan. I am thinking the system is either poorly designed or defective. I have a service appointment to evaluate this issue. I am hoping they have a quick fix for this critical safety feature since it is the primary reason I opted for the expensive safety package 2. I am unable to register my apps via the U-Connect App store. 3. The 3g installed is obviously an oversight for a car manufactured in 2017! Come on Chrysler, please step up to 4G/LTE! 4. The third row does not come with a floor mat! Any car with a MSRP of $50,250 should have a floor mat in every row. 5. The HID lights are incredible, but the high beams seem dim. 6. The upgraded video package forgot about the third row occupants by not offering a video screen and/or screens in this row. 7. The armrests have two positions, up or down, they cant be adjusted. All-in-all, this is a wonderful mini-van. The Pacifica, in my opinion, is probably the most stylish and comfortable minivan currently available on the market. I was able to purchase it for $42,499 after rebates and dealer discounts. If you shop around you should be able to get a great deal on the Pacifica Limited.