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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  Best Chrysler to date!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By VIPERS969 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Chrysler products over the past 12 years. This is the best one I have owned. The execution of this vehicle was well planned. It gives a feeling of luxury and classiness that I never before experienced with an American product including Cadillac and Lincoln.

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  Pacifica: An All round Winner - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ORCA10 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a replacement of a 9 year minivan, and wanted something completely different. For our family of four, the Pacificas’ combination of AWD, six passenger seating, and long list of available options made it a clear choice. Our loaded wagon has everything we need, handles well, excellent safety record, and versatility. On top of all that, it is a great looking vehicle that has consistently gotten compliments.

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  WOW its nice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By GaveitaA - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Ride is great. For a AWD it rides like a car. I test drove some AWD and my back hurt in ten minutes, this I can drive for hours. The car has been perfect quality wise. Being 6.3 tall having a car I fit in is nice, having one an adult can sit behind me is even better. I drive this every day on a dirt road and it did great in the snow, even before the plows got there.

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  40,000 miles and still going strong - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KT - December 17 - 12:36 pm

  We have owned our Pacifica for 2 years now. When we bought it, things like the safety features greatly influenced our decision. Now, 2 years later we are still very happy with the car. The issues mentioned by others such as the less than stellar gas mileage (19 average), the difficulty getting into the third row, and the transmission acting like a gear is missing between 1 and 2 are all things that we experience. My son loves to watch his dvds while we travel and it certainly makes the trip easier on everyone. Since we only have 2 children, getting into the 3rd row is not a problem, we dont use it very often. The car is comfortable, safe and nice handling.

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  Room to improve - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gregg - December 8 - 1:23 pm

  I looked at alot of cars that could carry 6 people with many as many features that the AWD Limited offered at a reasonable price. This car does just that. The ride is great and it handles very well to.I have had it on several long trips with family and friends and all have nothing but great things to say about it.The dealership was great,very helpful with questions concerning the car.The financing and rebates definitely help make my decision to get this car but the single most fact about this car that made my decision to get it was the safety rating it had.For what I got any other car would have coast thousands more.

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  Love my pacifica!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By taxi mom - November 29 - 4:23 am

  I have a 2005 fully loaded pacifica. I love it! I have had no problems. I have almost had it a year now. The back window does take some getting use too (size) backing up. But no problem after you have had it a couple weeks. The ride is great, gas Id say average for the size of the vehicle. Son loves the dvd. Cant go wrong with this one... Recommend!!

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  This suv is the best thing - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By L boogie - November 25 - 12:03 pm

  not sure why reviews down the pacifica its great get 23 on average mile per gal. it drives like a top notch car mercedes. this is great people who complain must not keep up maint. anything will break if you dont do maint. on time. also consider driving conditions as well. if you drive like a race car driver you put the engine under stress its not designed for. its an suv guys not a honda accord.

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  i love my pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jbarb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  it is a well designed vehicle. perfect for a short woman with kids and a dog, very luxurious feel inside, handles well for a big car. feels very safe. love it!

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  Nice... I wonder what will break next? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By J. Campbell - November 16 - 3:10 am

  First, Id like to say that In general I like the fit and finsh, styling, ride, comfort, features, etc. of this vehicle. Unfortunately, this thing has had more warranty issues and recalls than ALL of the other vehicles that I have owned COMBINED. Here is a brief list of SOME of the things that have required attention: Rear liquid-filled engine mount- split open and fluid leaked out. Fuel guage- would drop to empty for no reason,then return. EGR valve blew apart and created an exhaust leak. PCM wiring harness- recall. DVD screen- replaced due to bad pixels. A/C control panel-replaced. Dual Zone Climate Control- Temperature on right/left side 5 Deg. different when set @ the same temperature...

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  Roof Rack Design Precludes Third Party Roof Rack y - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bruce - November 10 - 2:28 pm

  Third Party Companies like Thule and Yakima can not make roof racks for the Pacifica due to Pacificas roof rack design. In my opinion, the factory roof rack is too small to accommodate cargo like two kayaks and/or bicycles and/or cargo boxes. For me, a longer roof rail, as normally provided by third party companies, is an absolute necessity. Unfortunately that is a major limitation of the Pacifica and therefore a show stopper for me.