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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  Chrysler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lincpb - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car.best road car Ive had including my Mercedes.

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  great car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By golfin fool - October 17 - 2:00 am

  after the test drive i had to have this car. best drive of any american car i have driven. quiet, smooth, etremely comfortable seats.

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  A Very Different Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By RTR - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is impressive compared to Chryslers I owned in the 80s. Nice styling, very comfortable interior, solid and quiet ride. Fit and finish is at a new level for Chrysler.

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  Love it overall, hate the gas mileage - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vic - October 11 - 1:43 am

  Nice, comfortable ride, quiet interior, and highly recommend the leather seating. Only drawbacks are the gas mileage with AWD, were getting 14-15 in town driving and never done better than 17-18 on Hwy. Thats a lot different than the 17city/22 hwy which is estimated.

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  WOW!!!! What A Difference - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Annette Brady - October 9 - 4:06 pm

  I turned in my 2005 AWD Touring Sedan and picked up my 2007 Signature Series Pacifica. I cannot believe they are the same car. The 05 was nice, but seemed to labor until tou got her up to cruising speed. This one, got to be careful or a ticket may be in my future. New engine is very quie. Love all the extras, GPS and the back up camera and warning system. LOVE THIS CAR! Dealership is excellent also. This is car # 12 from them.

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  Nice going Chrysler! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shkago - October 2 - 4:42 am

  This is my 3rd Chrysler & every time I buy one, it is better than the one I traded & exceeds my expectations. I was hesitant about getting a Pacifica, but after driving it for awhile, Im very pleased with how it handles, hugs the road, great gas mileage, extremely comfortable! I have a bad back, so the cooling seats are like having an cool pack on my back...no pain any more! AND the lumbar is to die for....and both front seats have heat & cool capabilities, lumbar and power seats! Bravo Chrysler for making one fine automobile! Im glad I stuck with you....and the price beat your competitors, yet they had less options in their vehicles! Couldnt be happier! Go test drive a Pacifica....youll be glad you did!

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  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mrbrains - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful vehicle inside and out. Rides like a comfortable sedan, roomy like an SUV. We were not looking to buy a Chrysler -- we were looking strongly at the XC90 -- but feature for feature and dollar for dollar the Pacifica had it in the bag.

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  I love my pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By EILISH - September 29 - 4:26 pm

  I love my pacifica, it handels the snow better than my husbands suburban. A little small for large families, i only have two children.

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  Safe! Safe! Safe! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mantis - September 28 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car on July 29th and on August 5th someone was in a right turn only lane and merged left going 45mph into my brand new car! After the initial shock wore off and I looked at the car, it looked horrible on the outside but IF my girls would have been with me they wouldnt have been touched! The support in the doors are awesome! I was glad to see that whoever might have been in the back would have been fine and let me tell you, the impact was enough to spin me twice! I rate (for safety) it a 10!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom M - September 26 - 5:10 am

  Just picked up our 05 Touring edition. Very pleased with comfort, styling, handling,and looks. Lots of bells and whistles in a versatile package. We only have one car, so this was a perfect combination of safety, style and function for us. Could be described as a luxury car in an SUV body that handles like a sports car. Built on a Mercedes frame, its perfect for those who want a luxury car that can carry more than four people. It can do this without the stiff ride and top heavy features of a truck body SUV or the stigma and poor handling of a mini van. Acceleration is fine, ride is smooth and solid, with long wheel base and large tires. Highly recommended.