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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  Great Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JennyC - September 24 - 9:40 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Its a little hard on the pocketbook for the gas but I feel extremely safe in it. Its great in the snow and I have no problems going up steep hills.

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  MES Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Topp MES - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I am totally satified with my vehicle. The only thing that I think needs improving on, is Engine noise at high Rev and fuel economy.

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  Cant believe the ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By graya - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I live in Brooklyn NY and if you know anything about NY, Pot holes is its infamous nemsis. Not for my Pacific. I just purchased it yesterday and it is an impressive vehicle. It handles bumps smoothly with good control and precision . It came with full options to the point where there are no more to add accept a rubber mat for the rear panel. Unbelievable quality, comfort and style for 32k. Purchasd Used without a scratch with 11k miles. Highly recommended.

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  Ridin in Style - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By josie314 - September 7 - 6:43 am

  Ever since the first TV commercial I saw for the Pacifica I was taken by its stylish appearance. I love the width and road hugging feeling when I drive it. It has been a very safe car for me I had some problems with it initially that I have come to attribute to its first manufacture year as well as some malfunctioning assemblers on the line. Chrysler and my dealership were top notch in dealing with me and the vehicle. My lease will be up in another year. I am looking forward to that notification that offers me a buy-out so I can get myself into an 06 or an 07 with all the new bells and whistles. I believe in this car. I would get another one without question. A red one this time!

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  Not happy Pacifica owner - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marilyn Brown - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  iI traded in my 2015 Town and Country loaded. It had more in it than the Pacifica. I feel like Ive been ripped off. There is no DVD player, navigational, and no USB for the children to charge up their electronics in the back seats. I have told everyone that said they may be buying a Pacifica not to because it is not for the soccer moms like the Town and Country. I told them to go to Honda. Everything on television is a lye. Spacious. Yes. Front passenger seat is uncomfortable for a disabled person. Make sure you think about it closely before you buy it.

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  Love it! - Except for gas mileage - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dan - August 22 - 9:36 am

  We pretty much love the Pacifica except that we havent gotten more than 18 miles to the gallon in a year even though its sticker said 17-24.

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  good but... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By brettp - August 18 - 2:00 am

  great car, but, milage is not what they said it would be...I got an awd and on the hwy it gets only 17 mpg...not good. poor rear visabilaty, 3rd row seat a little small. if you lower the back windows over 45 mph you will have waffling sound(not good) poor rear visability

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  From mountains to the beach - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wyatt Potter - August 18 - 2:00 am

  We drove from Pinehurst to Mt Mitchell which is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The Pacifica handled beautifully on the mountain roads and the expressways to and from. We then drove to the beach with plenty of room for baggage and supplies. Many people have turned an eye and complimented the appearance.

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  It was for the wife but I fell in love - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By cozz4ever - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a beautiful car/truck/wagon in and out with lots of space everywhere. Handles turns very, very well. Feels like and drives like a German car. It offered more features than the competition with more HP and more fuel economy at a much better price . Lots of head room. Beautiful sounds from the exhaust upon startup.

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  New Crossovers Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ccjcac1 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Seating fairly comfortable. Performance pretty good for such a heavy car with a V-6. Sound system excellent. Herky jerky acceleration. No storage space behind third row seating.