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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  Hurry to lease a Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mikesurf - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Hurry--this vehicle is a steal! It has the look and features--even in my standard model--of a much higher priced vehicle, is remarkably quiet at idle & cruise for a "wagon type" vehicle (open cargo areas inherently create more noise , and with the second row buckets feels sporty enough for a single guy (me). AND, this is one of the few vehicles around that the mfr is willing to stand behind by assuming resale risk with a great lease program. This has a 54% 36 mo/12K residual ++ $3000 rebate till 04 so you as lessee save big on depreciatn Many other SUV types are only at about a 44% to 47% resdl which costs US big$!

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  Pacifica a wonderful ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Willie9 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pacifica for 2 months now and I have already clocked 7400 wonderful miles. Ride is excellent, 21 mpg is my best with 16 mpg being my worst. Power is very good.

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JoyvaH - August 12 - 8:03 am

  I love my Pacifica. It handles really nice and is great on wet or snowy roads. My only complaint are the blind spots caused by the high Beltline. My husband put Circle mirrors on my side mirrors so I could see whats next to me.

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  outstanding - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DENNY - August 12 - 2:00 am

  great new model for chrysler. it is often mistaken for a lexus. chrysler has a winner.

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  Only one thing - Perfect - - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ernie - August 11 - 3:40 am

  This is my first Pacifica, but had rented others and from previous years. This is the vehicle for me and my family.

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  Quite Impressed! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By btcruiser - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Fully loaded stickered at $41,170, bought it for 1% over invoice. Very impressed with the quality, attention to detail, ride, comfort, and features. Perfect for a small family, I have the 3rd row seats always folded down. Navigation system in the center of the spedo is perfect and the liftgate that automatically opens and closes by the remote is VERY nice. I might buy another one for me!!

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  First time - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By o. fuentes - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the first non Ford product that I buy and drive. Prior to buying the PACIFICA I had owned Lincoln (Mark VII, VIII, and LS). I love the roominess, comfort, options, acessability and easy to reach/read to all instruments. I love the navigation system and my granddaughter loves the DVD system. I could actually use a small V-8, but that is beacuse I love 8cyl. vehicles and the power behind them. This 6cyl really surprised me, with its power. I drove to Arizona from Texarkana, Ar. to test the vehicle and give it a good break-in. I was very pleased (actually surprised) with the ride, it was very smooth, I was expecting a rough ride.

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  Love it love it love it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Reta - July 4 - 10:46 am

  The first day I picked my Pacifica up I had to take a trip 5 hours one way. It was wonderful. My three year old daughter fell alseep instantly on the test drive as well and nothing was working to get her to go to sleep. That won me over.

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  We Love The Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By We Love It - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We loved this vehicle on-sight and bought it the first trip to dealer. Fun to drive and the ultimate in comfort. Love all the luxuries. Nav system is incredible. Easy entry and sits at the perfect height. Back window needs redesign, as it is impossible to see out the rear, especially at night. Weird waffling wind noise when driving with sunroof open or rear windows down. But overall, its my favorite vehicle that Ive ever owned. Very happy that we made this choice, and you cant match the features anywhere else for this price.

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  Minivan Paradise! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jan West - June 20 - 3:25 pm

  We absolutely love this minivan! Weve only had it about a month, so questions about maintenance costs and resale value are not applicable. Regarding gas mileage, this vehicle had the highest of any of the vans we saw at 28 on the road. The moon roof is awesome because it goes the full length of the car. The most outstanding feature is the way the seats fold down into the floor of the car--so ingenious! The roof rack tucks in--a lever opens it up when needed. I think this is a streamline feature that will save gas mileage. The amount I entered for the price is the advertised price we paid, without sales tax, other fees, and extended warranty. The car, inside and out, is beautiful! It is so easy to drive and very comfortable. It will take us awhile to learn and use all the features this car has to offer. It seems like the engineers thought of everything! Update: We have owned the minivan now just over 6 months. We still think this is an amazing vehicle! We could add that we wished there was more hanging space for clothing. We bought some hooks that clip onto the headrest posts of the front seats that you access behind the front seats and this helps. Also, we noticed that the speed control does not maintain the set speed when going downhill sometimes. If I lower the speed by one mile, it seems to hold the speed in check better. We bought rubber mats online to protect the interior carpeting. This is such an easy driving, comfortable ride! We are planning to take it camping this summer and are looking forward to sleeping inside with the moon roof open. We are happy to own such a luxurious vehicle!