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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  Just Bought It, Already Lovin It! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill - June 20 - 9:32 am

  OK, my wife and I are finicky about our favorite cars/vans to drive, for leisure or for work. She has a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I drove a Camaro most of the time. We stopped at our local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership, for an oil change in the Jeep. So we are walking casually in the showroom, when we see this beautiful red color on a minivan, SUV? We both go towards it and say "What the #@$$ is this!" Dealership owner is walking by, he says "good morning" as do we, then my wife asked if it was unlocked, and if we could look inside? He says, sure! do what ever you would like to. So we did. My wifes wheels were already turning inside her head, and I was floored by the concept and features on this rather large vehicle. We were both experiencing something that seldom happens in our 32 years weve been married. We agreed on the spot, "This is our next vehicle!" The one on the showroom floor was a Limited model in the Red Pearl coat finish. We haggled a price with a nice salesman. looked again at each other, and said " No, thats too much." Salesman says there are two other models both in red pearl coat. We got outside saw the Touring model, and only noticed a couple of small details, the other had, and this one did not. What it did have, was 95% of the other options of the more expensive model. Great! Took it on a 15 minute test drive, came back, haggled a bit, got the price we wanted. We spent 5 hours total at the dealership, and bought a new Pacifica. Weve had it for 5 days now, and loving it more each day. I have Parkinsons, and other health issues, my Mother is 82. My wheelchair and supplies fit in a few different places inside, while leaving plenty of room for 4 or 5 passengers. I can get out easier, as well as my Mother can get out without any assistance. Looking forward to many family functions out of town, now that we can ride/drive in comfort. Well we have spent one full year in our 2017 Pacifica. Going over the things I commented on in previous post. I stand behind them a year later. It has made several trips to WVU Morgantown WV. The comfort and styling still feel new ,(in a good way). We feel confident with our decision to buy. Definitely the right automobile for us!

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  Quality - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill Martin - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Well designed...fun to drive. comfortable seats. Easy getting in and out. Cant find anything wrong with it. Averaged 23 MPG at 70MPH crosscountry when new.

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  Love this Car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Madypr - June 14 - 10:00 am

  There is only one suggestion to improve this vehicle: Add a standard "Parking Assist Sensors due to the lenght of the vehicle. This is a MUST feature for this car Not an option). Fuel efficiency is not that great in the city, however we noticed a remarkable difference in the highway, specially for long trips. Great car, extremely confortable, nice to look, great to drive. After driving an Explorer and swearing I would NEVER buy an American car again due to the nightmare witht he Explorer, it took the Pacifica test -drive to reconsider (But never a gain a FORD!). Just an the Parking Assist sensors and I will buy a second Pacifica!

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  Well Worth the Price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Oedipus1608 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Almost everything is perfect. I have a smile on my face every time I step inside.

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  ...about my new Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jimmy - June 3 - 3:46 am

  The last time I wrote one of these it was in praise of my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8t. Little did I know what a jinx I caused myself. Okay, the Pacifica is a nice car. One I wouldnt have ever considered but I hate minivans and with a new addition to the family, I had to get a bigger car. So far, crossing my fingers, I love everything about my Pacifica. I love the ride, handling, stereo, the navigation is awesome (though about 4 years behind the times in my part of the country), and the DVD in the back is great for the kiddies. I dont know what else to say other than, buy one! Hopefully, 4-5 years down the road I will still be singing its praise.

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  My Dream Pacificia - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Maribeth - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I saw my first Pacifica along side the dealership in the ditch..It caught my eye immediately. Once I found the time to go for a test drive I purchased the car that day. It has comfort for everyone and ease for me when Im shopping. I love the ride and style. I feel that Im driving a much higher priced car than what I had to pay for it. It far exceeded the 2001 Highlander that I traded in because the Pacifica offers so many more gadgets. I cant say enough about the Pacifica. I absolutely love it and feel that it is the best car that Ive even owned in luxery and looks.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By R. Johnston - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I had a van and disliked it and the ride. This one is without a doubt a very comfortable diving vehicle and the interior features excellent.

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  Quiet - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By carhunter - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best built vehicle of its kind. It handles bumps and crooked roads as well as any car and better than any SUV. The heated leather seats front and second rows are toasty and really firm but comfortable for the long ride. Im sure people hauling items and going up mountains will get a V8 soon but for the average driver power more than adequate. The adjustable pedals are great. The lease back of 3K makes this a steal

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  Test drove Limited edition - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By drramesh28@yahoo.com - May 24 - 6:08 pm

  I have 2011 Toyota Sienna, its 5.5 years old and has done 68000 miles, so I decided to buy another mini van, since Toyota sienna has planned to release their next model in spring 2017 and Odyssey is planning to release their next model by the end of this year, I decided the new Pacifica limited edition because of the hype that I have seen in the ads. This van looks good from front and kind of OK from rear ( rear is little bit shorter looking). The interior has a good speedometer display and I liked the in seat built entertainment system ( has 1 behind the diver seat and 1 behind the passenger seat). The second/third row seats are thin when compared to front seats and that over all looks weird. The storage cabinet between the diver seat and passenger seat are poorly made of cheap plastic and does not compare to the quality and storage capacity of sienna. The drive it self was very average when compared to my 5 year old seinna. We were waiting for a green signal , when the engine vibration was passed on to the van and the entire van started vibrating, my wife and I thought that the sales rep was shaking his leg but he wasnt. This van is no match for the quality of Toyota or Hondas. Consumer report even doubts the reliability of Chrysler brands and I completely agree with them. Other tactics these dealers use is, they will advertise a very low priced deal ( saying "get your internet price", this vehicle was $48000 and was listed for $41650), I went to the dealer in schaumburg, IL and asked about it and they said that vehicle was sold out??? Sold out in middle of the night? Beware buyers. Quality absolutely sucks. It all looks good on TV, but test drive it for at least a few miles before you commit to buy.

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  We love it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By D Mays - May 11 - 8:53 pm

  We have 2 children, one of which is at the age where she wants to have friends along. We needed a vehicle that could comfortably hold 6 people, yet we didnt want a mini-van. This is the ideal vehicle for this!