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 Purchase - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
By Irving - April 30 - 3:40 amMy wife and I arew so thrilled with our new Pacifica...I owned a Nissan Maxima that carried the HID headlights and got hit (stolen) around 3 times. This last time I ended up having to rent a Pacifica...The minute I drove it off the rental car, I fell in love with it. The style, speed and comfort are superb...We love the features of the 26U packages and we love our 17 chrome clad wheels... We saved around $2600 by using the Edmunds.com invoice price list...this combined with the right timing can safe you hundreds and gives you less time to spend at the dealership.
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Great family wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Pete Canada - April 24 - 10:00 amI traded in my Toyota Minivan and it was a great move. Pacifica combines the passenger carrying ability of a car with the cargo space of an SUV. The interior of the Chrysler Pacifica combines elegance and practicality. Some nice ergonomic touches within the passenger area show some forethought with easy to locate seat controls on the door, rear controls for ventilation and audio functions, and a rear hatch that moves up and down under power. And I just learned that Pacifica is the only SUV that earned 5 star crash test rating all around.
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How much I love my new Pacificia - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Shirley Wellbrock - April 18 - 1:13 pmThis car is wonderful to drive. I wish I could have a better than 20 mpg average but I do a lot of town driving. Not as economical as I would prefer but the overall performance is great. I have been an Acura 3.5RL driver and I was not sure that I wanted a Chrysler when my husband insisted that we get this car. But we have been very pleased with the Ltd. that we purchased. We did order the bigger wheels and the car is loaded with nice features. Performs well in our wet weather and am very glad we got the all wheel drive model. Roomy for us and our dog (which is why we went to the wagon and sold our Acura) and all of its necessities for traveling. Very roomy for suitcases, etc.
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Chrysler Builds a Strong Contender - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By BrettS - April 6 - 2:00 amIm really please with the Pacifica. It has adequate power, great interior styling, handles well and is priced right. My is loaded and I love the NAV system one of the best Ive seen. The power liftgate is very convenient - I thought I never need it - now I dont know how Id live with out it.
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A Beauty - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Jab - April 6 - 2:00 amImpressive looks with room, luxury features and comfort. All wheel drive is terrific in slippery conditions. Combines the feaures of a station wagon, mini-van and SUV.
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Best vehicle ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Jerry Thran - April 6 - 2:00 amIt has more power then I need.I get better then 20 miles per gallon in town.Tranmission is so smooth you do not feel it shift. I do a lot of mountain driving and handles great.I use it like a truck,I do home improvement jobs.
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I TOOK A CHANCE - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By MAXIALE - April 1 - 5:13 amI was skeptical about purchasing an American car but I took a chance. It was SNOWING in Vegas when I bought it. I was kicking myself when I drove off the lot with a brand new model with no track record. So far its worth its weight in gold. This car drives like a dream. Acceleration is adequate and more so with the use of midgrade octane gas. I drove from Vegas to Santa Barbara in pouring rain and the Pacifica did not fail me. I felt Safe. The AWD is excellent. The AC system is overwhelming efficient. The car has toys for everyone. Sunroof for me, Navigation for hubby, DVD for baby and Gaming hookups for Jr. Cheaper to insure than an suv, and it finally got recommended by consumer reports.
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Blind Spots - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By hoho/haha - March 26 - 10:00 amLooking out the rear window or rear side windows while backing up was made difficult because of the size and location of the rear corner panels and window divider panels. The rear window cannot be fully washed using the standard window squichie because the top trim piece sticks out too far.
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Pacific review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By touringcar - March 26 - 10:00 amThis is a fantastic car. We enjoy it alot. Beautiful interior. Drives like a dream.
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The Best Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Tom Wilson - March 21 - 10:00 amThis Chrysler Pacifica is the best car I have ever had. I have purchased a new car every two years for quite sometime now,(at 58 years old that is several cars)and this is the best quality,best riding,best handling,most spaceous,best looking car I have had.
