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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  A problem no one can fix - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob - January 7 - 7:20 pm

  When first starting my 2008 Pacifica, it sounds like the starter remains engaged with the flywheel for a few seconds. More so when cold than subsequent attempts. Starter replaced, problem not solved. Dealership is now saying the power steering fluid maybe thickening up due to the cold weather and the power steering maybe causing noise. Find this hard to believe for a car with less than 25k (or at all). Had other problems (tie rod, brakes, rattling noise in the interior) since purchasing vehicle with 18+k miles on it. Too many for a such a newer vehicle in my opinion.

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  pacificia rating 8.5 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Trammell - December 23 - 10:00 pm

  The look really got my attention. The only draw back to me is there is not a lot of front row room for the driver and passenger. I feel chrysler should take out the third row seat,that way the could make more room up front. Other than that I love my pacificia.

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  Road Dog - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete - December 18 - 6:26 pm

  So far so good knock on wood based on other reviews own over 14 months no problems to speak of, excellent vehicle for long road trips especially if you dvd pkg.

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  The Money Pit - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By piperfarm - December 15 - 8:33 pm

  I had this car for 4 months and had to replace all the rocker arms in the motor and a pulley that was cracked. Cost me $1600. Not a happy camper. All of this at 38,000 miles. Road noise is not good. I hear clicking and clacking up in the front of the car. I just turn the radio up to drown it out. I like the way the car looks inside and out. I like the way it drives. The motor is a piece of crap - obviously. Especially after reading other review of people sinking lots of money to repair the rocker arms too. What is the deal Chrysler? I have gotten used to the blind spots in the back...it took a while, but I rely on my side mirrors a lot.

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  Nice to look at....Nice to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By macfastboy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The transition from an SUV to the Pacifica was refreshing. The Pacifica is easy to get in an out of, has great handling characteristics, adequate performance and it makes a statement on the road (people stop and stare). The car is fun to drive! Gas milage is not great, but thats the price you pay for a heavy vehicle and AWD. Performance could be nicely improved by another 50 hp. I would buy it again, knowing what I know now, probably a lot cheaper now than then also.

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  Nice crossover! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JesseJames - November 28 - 8:37 am

  Take my review with a grain of salt if you will as we have only owned our Pacifica a few short weeks. We bought it used with a hair over 40000 miles and only have a couple thousand more on it, but has not had one problem thus far like a lot of reviewers have mentioned. (Knock on wood, as that is why we purchased this vehicle as our old Lumina was nickle and diming us to death!) I believe we got a good one as it is mint! No scratches, dents....nothing! Even put on new OEM Michelins, which was a nice touch from the dealership. Only got the power- train warranty to 100,000 miles, so hoping we dont run into the tire-rod ends or control arm problem. Drives perfect for my wife and kids!

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  Pleased with 04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave H - November 25 - 8:27 am

  I bought this car 6 years ago and now have 200,000 miles. I have not spent any money except for common maintenance items. The salesman told me "this is just like a Mercedes under the hood" because of their relationship then with Daimler-Benz. It must have been true ! I am giving this to my daughter & son-in-law . My grandson will lobe the DVD. I hope my new Ford Edge is just as good.

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  Good Car todrive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Edward Rauh - November 24 - 10:23 am

  This car handles well in traffic and we no longer feel overpowered by all the large vehicles on the road. I estimate one third of the cars on the roads her are SUVs

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  Butane Blue Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steamldr - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is a classy, elegant car. It has great interior passanger space and is very comfortable for front and backseat passangers, adults in the backseat have more than enough leg room. However, it lacks cargo space when the third row seats are used, you can only get one carry on size rolling bag in the center of the cargo space because the back end of the car is curved. The drive in the car is a very smooth ride, but the "blind spots" are very large, making changing lanes and backing up harder.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paula r - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall superior - fun for road trips - also great for long commutes